Welcome to 2017!

I can't believe it's been almost two years since my surgery! It was such a huge event that was at the center of my life for almost an entire year, and already it seems so far gone. I still check in on my blog every once in a while, and I can't believe how many people I've reached, all across the globe. I truly hope that my experience and my story are helping people who may be going through or considering something similar. I'm an open book, so anyone that has any questions about my experience with jaw surgery is more than welcome to contact me!

I don't have much to report this far down the road. Unfortunately, the feeling in the right half of my lower lip and chin has not returned. My husband was told that my nerves were in the correct place and that all of my feeling would return, but a year and eight months out, I don't have much hope left. It's definitely a tiny price to pay for everything that was improved post-surgery. I hardly even notice it anymore, though I do occasionally get food on my face (that I can't feel), which is why it helps to have non-judgmental friends who will grab a napkin and wipe it off for you while you both share a laugh. I have also gotten into the habit of occasionally wiping the corner of my mouth with my hand to make sure I'm not drooling. That's really the only "problem" that I am left with from my surgery, which, again, is hardly noticeable.

Additionally, the past couple of months, I haven't been able to open my mouth as wide, and I am also having a little bit of popping on the right side. My guess is that the cold weather is affecting my jaw, but if it continues into the spring/summer, I might go see my surgeon to make sure everything is okay. It doesn't really hurt much, so I'm not too concerned. I'll post another update in a few months. For now, I am just having a hard time opening my mouth wide enough to bite into a cheeseburger, which is only a minor dilemma.

Socially, at this point, I'm mostly meeting new people, so I haven't had to explain my surgery as often. It's still weird running into people that I haven't seen in years, because I'm not sure who recognizes me and who doesn't. So I'm shy about saying hello sometimes. Fortunately, most people are cognizant of the situation thanks to social media.

Overall, I'm still so glad that I had jaw surgery, and given the choice, I would definitely do it all again. The benefits have far outweighed the costs. I'm a healthy, confident, soon-to-be college graduate with a wonderful husband, a supportive family, and awesome friends. Who could ask for more? :)

 April 2016

 October 2016

December 2016