Three weeks ago at approximately this time (8:10), I woke up from an 8 hour surgery. It seems impossible to me how three weeks have already come and gone - but I guess when you sleep 22/7 life keeps going and passes you by. In three weeks I have gone from operating room, recovery room, hospital room, home, bed... to surviving my first day on my own with the kids. Granted I'm already dressed and in bed, but the point is I did it. I think the semi-solid foods I've been eating have helped give me a little more energy. And... I've gained back a half pound from the seven I've lost.
As of this Thursday the 8th I will be Arch Bar free. We are supposed to be in Oakland by 8:30 for the removal process - which according to my doctor we "grin and bear it". Yeah, that didn't work so well last time so we'll see how it goes. Good thing the hospital is right across the street! But, Praise the Lord those horrible bars will be gone and I can sleep through the night without the wax slipping and the hooks digging into my lips, cheeks, etc.
Unfortunately I still have no movement of the left side of my face and my eye still doesn't blink on its own, but I've been told once the swelling finally decides to visit someone else I should get those back. (The left side was the side that had all the complications during surgery. It is also the side that hurts the most and it feels like the screws are too tight when I try to do my opening exercises). The no blinking thing really does affect me especially when I'm out in the sun. My eye waters immensely making my vision blurry - especially while driving. I sleep with a sleep mask to keep my eye closed, and wear sunglasses in the sun but it's just not the same as being able to blink on your own. The things people take for granted! I've also noticed over the past few days that my skin is starting to peel, especially my chubby little cheeks. I'm hoping the peeling means the swelling is starting to go down but I can't tell a difference. The good news though, is that I am on the road to recovery, it's only a matter of getting there!
