Thursday, June 26, 2008
Six Weeks Post Op
I know it's been awhile since I posted but believe me I have been sooooo busy. Anyway, pain wise I'm doing o.k. could be better, my joints still bother me terribly. I saw my surgeon last Wednesday and he ended up giving me a steroid injection directly into the tm joint inside my mouth. Yes it did hurt for the rest of the day, but the next day and two days after the joint pain was at a minimum. It was the best it has felt in 9 years. Then on June 25th I saw my orthodontist and he put elastics on to help pull my bite together and now my joints are back to aching again and my teeth feel like they're being pulled out of my gums. I take 2 tylenol and 3 advil every 4 hours and it doesn't help much. So, yesterday the surgeon prescribed diazepam to take before bed he said it would relax the muscles in my jaw (I am unable to sleep through the pain and wake up a lot) and I was so happy that I was able to sleep for six hours last night. I still have nerve pain and some numb spots but nothing really significant anymore. The itching still comes back every once in awhile but nowhere near what it was. I have lost 20 pounds so far and have been on a soft chew diet for 2 weeks now. It does hurt to eat still so I really don't eat much. As far as swelling goes I still wake up in the morning with swelling and it goes down a little during the day, but overall the swelling is a lot better than it was. The bones in my face are still a little achy but I think it's normal post surgery pain. Most of the swelling is around my joints now which is mostly where the pain is. But, hopefully when I get used to the elastics it won't hurt so much. I have been going to physical therapy now for 2 weeks and do my exercises everyday. I have an appointment tomorrow. They do ultrasound, massage and heat. I love the heat it feels sooo good; come to think of it so does the massage. But, through it all I keep as busy as possible so I try not to dwell on the pain too much. I only do that here, lol. I have days when I regret having the surgery very much, but for the most part I'm glad I did it. My surgeon did say the pain could last for 3-4 months in my joints. No pain no gain right? Just to let the people know who sing; I started singing again about 1 week ago. I think it is good exercise for my jaw if I don't overdo it. Of course I can't do it for as long as I used to and I can't sing certain songs but I'll get there. I don't know how much I am opening but 2 weeks ago I measured at 15mm. I am able to use an adult toothbrush and can floss now so I think it must be more than that now. The inside of my mouth is still really swollen and sore; I'm not sure if that's normal or not it must be though. That's pretty much it for now. I will post a picture soon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Heather, glad to hear from you! It sounds like you've been busy, just be careful not to wear yourself out. I'm glad things sound to be better, but still some pain. Wishing you well and hoping that pain in your TMJ goes away.
20 lbs! Holy..
I was wondering where you were lady. Good to hear from ya again. Sorry to hear about the pain, though. I didn't get heat and massages!! You certainly need it more than I did. =D
This really works for me, especially for faster metabolism, lower cholesterol and joint pain
Here is a brief description of the MonaVie 19 ingredients
Ingredient #1 Acai Berry
A very powerful fruit and the crown jewel in the Mona Vie formula, acai berry can be found only high atop towering palm trees in the lush Amazon Rain Forest of South America. A recent study held at Gainesville Florida proved that Acai kills 86 percent of leukemia cells in a lab test. Mona Vie is a potent new juice blend of 19 fruits with its main ingredient the Acai berry. Mona Vie comes in 2 different formulations -- Original containing the 19 fruits with the Acai berry, and Mona Vie Active which adds Celadrin and Glucosamine to help promote flexibility and joint health.
Ingredient #2 Acerola Cherries
Almost nothing else in nature produces vitamin C like the "cherries" of the acerola! It has been used for such varied uses as an astringent for healing wounds and tissue, reducing inflammation, reducing a fever, and as both a diuretic and renal stimulant. The acerola cherry is known for helping diabetes, rheumatism, and heart disease.
Ingredient #3 Apricots
This is one of the worlds most amazing fruit. Apricots are known to build strong teeth, fight bacteria and infections, repair damaged tissues, build strong young looking teeth, and improves vision. Apricots provide a rich assortment of antioxidants and are abundant with soluble fiber, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and Vitamin C. They also include a natural salicylate - the major ingredient in aspirin. Other useful effects of apricots are stabilizing blood pressure and preventing strokes.
Ingredient #4 Aronia (black chokeberry)
This fruit is originated from the Yucatan. Aronia juice contains very high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids-five to ten times higher than cranberry juice. Its beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins are believed to include compounds that specifically important for a healthy immune system. Aronia also contains important trace minerals, and it has been used as an anti-diabetic food.
Ingredient #5 Banana
Bananas are a great source of potassium, & tons of natural minerals. They are also known to reduce your appetite.
Ingredient #6 Bilberries
The Bilberry is a close relative of the blueberry and is noted for strengthening of the capillaries of the eye. Bilberry is already widely noted for slowing of age-related macular degeneration, night blindness, diabetes-related eye disorders and helps with cataracts Bilberries can also help prevent a wide variety of bodily problems including bruising, fatigue, coughing, diabetes, diarrhea, gout, glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Ingredient #7 Camu Camu or Rumberry
The Camu Camu berry is the planet’s richest source of natural Vitamin C. Its content has been measured as 30-60 times higher than an equal amount of citrus fruit. The Camu Camu berry is legendary for its powers to strengthen the immune system and repair connective tissue. Camu Camu is great for treatment of the common cold and generally supporting the immune and nervous systems. It is also an excellent agent for detoxification, especially for liver detox. The respiratory system, including the lungs, sinuses, and nasal passages all benefit from this natural fruit, as does the heart and all of the circulatory system.
Ingredient #8 Cranberries
Cranberries are rich in many phytonutrients and proanthocyanidins (PAC’s) - found to prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall. These antiadhesion properties are also thought to inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers. In addition, cranberries can serve as a powerful antibiotic, fighting both E. Coli and H. Pylori. This fruit also reduces gum disease and stomach ulcers occuring especially in dental health.
Ingredient #9 Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit contains ample amounts of phytonutrients, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, trace minerals and dietary fiber. This fruit helps build your immune system up and assist in respiration problems such as breathing and colds. Kiwi is also known for protecting DNA against free radicals and cleansing the colon from toxins.
Ingredient #10 Lychee Fruit
The lychee is native to low elevations in Southern China. Cultivation spread over the years through neighboring areas of southeastern Asia and reach the United States in the late 1800"s. Lychee fruit helps prevent blood clots, severe cell damage, reduces strokes, cuts heart attack patients into 50% lower chance. At 72mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh, lychees are a very good source for this essential vitamin, as well as potassium and other nutrients.
Ingredient #11 Nashi Pear
This fruit is from Korea and some small parts of Japan. This was at one time known as the Korean fruit & Japanese fruit of miracles. This fruit is used to cleanse your oral & nasal cavities from existing bacterias and other types of mucous membranes.Once reserved as a food to be served only to the wealthy and to Chinese nobles, Nashi pears have been grown, cultivated and eaten for centuries. Nashi pears are a great source of dietary fiber, and they’re also very high in potassium and other essential minerals. They contain nearly 10% of the USRDA for Vitamin C, and a high concentration of folates, which make up the Vitamin B complex group. These vitamins are essential for metabolic activity and red blood cell production.
Ingredient #12 Passion Fruit
Passion fruit can be found in Brazil, and some of south Florida. Passion fruit contains high levels of Vitamin A & Vitamin C which is also a great source of Potassium. This fruit is known to relax the body and mind from stress. Helps with sleep during the night and also contains natural iron. This fruit is an excellent source for dietary fibers. The only fruit that allows you to wake up feeling fully rested. Passion fruit is also rich in vitamins and mineral including: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and B Vitamins. The legend of passion fruit dates back to Biblical time, and its modern day uses include: promoting sleep, calming anxiety and addressing hyperactivity in children.
Ingredient #13 Pear
Pears are great for your body they contain high natural vitamins such as potassium and riboflavin. Pears are great for your skin, and have great fiber content. Potassium is used to keep your good cells alive in your body so you won't get sick as much. Potassium used in a diet also increases nerve activity, muscle growth, helps with muscle contractions, maintaining body fluid & electrolytes. Pears provide antioxidant protection and ensure cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels, increasing capillary strength and stabilizing metabolism. Pears also protect vision and fight against macular degeneration as well as support nerve transmission, aid tissue repair, and promote bowel regularity.
Ingredient #14 Blueberries
Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse. They contain large amounts of health-promoting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics, currently being studied for their antioxidant benefits. Besides antioxidants, blueberries contain condensed tannins, and they offer a great lineup of nutrients like potassium and iron, as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Ingredient #15 Pomegranate
Studies show that pomegranate juice is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, containing more polyphenol antioxidant than any other drink. Pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants than even red wine, green tea, blueberry juice, cranberry juice or orange juice. It has been shown to be highly effective in clearing plaque from inner arterial walls. MonaVie contains pomegranate juice because of its ability to help bodily function and to prevent disease and viruses from interrupting normal body operation. Pomegranate is also helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure, preventing heart attacks and strokes, as well as preventing cancers, diabetes, and intestinal problems.
Ingredient #16 Prunes
Prunes are dried plums, rich in minerals and phenols, plus they have an extremely high ORAC value. The drying process actually increases antioxidant powers by more than six times! USDA researchers believe that people of all ages can prevent and treat diseases of aging by simply adding prunes to their diets. Prunes contain 15% Vitamin A, 10% dietary fibers, 10% potassium, 10% copper, and only 6% calories. Prunes are able to boost bone density, cleanse the bowels, and prevent against cardiovascular disease. Prunes are also known or their abilities to cleanse the liver, prevent against both Alzheimer's and memory loss, and fight off infections in the body. There is also evidence that prunes may be responsible for reducing cholesterol in humans and also for reducing the risk of developing an estrogen-dependent cancer.
Ingredient #17-18 Grapes - Purple / White
Grapes are another source of antioxidants and are also effective at fighting off bacterial and viral infections, and reducing inflammations. Grapes are also known to improve cardiovascular health by aiding in the improvement of arterial flexibility. The purple grape naturally helps with concentration, brain functions, hyper tension, arteries, hypertension usually occurs from high blood pressure.
Ingredient #19 Wolfberry
For thousands of years in China, the Wolfberry has been known as “the herb of longevity.” It provides a powerful combination of antioxidants and polysaccharides, shown to enhance the activity of the immune system. Wolfberry also provides eighteen amino acids and twenty-one trace minerals. Wolfberries aid the removal of headaches, as well as the regulation and lowering of high blood pressure. The wolfberries found within MonaVie drinks also help battle chronic fatigue, arthritis, and insomnia.
Health & Harmony,
Lisa>>> lisadeb1989@gmail.com
Get it wholesale for yourself:
http://www.mymonavie.com/ldevito/science_monavie.asp
Great to catch up with you Heather.
Wow ... sounds like you've had some major joint discomfort. Hope it improves soon, as it sounds nasty.
Here's to you feeling loads better very soon!
Tell me your blog DIDN"T just get spammed....Grrrr, nervy buggers.
Anyhow, sure good to hear from you again, even just to know you're still fighting. Somehow, I imagine it doesn't help much knowing the Doc warned of joint pain for a while after surgery. It's just hard to deal with, period. I hope something gives for you soon, Heather.
Hope you're not so busy the summer passes you by, but that it goes fast enough you start to feel improvement on a regular basis. Me thinks a pleasant surprise somewhere along the way would be a nice change of pace for you, No?
Take care, and will be thinking of you lots *hug* :)
How have you been Heather? Haven't seen a post from you in a while. Just wondering.. Hope ALL is well!
Okay, I'm hoping it's just the 'Mom' in me that makes me worry about everything, but Girl, WHERE ARE YOU ?!?!
Deep breath...I'll go with the 'no news is good news' theory in the meantime.
Think about you quite a bit, actually, and hope things have settled into blissful nothingness (especpaecially pain wise) with the stuggles you've been up against.
Are the fish biting :)
( katebrinkman at sympatico dot ca )
how're you holding up? hang in there!
Post a Comment