Out with those stitches - Day 9 Post Op

I’m Day 9 post op today, and I had an awful few hours last night. I was really restless, was in a lot of pain, felt sick and just couldn’t get comfortable. I utilised all my pain killers, and eventually dropped off. Thankfully, I slept right through until 8am.

When I woke, I didn’t have the usual hungover feeling, I actually felt fairly fresh! I had a slight pain around the joint and ear, so just took some paracetamol to take the edge off. 

Before surgery my joint pain sat fairly constant and consistent at a score of 8-10 depending on activity and usage. Since surgery it’s sat between 4 & 6. I’m not slipping into a false sense of security here, as I’m aware it’s still early days and I’m pretty numb, but if things carried on the way they are, I would be over the moon. 

Since I’ve been discharged from hospital I’ve taken each day as it comes. I have made a conscious effort to ensure I’ve spent as much time as possible sat up and not lay in bed to try and help the swelling. 

Since the day after I got home, I have taken two small walks each day to ensure I am mobile. 

I’ve also tried to drink 2000mls of water a day, to make sure my body is hydrated to assist with recovery and have religiously done my 7x7x7 Therabite Physiotherapy every two hours that I started the day after surgery. Mr Dodd managed to open my mouth to 35mm during surgery, anything beyond that, the jaw dislocated.

My Therabite device is set to a maximum of 35mm to prevent dislocation. I do 7 reps, each held for 7 seconds and repeat 7 times a day. I’ve found doing it every two hours between 0900 & 2100 is the best way to manage it. 

I’ve been eating Ready Brek with Nutella or soggy White Chocolate Coco Pops with milk for breakfast and homemade soup and soft bread for lunch. Dinner has been more of a struggle for me, as I am a massive foodie, and eating slop for three meals a day is torture. I managed a mac n’ cheese on day 7, and have planned some rice and pasta meals for the rest of the week. I need to introduce firmer foods to assist my bowel as I’m currently on constipation medication. (Sorry for TMI) 

I visited my consultant today, who was over the moon with my progress. He checked my bite which is pretty much touching on the side of the surgery, he is confident this will improve when the swelling goes down. 

He explained that he thinks the paralysis over my right eye is going to be temporary using the rationale that if it was permanent damage, the eye would be drooping which mine isn’t, and the other eye would probably be pulled up as the nerve signals would get confused. I asked if there were any exercises I could do to help things along and he suggested raising the brows, and scrunching the nose. 

Since my bi maxillary osteotomy is 2012, I’ve suffered with constant trigeminal neuralgia in my lower lip and chin. At the moment as everything is still numb, this pain has been minimised.  The right side of my lower lip is also partially paralysed giving me a wonky smile. Again Mr Dodd thinks this will rectify over time. It’s already improved since the surgery, and I am exercising it by smiling and pursing my lips. 

I also asked Mr Dodd to check my ear. Whilst my hearing has improved since the procedure, it still doesn’t feel quite right. On examination he advised that the ear is still very swollen inside and there is dried blood and wax in there too. This should come out itself as the swelling reduces and I start showering as normal. If it doesn’t, I’ll have to referred to an audiologist however I think I’d request an ear syringe from the go first to try and clear the blood and wax. 

Mr Dodd re-prescribed my painkillers, ordered X-rays and bloods and confirmed I was able to have my stitches removed. 

I asked when I could get back to the gym, and he said within the next 2-3 weeks for gentle exercise... which I’m so happy about. We arranged my next appointment for the end of August for my six week check, and then it was off to the nurse to get those stitches out. 

Having the stitches out was over pretty quickly, and wasn’t really that painful. The nurse commented that Mr Dodd had done his super tiny stitches of me, meaning it was difficult for her to get them out!! 

I then went for a blood test, this was to check for infection, and also store to compare if I was to get an infection in future. 

I only had a short wait in the X-ray department. I had two types X-rays done. One that moved around my head to capture my jaw joint and teeth, and one front on. I can’t wait to see the images of the new joint at the end of August. 

After we’d been to the hospital pharmacy, it was finally time to head home. I was absolutely shattered, and overdue my painkillers. 

After a brief rest at home, Matt dropped me off at my nail salon where I got a lovely fresh set of acrylic nails. Something like that may seem fairly insignificant to some people, but for me having my fingers and toes painted, brows tinted and hair washed is part of what makes me me! When your face feels swollen and Unsightly, you just want to do anything to feel normal, and more like yourself again. 

One thing I have noticed since surgery is that I’m still getting really sleepy throughout the day. I’m trying to listen to my body and nap when I feel the need. I have to remind myself that I had major surgery just 9 days ago and my body is using energy to repair itself both inside and out. My husband snapped me and my dogs asleep after the hospital today! Cruel... but funny!! 

I feel the preparation I put in place before my surgery, combined with the experience of previous procedures has allowed me to fully prepare to give myself the best possible chance of a smooth recovery. 

4 months prior to surgery  I started a strict fitness regime, including cardio and weight/strength training and a balanced diet. I wanted to ensure my body was as physically fit as it could be. I ensured I did at least 10,000 steps each day, 30 active minutes and drank 2litres of water. 

I prepared 6 different flavours of fresh soup that were frozen and ready to eat when I was discharged from hospital. I also stoked up on soft desserts such as ice cream, custard, yoghurt and jelly. 

I took a beanie travel neck pillow into hospital that allowed me to get comfortable after surgery. A Palmers coco-butter lip balm helped to keep my lips moist, as they got so dry following the Anesthesic. Tic-tacs. helped to keep my mouth and throat moist during those first few days when I had a sore throat and nose bleeds. 

 

A baby weaning spoon was very useful during the first 5 days. The shape and size allowed me to eat my soup and porridge without dropping it all over myself! Thr hospital catering staff kept bringing dessert spoons to eat my meals with, which I just couldn’t control or fit in my mouth.

A lovely smelling anti-bacterial hand gel to leave next to my hospital bed was also essential for me. I used it everytime I moved or visited the bathroom, and I encouraged my visitors to use it as well. A colleague brought me some lovely travel sizes toiletries that I took into hospital too so I felt lovely and clean when I got washed after surgery. Hand cream, body wash, body lotion,  a baby toothbrush, tooth paste, mouth wash, deodorant, flannel and towel were all in my wash bag. 

Button up PJs were so useful for the first few days, to save having to pull anything over my head preventing and pulling or catching of my incision wounds. 

I also got a little box from Ikea, to keep all my medicine in when I got home. This kept everything together, and was easily accessible. I took it to whichever room I was in, so everything was to hand when I needed it. 

A V shaped Pillow from Ikea has been my life saver since coming home, and has assisted me in a comfortable sleep in bed at night. 

I’ve just had my first shower, and washed my hair since having my stitches out, and it was unreal. You can’t beat that clean and fresh feeling!!! - KjS-T x 

D Day - 9th July 2019

I woke up fairly refreshed and calm on the morning of my surgery after surprising myself with 6 hours sleep! 

I think I have my lovely friends to thank for tiring me out with an 8 mile walk and a feast of Dominoes Pizza the previous day. 

I’ve been very fortunate to have 5 days off work before my surgery to prepare myself, and the house. It gave me time to clean, sort, pack, batch cook soup, fill the fridge, freezer and cupboards with supplies and food, and most importantly allowed me to spend some time with family and friends. 

Keeping busy with friends the previous day took definitely took my mind off the operation, and kept the majority of my anxiety at bay. Naturally I’ve been nervous about this procedure, as it’s pretty massive and there’s no going back once it’s done. Sadly it’s been delayed 3 times which has had quite a mental impact as well as a physical one with the jaw issues pain, clicking, sticking, locking and headaches being as persistent as ever. 

It was only 3 days before the surgery that my biggest fear entered my mind... at 2am Saturday morning I woke in a panic worrying ‘what if I have to have my jaw wired after surgery?’ I’m claustrophobic at the best of times in lifts, MRI scanners and toilets, there’s no way I could feel so restricted in my own body. I had visions of waking up in recovery, unable to open my mouth and entering into a deep panic attack. I had images of my violently throwing up as I regularly do after anaesthetic and choking.  I Googled and Googled until the early hours and there was nothing to support when wiring is and isn’t used. My other fears were loss of hearing and paralysis to my face but I could rationalise them... the wiring however, I couldn’t. 

I arrived at the hospital at 7:30 with Matt my husband, and my mum on the morning of the surgery, and headed to Surgical Forward wait. During the course of the morning I had my observations done, got measured for my sexy stockings, and met with my Anaesthetist. 

My brief to the anaesthetist  was simple ‘Make sure I don’t die’ it’s the same every time I have surgery. I’m certain I’ll not wake up again. It’s got to be a control thing, I like to be in control, and here am I am not. He took my comment in good humour and talked me through everything. I mentioned about being sick after anaesthetic previously, and he said whilst this is common after oral surgery, he would give me plenty of anti-sickness and painkillers to try and prevent vomiting.  I also asked if I could hold my own oxygen mask after a previous incident of a trainee anaesthetist forcing a mask onto my face too tight and making me feel claustrophobic. He said that would be no problem. I also asked for a gel heat pad to lie on if there was one going spare and he said they’d sort it! Haha always a diva!! 

Next I met Mr Dodd, and mentioned the wiring fear, he said he was fairly confident he wouldn’t have to, and said he’d explain more in theatre. I’d had my hair plaited to keep it out the way for him, and he was made up saying it had made his life a lot easier. 

At 9:45 I was called, and it was time to say goodbye to Matt and mum. I changed into my gown, donned my hair net and walked into the theatre with my nurse Stella. 

On the door outside the theatre was a sign saying ‘Joint replacement in progress, masks must be worn’ when I went inside there were about 12 people, it was a large room very bright, clean and sterile space with loads of machines and equipment. Mr Dodd called me to the back of the theatre were there where numerous images of my skull and the implant. He explained that the manufacturer provided a cutting guide that is so intricate and accurate that he suspected wires wouldn’t be needed. 

I made my way over to me bed, and got myself into position onto my gel heated like a little cat. The anaesthetist from earlier was there, along with another called Hilary. She announced that I’d be having two anaesthetists looking after me during my surgery. 

I had heart monitor pads stuck all over me, and a canular put in my right hand. I reminded Mr Dodd to look after my hair, was given the oxygen mask to hold. They injected my canular with something that made me feel woozy, I took in the oxygen, and 5 hours later I was being woken in the recovery room. 

Wow I was soooo tired when I woke up, it took a long time for me to come too. Whilst I didn’t wake up in pain other than a sore throat, it was an overwhelmingly dry mouth that was causing me the most discomfort. I couldn’t speak for obvious reasons, but mouthed to the nurse for some water. She helped me sip some from a cup and wrapped me in a warm blanket. 

I had double vision for a long time after waking up, when Mr Dodd popped into recovery he asked me to raise my brows which I couldn’t, this meant my eye was a little slow to respond to movements therefore making my eye slow to respond, he also asked me to smile, and there was some paralysis to the lower lip too so I had a wonky smile. 

An hour or so after waking up, I was taken to ward 28. I messaged Matt and told him and mum to come and visit. I waited for them to arrive before I got myself up and got washed and changed into my own pjs. 

My pain was very manageable at this point, everything was numb apart from my throat and nose. I really struggled with my right nostril pouring with blood. This was unpleasant as I could also feel blood going down my throat too that was making me feel quite sickly. 

My bladder was also retaining urine, this is something that I’ve had previously when I’ve had Anaesthetic so I was aware the first thing to do was to monitor the liquid in, vs the liquids out. I alerted the nurses who kept an eye on things for the next few days. 

I managed some carrot & coriander soup for my tea, although I couldn’t really taste it, I did feel ready for something. Annoyingly my bed was sent a breaded chicken breast initially ... now I know I was up and about... but I wasn’t ready for breaded chicken two hours after major surgery! 

Mr Dodd popped round midway through my soup, just to check in. He was pleased I was sat up and he talked up through the surgery and where I was up to. 

The nose bleed really intensified around 6pm, and was making me very nauseous. I was certain I was going to vomit, and I didn’t want Matt and Mum seeing that, so I sent them on their way. 

I drank loads of water to try and clear my throat, and concentrated on my breathing. Thankfully I managed to hold off the vomit and eventually started to feel a little more comfortable. 

Throughout the evening / night I was plied  with numerous painkillers, antibiotics and steroids, some intravenous thus restricting me to my bed. 

I slept on and off that night, but was regular disturbed having obs taken and drips changed. When I wasn’t hooked up to the IV, I was in the loo, as I was still struggling with my bladder retention. 

I spent two nights, and three days on ward 28 before being discharged to manage my pain relief myself. I was really quite overwhelmed and felt quite vulnerable for those first few hours at home. I was very well supported by my husband and parents, but just felt a little strange not having the support of the nursing staff and Mr Dodd. It was a liquid diet so soup and ready brek were as exciting as it got on the food front.

Bloods & Botox

So today my mum & husband accompanied me to the Regional Maxillofacial Unit at Aintree Hospital. 

I always take somebody with me to appointments, as it’s hard to take in and process what’s discussed. Having an extra pair of ears is really useful. 

(Useful until your chaperone faints like my dad did when Mr Dodd showed us the video of my Arthroscopy!) 

The purpose of today’s visit was to have my bloods taken. These were being taken by courier to the airport to be flown to Germany for a MELISA Test. 

MELISA tests white blood cells against a panel of metals, to determine what the jaw joint implant can be made of. The hospital do lots of thorough prep work to maximise the success of the procedure.

After my bloods had been taken, I went for an appointment with Nurse Dodd to administer my Botox. 

The Botox injections don’t touch my jaw joint pain, but they do relax the muscles in my head and lower face. The examination and procedure is really quite unpleasant and painful, and leave me feeling extra tender and under the weather for a few days. 

So now I’ve got to wait a few weeks for the results of the MELISA test... although the thought of this operation fills me with fear, I’m so ready for some intervention now as my joint is extremely uncomfortable.

KjS-T x 

It's all go... Again!!

Lets rewind to 29th October 2008, when I visited my dentist who noticed I was struggling to open my mouth during my examination. He was so concerned by my struggle, that he advised me to visit GP.

The following day, I went to my doctor, who referred me to a maxillofacial surgeon.

On the 18th November 2008, I attended Walton Hospital and met maxillofacial Consultant Mr Dodd for the first time. Ever since he has taken care of KjS-T's Jaw Journey... and what a journey its been!

I always thought my headaches, aching teeth and sort jaw joints were down to working shifts in a busy Police Control Room... But it turns out that these, along with restricted mouth opening were the symptoms of Condylar Hyperplasia - Overgrowth of the mandible (jaw bone)

It is believed that a trauma at birth caused my mandible to overgrow in my late teens. The growth caused movement to my teeth , and visually my face looked asymmetric.

I had numerous tests, scans and x-rays to find out if the bone was still actively growing. Unfortunately, the bone was active and on the 13th July 2010, I was admitted to Aintree Hospital for a Condylar Shave on my left side, to remove the bone and prevent further damage.

On the 10th August 2010, I was readmitted to hospital for further surgery after contracting an infection in my mouth, gums & wisdom teeth.

I was fitted with train track braces in 2011, to prepare my teeth for a Bi-Maxillary Osteotomy to realign my jaw on 18th December 2012.

I had that procedure on 18th December 2012. It
was a lengthy recovery, but on the hole was successful. My bite felt considerably more comfortable once recovered, but due to a complication I have been left with Trigeminal Neuralgia in my chin.  

Basically, I get electric shock feelings on my chin and lower lip, these never ease, and are at their worst when I talk, chew, kiss my husband and brush my teeth. This is a side effect that will stay with me forever. I have tried various medications, creams and pain management therapy and nothing has worked. The only thing that eased this issue, was when Mr Dodd injected local anaesthetic into it. It felt like I was on cloud 9... total relief... just a shame it doesn't last.

So for the last few years, I've started getting a lot of pain in right jaw joint. It's become very crunchy, clicky, and it locks and aches... a lot!

Some days I struggle to even chew soft fruit, it feels like I am chewing treacle. The more I use the joint, the more painful it gets... I talk, laugh & smile a lot, so I am in agony most of the time. Its a very draining pain, and I feel quite exhausted from it.


Mr Dodd performed an Arthroscopy on 18th September 2017, and described the joint as "knackered" Initially he thought he may try a Meniscopexy, open jaw joint procedure, however was concerned that it wouldn't work long term. After second opinions and toing and froing, the decision has been made that total jaw joint replacement is now my only option.

The joint needs as little intervention as possible for the jaw joint replacement to work, so we're missing the Meniscopexy out and jumping straight to the new joint.The thought of a joint replacement fills me with fear... however on my 6th procedure, I have total trust that I am in good hands with Mr Dodd.

KjS-T x

Little Update - Day 352 - 5th December 2013

Merhaba (hello) from Turkey! 

So just a little update as I'm on holiday at the moment. I went to

see the consultant and didn't really gain much from the appointment. He has said that he has liaised with his colleague who has said we need an opinion from a neurologist before anything else is done. They are concerned if they stun the nerve they could end up causing more damage in the long run.

I hope by the time I get home from holiday I will have my date to go and see the neurologist as Mr D said he was going to rush it through as a priority. 

Mr D did give me some cream to use,it's EMLA cream, it's basically the magic cream they put on your hand before giving you an injection when you're a child. You have to smother the area then cover it with a clear plaster and in about 45 minutes the area is numb.... It's heaven but it only lasts about and hour. It's good to use as a little relief though, and as you can see, having white cream all over your chin is a sexy look! 😋

Can't believe it's nearly been a year, almost a perfect recovery with fabulous results other than this naughty naughty nerve.

Working towards Thursday - Day 336 - 19th November 2013

Well today is day 336 post operation, on Thursday I am going to see my consultant Mr D and I'm hoping to hear what he has planned for the nerve in my chin. 

If we take the nerve out of the equation for a moment, I am over the moon with the recovery now. I'm getting used to life brace free and I often catch myself staring at my lovely straight teeth in the mirror. I'm religiously sleeping in my retainer every night and when I went to see Prof two weeks ago she was happy with the progress. I have to see her again early next year where I will have a joint appointment with her and the consultant to discuss the progress from an orthodontics point of view. 

The swelling has 90% gone but my cheeks do puff up if the jaw has had a particularly active day. Obviously all the bruising has long gone and the scars inside my mouth have all healed lovely. 

In regards to feeling and sensations everything (apart from my lower lip and chin) is perfect and back to normal. 

As the cold weather has moved in I've noticed aching in my lower jaw bone on the right hand side but I just try and keep it covered where possible and avoid walking directly in the wind. 

Mouth opening is also really good and has improved a lot from before

the operation. Mouth opening was very restricted to under 1.5cm's and now it can comfortably open to 3.5cms.

So now, we move onto the one side effect from the surgery that has really got to me. The messed up nerve in my chin. At every movement no matter how big or small it sends a horrible sensation upwards that feels like an electric shock or that similar of having an elastic band twanged on your chin. 

Virtually any movement or contact triggers the pain off. Talking, smiling, laughing, eating, brushing my teeth, washing and applying make-up even having my hair brush past it and applying lip gloss is uncomfortable. 

It's so hard because to look at me I look normal, and I think people do forget that I have it. At the end of the day I still have to do all the trigger acts during the day as it's impossible not to move your chin for any period of time. 

The chin even effected Halloween with only half of my face being able to stand the application of special effect make-up (actually worked out quite well though)

I find I get very drained, and I put this down to the pain being so constant and painful. By the time 2pm comes I can't be bothered with the pain so generally have very quiet afternoon. (This for some friends and family is heaven) Painkillers and medication  haven't done anything really other than make be feel groggy and even more drained.

So on Thursday I will meet with Mr Dodd and see what he has planned, the last time I seen him 2 months ago he was still at a loss as to why this has happened. He recalls seeing the nerve during the surgery, and is certain it wasn't cut, if anything it may have been stretched but he would have expected it to have healed by now. At this stage, at around the 12 month mark, this gives an indication of what the finished product will be. Unfortunately that means a messed up chin. During my last appointment Mr D said he would liaises with his colleagues and a neurologist about a procedure to touch the nerve with a cold probe to essentially stun it. This would temporarily make it numb and may kick start the recovery process again. 

A few months ago this was a worst case scenario, but now I am quite literally at the end of my tether and would try anything! Although I need to get a more in depth break down of the pro's and cons before a decision is made. All I know is that I can't put up with this much longer so Thursday can't come quick enough

I'll update further after the appointment on Thursday

KjS-T x 

P.S I still find it hard to believe the then & now!

Still no change - day 275 - 19th Sept 2013

So today is day 275 since the operation andthe nerve pain is exactly the same! 

I went to see Mr D last week who is totally confused by this naughty nerve. He said he seen the nerve during the surgery but he definitely didn't cut it but It's possible that it got quite stretched. 

My jaw and teeth are fabulous and I'm getting used to life brace free. My jaw aches every now and then but it's not horrendously sore. 

This nerve pain however, is very draining and wears me out. Every time I speak, smile, eat, wash, apply make-up or laugh it feels like I'm being beat in the face with an elastic band. 

Mr D now wants to give the nerve up to

the first anniversary of the surgery in December before he intervenes. He said he will assess it again in December and if there's no improvement he will liaise with a neurologist and look at stunning the nerve. He would do this by touching it with a cold probe. Initially if will be numb, and then if with either... Stay numb, kick start the repair process or come back.... Worse! 

At one point numbness was the last thing I wanted, but now I'd take anything for some relief. 

Md D wants me to stay on the medication until December and he does hope it will burn itself out, but in not too sure. I've not seen an improvement at all and the pain is pretty much the same. It's reduced slightly with the Pregabalin medication but is still very much there. 

In regards to feeling and sensation everything apart from my gums and chin is back to normal. 

I can't explain how my chin feels but, if I have a hot drink and rest the cup on my cheek, I can feel the heat from the cup and also the pressure that its pressing against my skin. If I rest a cup with a hit drink on my chin, I can't feel the heat at all, but I get the electric shock feeling because of the physical contact. 

I think this type of pain us very draining, because its so constant. Towards the end of the day, I can't even be bothered to talk because it wears me down so much. 

And the medication makes me feel a bit groggy, but, I know we need to exhaust every option before Mr D intervenes so I'll stick with it. 

I'm loving life brace free, I couldn't get used to looking at myself for ages, it looked like there was something missing from me. I've been really good and wear my retainer every night, all night. I'd be stupid not to though because you don't want to mess two and a half years of dental work up. 

A few people have asked me if I regret having the surgery and the answer is well and truly not. Yes, I've had a few complications but the positives well out weigh the negatives. 

Thanks for all your messages, and thanks for reading my blog. 

KjS-T x 

Operation Update & Brace Removal - Monday 8th July

Monday 8th July

So it's three weeks since the operation to remove the plate and I'm pretty certain it's not worked. 

I went into hospital at 11:30 and was in theatre for about 13:00. Before my surgery I had a good chat with my consultant Mr D who stressed that there was no guarantee that the surgery would release the pain but at least it would eliminate a cause. 

The same anesthetist that put me to sleep on my last two operations was in the anesthetic room so I felt quite reassured but the assistant putting the mask over my face was pushing it down really tight over my nose and mouth and I had a bit of a panic attack. Before I knew it I was waking up in the recovery room feeling very sick and cold. 

The nurses wrapped me in hot blankets and were very kind to me, the nurse actually remembered me from December so was talking to me to try and keep me awake. It was 5:30 by the time I was ready to be taken to the ward so I'm not quite sure how long I was under for. 

Once on the ward I didn't feel sick but my mouth was bleeding quite a lot. I lay there for a few minutes then thought.... I need to try and get up. It took me ages as I felt a bit wobbly but I managed to change into my PJ's then get myself to the toilet. 

I then had some soup and ice cream and then my mum and husband came to visit. 

Mr D came round at about 7pm and told me that one of the screws in the plate had come loose and the bone was infected. He also said that the screw nor plate where particularly close to the nerve but he removed it anyway and cleaned the bone. He also injected some long lasting anesthetic into the problem area for some short term relief. He said that the breaks he made in December had 'softly healed' and would take another 6 months to get up to strength. 

My face was swollen and there was a nice thumb sized bruise on my chin. 

I had some pain killers and when the nurse did my obs he said I might be able to go home later on. This is exactly what I wanted I hear so mum and Matt hung around until I got discharged at about 9pm

I was so pleased to get home and get into my own bed. I slept on and off that night. I couldn't lie on my right side as it was sore from the surgery and I couldn't lie on the left side as the right side would pull. 

When I woke up the next day I was really bruised and swollen. I couldn't really feel the nerve pain as everything was swollen and numb. I spent the next few days taking it easy, I was taking tramadol for the pain which was making me drowsy and feel sickly.

Two weeks after the surgery when I was brushing my teeth I noticed that the unpleasant sensations were coming back. Mr D had said it could take a while for the pain to subside and the nerve to repair so maybe things could improve. 

On Monday 1st July the big day came.... Brace Removal Day!!! 

I was a little concerned that they weren't going remove the brace as I still had stitches in and the incision was still lumpy and raw. It was music to me ears when Prof said it would be coming off. 

She started pulling, cutting and tugging and I was in absolute

agony. I had tears in my eyes and could've quite easily told her to stop. I just closed my eyes and was thinking of the end result. 

It comes as no surprise really that it was painful, those braces had been on for two and a half years. 

When Prof handed me the mirror I nearly cried, it didn't feel real, I didn't look like me and my mouth felt so empty. 

They took two lots of impressions of my teeth, some for my retainer and some to be used as study models. 

My husband and I then had to go away for a bit and return to the hospital 3 hours later to pick up the retainer. 

We went for a walk into City and had some lunch. I couldn't stop smiling, people must have thought I was weird. To everyone else it was another normal Monday, but for me it was such a special day. 

After we had been for some lunch we headed back to the hospital where I was fitted with my retainer. It's a little clear retainer that I ave to wear for the next 12 months. 

As I've still got the nerve pain the doctors have changed my medication from the Gabapentin to Pregabelin. They work in a similar way so I have to start on a low dose and gradually build it up. They're making me a bit dopey and sleepy but I'm willing to give them a try. 

I'll keep you all updated on my progression, quite a few people have asked me if I regret having the surgery done given the post operative complications. I say not-at-all. The look and feel of the results are fantastic, it's just unfortunate that I've got a naughty nerve. 

As you can see from the pictures below... I'm a lot straighter these days.