Hello...
Last Wednesday I had another consultation/check up with my Surgeon. I can't believe it's been 6 months since my last one. My surgeon remarked with her usual, "You look well!" when I walked into her office and the truth is that I AM thankfully doing a lot better since my last update, but I had to be completely honest with her and expressed my frustrations and concerns with the issues I still seem to be facing with the right side of my face/jaw! Nothing has improved and if anything the severity of it seems even worse, though fortunately I feel I am somewhat stronger 'mentally' now to be able to cope with it....most days! I mentioned to her that this feeling of discomfort is basically occurring 24/7 and particularly when I activate the muscles on the right side of my face. Talking for long periods of time is very difficulty because this is when I REALLY notice it. Here is what I am currently feeling:
* muscle tightness
* numbing
* burning sensation (pins and needles)
* painful throbbing/ sharp pressing sensation on gums (where the plates and screws are located) and heavy feeling in teeth on that side. They feel like they are being held in a clamp. Flossing my teeth on that side is painful.
After discussing this for awhile, my surgeon suggested going and getting a CT Scan on my mandible to see if any of the plates/screws are too close or pressing down on a nerve in my bottom jaw. UM, YES!!!!! This has crossed my mind MANY times and its a relief to have the surgeon finally on the same page as me! Obviously most of her patients do not have complications with there plates and screws and can go on living a normal life with them in there, not ever having to think about them, but surely there could be a chance that perhaps they are in fact the cause of all the problems I seem to facing on the right side. If taking them out elevates these issues then I am all for it!!!! At the moment, It really is like having an itch that you cannot scratch!!!
Of course, I wish I didn't have to even consider having another surgery to get them taken out, but I am hoping the CT Scan provides me with some clear answers!!
I am now just waiting for her call to give me the results of the scan.. Please pray!!! :) Thanks guys x
Monday, January 20, 2014
Monday, May 27, 2013
2 years since Jaw surgery!!
Wow, It has been 2 years!!! 2 years!!! and the journey STILL continues....
I have just sent off my hospital forms to be put onto a waiting list for my Adenoidectomy and Septoplasty surgery. Hoping to get them both done ASAP!
My next jaw surgery review is on the 10th July. As my surgeon died, I am now under the care of his partner.
Starting to realise that my negativity and lack of positive attitude is having a disastrous affect on me emotionally, physically and mentally. I am anxious and worried all the time! I know being worried won't add on any more time to my life, but I am finding it very hard to enjoy the present day. Every day is a battle and I feel stuck. I feel like I have all these pieces of a huge puzzle that I can't put together. The pieces are just not matching up... at all.
Work in progress!
I have just sent off my hospital forms to be put onto a waiting list for my Adenoidectomy and Septoplasty surgery. Hoping to get them both done ASAP!
My next jaw surgery review is on the 10th July. As my surgeon died, I am now under the care of his partner.
Starting to realise that my negativity and lack of positive attitude is having a disastrous affect on me emotionally, physically and mentally. I am anxious and worried all the time! I know being worried won't add on any more time to my life, but I am finding it very hard to enjoy the present day. Every day is a battle and I feel stuck. I feel like I have all these pieces of a huge puzzle that I can't put together. The pieces are just not matching up... at all.
Work in progress!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
What's the deal with scar tissue??
I know my surgeon reassured me many times that healing takes times and it can take longer for some than others, but I also wonder If what I am experiencing in terms of tightness and numbness in my face is due to scar tissue buildup.? If I have scar tissue buildup that is restricting circulation (blood flow) to that area my face then maybe that's why I am experiencing extreme numbness?!?
Ok, so here is how I have been trying to evaluate the severity of one side of my face in relation to the other (normal side). Feel free to try this as well as you read along so you understand what I'm describing. haha
If I place my index fingers inside my mouth along teeth/cheek area and then smile, what I feel on one side is a massive bunching up of cheek muscle that constricts tightly and pushes against my finger. this is what I feel every time I talk, smile, eat, etc etc. Even though I know the area is numb what exactly is causing the extreme tightness?? Is it build up of scar tissue inside the cheek and around the jaw line? I massage that side of my face all the time just trying to release the tightness/ heavy feeling. I can see that where my incisions were on that side, there are lots of stringy white parts that do not exist as much on the normal side.
Sorry about the yucky close up pictures. Just wanted to know if other people have the same amount of white 'stringy' incision scars when you pull your bottom lip down???
Ok, so here is how I have been trying to evaluate the severity of one side of my face in relation to the other (normal side). Feel free to try this as well as you read along so you understand what I'm describing. haha
If I place my index fingers inside my mouth along teeth/cheek area and then smile, what I feel on one side is a massive bunching up of cheek muscle that constricts tightly and pushes against my finger. this is what I feel every time I talk, smile, eat, etc etc. Even though I know the area is numb what exactly is causing the extreme tightness?? Is it build up of scar tissue inside the cheek and around the jaw line? I massage that side of my face all the time just trying to release the tightness/ heavy feeling. I can see that where my incisions were on that side, there are lots of stringy white parts that do not exist as much on the normal side.
Sorry about the yucky close up pictures. Just wanted to know if other people have the same amount of white 'stringy' incision scars when you pull your bottom lip down???
Friday, May 3, 2013
Call out to Ellie
This is a quick post for Ellie. Thank you for your comment on my latest post. I actually thought I was already following your blog but can't seem to access it. How can I follow you? I'd like to keep in touch. Many thanks!
Rhianna xx
Rhianna xx
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Another SAD update
Hi Guys,
This week I finally had my long awaited appointment with an ENT. As you may already know, I unfortunately have been struggling with on going health issues relating to my teeth, jaw, nose, ears... basically everything from the neck up seems to be giving me some form of pain and discomfort every day. I have been having difficulties breathing through my nose and am suffering from a blocked ear (possibly Eustachian Tube dysfunction). At the ENT I filled out a routine patient form which required me to write down my previous surgeries. When I met the ENT she inquired about my Jaw surgery and asked who my surgeon was. When I told her who my surgeon was she paused for a moment and than excused herself from the room. She came back in shortly afterwards and proceeded to ask me If I saw my Surgeon often. I said I did and mentioned my upcoming appointment with him in 2 weeks. She paused again and asked If anyone had been in contact with me form his office. At this point, I really had no idea what she was about to say next. She went on to say "I'm really sorry but I have some sad news to tell you".... I was not expecting this news at all!! My surgeon passed away suddenly on April 4th. She didn't mention the details of how he died but she thought seeing as I was a patient of his that I needed to know. They had worked at the same hospital for many years so she knew him quite well.
You can imagine I was pretty shocked to hear this from her. He was a professor and very well regarded surgeon internationally and within Australia, especially for his work at the children's hospital here in Sydney. He was a softly spoken, caring man and even though I have had some complications resulting from my Surgery, I am still extremely thankful for his expertise and professionalism over the past 2 years. I am assuming I will now be in the care of his partner who also assisted during my surgery.
Moving on from hearing the sad news, the ENT performed a few routine procedures on me including a Nasendoscopy. She could clearly see enlarged adenoids at the back of my nose which are obstructing the air flow. Apparently adenoids are meant to shrink and disappear when you reach the age of 8 or children who still have them get them surgically removed along with their tonsils. Enlarged Adenoids can easily cause ear infections along with various other complications. I obviously had no idea I still had mine. She seemed surprised to see them there. The ENT also mentioned that I still have a slightly deviated septum which can be corrected easily. I need to have a routine hearing test done first before I can proceed with the surgery and will also have to go on her waiting list. I am hoping to have it done mid year.
The other complications that are occurring include my TMJ disorder which I am working on with the help of Physiotherapy and my on- going battle with numbness which I don't really know what to do about.
I have a significant patch of numbness which begins on the corner of my bottom lip, part of my chin and extends into most of my right cheek area. My back molars and gums on that side also have a really heavy numb feeling. It it really frustrating because the more I talk the more aware I become of how stiff, tight and numb that area is. It is their 24/7 and I can't seem to get any relief from it. If it was pain I would take something for it but the pain is the numbness which is annoying as HELL. Because of the numbness my cheek constantly feels fat, puffy and inflamed. It really does feel like someone has injected a wad of tissue into that side of my face and it's stuck there and I feel it when I talk or attempt to move the muscles in that area of my face.
I would consider anything to get some normality back to that area!!!! I know this is extreme but sometimes It feels like I've had a stroke on that side or possibly I have massive scar tissue buildup which is causing the heavy tight feeling. I wish I could just get my head around what is actually happening or what I could do to improve it. I've been really emotional about it for many months now and it's really starting to impact on my relationships with my friends and family. I know my mum is getting tired of me talking about it but it's a constant daily reality for me so of cause it's upsetting and frustrating.
Maybe I should see a Neurologist and see If there are any tests that will stimulate the nerves to determine the amount of damage. I just feel somewhat helpless at the moment. Can anybody relate to what I am experiencing or know of anything I can do about it?!?!?!?! I would love any feedback or suggestions :-)
I really hope everyone else is travelling a lot more smoother than I am.
This week I finally had my long awaited appointment with an ENT. As you may already know, I unfortunately have been struggling with on going health issues relating to my teeth, jaw, nose, ears... basically everything from the neck up seems to be giving me some form of pain and discomfort every day. I have been having difficulties breathing through my nose and am suffering from a blocked ear (possibly Eustachian Tube dysfunction). At the ENT I filled out a routine patient form which required me to write down my previous surgeries. When I met the ENT she inquired about my Jaw surgery and asked who my surgeon was. When I told her who my surgeon was she paused for a moment and than excused herself from the room. She came back in shortly afterwards and proceeded to ask me If I saw my Surgeon often. I said I did and mentioned my upcoming appointment with him in 2 weeks. She paused again and asked If anyone had been in contact with me form his office. At this point, I really had no idea what she was about to say next. She went on to say "I'm really sorry but I have some sad news to tell you".... I was not expecting this news at all!! My surgeon passed away suddenly on April 4th. She didn't mention the details of how he died but she thought seeing as I was a patient of his that I needed to know. They had worked at the same hospital for many years so she knew him quite well.
You can imagine I was pretty shocked to hear this from her. He was a professor and very well regarded surgeon internationally and within Australia, especially for his work at the children's hospital here in Sydney. He was a softly spoken, caring man and even though I have had some complications resulting from my Surgery, I am still extremely thankful for his expertise and professionalism over the past 2 years. I am assuming I will now be in the care of his partner who also assisted during my surgery.
Moving on from hearing the sad news, the ENT performed a few routine procedures on me including a Nasendoscopy. She could clearly see enlarged adenoids at the back of my nose which are obstructing the air flow. Apparently adenoids are meant to shrink and disappear when you reach the age of 8 or children who still have them get them surgically removed along with their tonsils. Enlarged Adenoids can easily cause ear infections along with various other complications. I obviously had no idea I still had mine. She seemed surprised to see them there. The ENT also mentioned that I still have a slightly deviated septum which can be corrected easily. I need to have a routine hearing test done first before I can proceed with the surgery and will also have to go on her waiting list. I am hoping to have it done mid year.
The other complications that are occurring include my TMJ disorder which I am working on with the help of Physiotherapy and my on- going battle with numbness which I don't really know what to do about.
I have a significant patch of numbness which begins on the corner of my bottom lip, part of my chin and extends into most of my right cheek area. My back molars and gums on that side also have a really heavy numb feeling. It it really frustrating because the more I talk the more aware I become of how stiff, tight and numb that area is. It is their 24/7 and I can't seem to get any relief from it. If it was pain I would take something for it but the pain is the numbness which is annoying as HELL. Because of the numbness my cheek constantly feels fat, puffy and inflamed. It really does feel like someone has injected a wad of tissue into that side of my face and it's stuck there and I feel it when I talk or attempt to move the muscles in that area of my face.
I would consider anything to get some normality back to that area!!!! I know this is extreme but sometimes It feels like I've had a stroke on that side or possibly I have massive scar tissue buildup which is causing the heavy tight feeling. I wish I could just get my head around what is actually happening or what I could do to improve it. I've been really emotional about it for many months now and it's really starting to impact on my relationships with my friends and family. I know my mum is getting tired of me talking about it but it's a constant daily reality for me so of cause it's upsetting and frustrating.
Maybe I should see a Neurologist and see If there are any tests that will stimulate the nerves to determine the amount of damage. I just feel somewhat helpless at the moment. Can anybody relate to what I am experiencing or know of anything I can do about it?!?!?!?! I would love any feedback or suggestions :-)
I really hope everyone else is travelling a lot more smoother than I am.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
What do I do now???
It has been 21months since my Jaw surgery and I would LOVE to be telling you all that I have completely moved on from having to worry about issue relating to my jaw/teeth and am instead living a normal full functioning life. Unfortunately the reality is somewhat VERY different. I still wake up ever morning with that sinking feeling of having to battle through another day feeling somewhat stuck with my current situation. MY TMD is completely worse then it was pre surgery. I was not prepared for this at all. Every time I open my mouth to take my first bite or mouthful of food I have to brace myself for the dreaded cracking/crunching sound as my left Temporomandibular joint uncomfortably opens. I get partial locking which means my jaw only opens easily to a certain point and then anything further is somewhat staggered. This is because the articular disc becomes dislodged and thus the jaw does not freely move nicely backwards and forwards. The clicking is also occurring when I talk. You don't realize how much we take things for granted like the ability to normally open/close your mouth without even having to think about it. I am now forced to think about it constantly, because If I don't, I sure as hell am quickly reminded with the sudden feeling of tightness and the shocking noise my jaw now makes. I am really paranoid about not opening up too wide in fear of it becoming completely locked.
I have started seeing a Physiotherapist and he agrees it would never be a good idea for me to open up really wide. He has me doing a number of exercises to help take stress away from the 4 main jaw muscles which are involved in chewing and clenching the teeth. He has said that these exercises have helped some of his other patients being completely relieved of all jaw clicking. I am a bit skeptical about this in my situation as I have another dominate issue contributing to it's severity. MY TONGUE THRUSTING.
Tongue thrusting has been described as one of the most challenging orthodontic issues to correct. In adult patients, this is EVEN more challenging and some would even go as far as saying it's impossible to fully correct because our adult tongue, being one of the strongest muscle in the human body, has become so adapted to a certain pattern of oral habits that is can be extremely hard to correct on a subconscious level. You can think you are placing the tongue in the correct position and doing everything right, but it's just so easy for your tongue to revert back to doing only what it knows best. My tongue thrusting enhances the pressure placed on my jaw joints contributing to my TMD. It's a very frightening and deliberating combination, which causes me a lot of stress and anxiety, especially as my bite has open up slightly.
I also have started seeing an oral myologist who has also given me a variety of exercises to strengthen my tongue and the various facial muscles involved in the act of swallowing. She knows my extensive dental history and that I suffer from TMD so has limited the therapy to exercises that will hopefully not put too much added pressure on my jaw joints. Just take a look at this website (link below) to view the sad reality of tongue thrusting. The introduction paragraph sums up perfectly the reasons why I feel so overwhelmed at the moment. If someone had read this to me or my parents when I was a young child and stated how serious all this was, maybe I could have travelled a smother dental/orthodontic journey which perhaps would have given me a more positive outcome.
http://www.tonguethrust.com/information.htm
To add to all this drama, I am also seeing an ENT in April as my Oral Myologist mentioned that my nose breathing was very noisy and shallow. Even though I have had a septoplasty previously, she thought It might be a good idea to get it checked out again as the ability to breath through your nose properly is essential for continuing on with therapy. I told her that I've had a blocked Eustachian tube on my left side since October last year. ETD is that annoying crackling you hear in your ear. When I drink and swallow, that is what I hear all the time!! Something seems stuck in my middle ear and wont budge. I've tried a few nasal sprays and nothing has changed. Actually it's on the same size I hear the most amount of jaw cracking too. ARGHHH
Lastly, the significant numb patch I still have on my right side is excruciating in terms of how stiff and tight that area still is. Nothing seems to have improved. I've mentioned this previously in my blog posts and numerous times to my surgeon who seems to think everything is normal and that it just takes time!! I want to stay positive about this, but finding it extremely hard. It's not completely numb because I can feel myself pinch the area but it just feels so tight, puffy and inflamed, especially when I talk.
Far out, all of this is more then I would have ever imaged occurring post surgery but unfortunately this is my current situation!! I will continue to keep you updated, hopefully the next post wont be so gloomy. Sorry about that :(
I have started seeing a Physiotherapist and he agrees it would never be a good idea for me to open up really wide. He has me doing a number of exercises to help take stress away from the 4 main jaw muscles which are involved in chewing and clenching the teeth. He has said that these exercises have helped some of his other patients being completely relieved of all jaw clicking. I am a bit skeptical about this in my situation as I have another dominate issue contributing to it's severity. MY TONGUE THRUSTING.
Tongue thrusting has been described as one of the most challenging orthodontic issues to correct. In adult patients, this is EVEN more challenging and some would even go as far as saying it's impossible to fully correct because our adult tongue, being one of the strongest muscle in the human body, has become so adapted to a certain pattern of oral habits that is can be extremely hard to correct on a subconscious level. You can think you are placing the tongue in the correct position and doing everything right, but it's just so easy for your tongue to revert back to doing only what it knows best. My tongue thrusting enhances the pressure placed on my jaw joints contributing to my TMD. It's a very frightening and deliberating combination, which causes me a lot of stress and anxiety, especially as my bite has open up slightly.
I also have started seeing an oral myologist who has also given me a variety of exercises to strengthen my tongue and the various facial muscles involved in the act of swallowing. She knows my extensive dental history and that I suffer from TMD so has limited the therapy to exercises that will hopefully not put too much added pressure on my jaw joints. Just take a look at this website (link below) to view the sad reality of tongue thrusting. The introduction paragraph sums up perfectly the reasons why I feel so overwhelmed at the moment. If someone had read this to me or my parents when I was a young child and stated how serious all this was, maybe I could have travelled a smother dental/orthodontic journey which perhaps would have given me a more positive outcome.
http://www.tonguethrust.com/information.htm
To add to all this drama, I am also seeing an ENT in April as my Oral Myologist mentioned that my nose breathing was very noisy and shallow. Even though I have had a septoplasty previously, she thought It might be a good idea to get it checked out again as the ability to breath through your nose properly is essential for continuing on with therapy. I told her that I've had a blocked Eustachian tube on my left side since October last year. ETD is that annoying crackling you hear in your ear. When I drink and swallow, that is what I hear all the time!! Something seems stuck in my middle ear and wont budge. I've tried a few nasal sprays and nothing has changed. Actually it's on the same size I hear the most amount of jaw cracking too. ARGHHH
Lastly, the significant numb patch I still have on my right side is excruciating in terms of how stiff and tight that area still is. Nothing seems to have improved. I've mentioned this previously in my blog posts and numerous times to my surgeon who seems to think everything is normal and that it just takes time!! I want to stay positive about this, but finding it extremely hard. It's not completely numb because I can feel myself pinch the area but it just feels so tight, puffy and inflamed, especially when I talk.
Far out, all of this is more then I would have ever imaged occurring post surgery but unfortunately this is my current situation!! I will continue to keep you updated, hopefully the next post wont be so gloomy. Sorry about that :(
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Current teeth situation
This is to all of you out there who had an open bite previously to jaw surgery! In the past year I have watched my bite very carefully, probably too obsessively, but I have noticed my bite has slightly opened and I have read that an Esssek retainer ( which is what I was given to retain my teeth position) should not be given to open bite patients as it can cause relapse as the plastic is creating 'space' between upper and lower and there is not proper bite retention. Has anyone got any insight into this??
I would hate to think that my ortho could have given me another retainer instead, hat would not have caused these problems. I do know that the Essek retainer are good too as they help with jaw grinding/clenching which was my other problem. Catch 22?!?!?!?
I'm really nervous, worried and anxious as I don't know what I should do about this now!! Obviously my open bite is nothing like it was per surgery but still it's there and I don't want it to get worse!!!!
I am also experiencing pretty noticeable jaw clicking and grinding in both jaw joints. I've just started Physiotherapy which I should have began ages ago. I have exercises to do everyday, massaging the TMJ joint and surrounding jaw muscle. I also have exercises to improve my neck strength/ position and posture. It's amazing and overwhelming at the same time how everything is connected and ultimately affects each other. So important to have good posture.
Anyways! Happy New Year!! I hope it's great and positive for all of us!!!
I would hate to think that my ortho could have given me another retainer instead, hat would not have caused these problems. I do know that the Essek retainer are good too as they help with jaw grinding/clenching which was my other problem. Catch 22?!?!?!?
I'm really nervous, worried and anxious as I don't know what I should do about this now!! Obviously my open bite is nothing like it was per surgery but still it's there and I don't want it to get worse!!!!
I am also experiencing pretty noticeable jaw clicking and grinding in both jaw joints. I've just started Physiotherapy which I should have began ages ago. I have exercises to do everyday, massaging the TMJ joint and surrounding jaw muscle. I also have exercises to improve my neck strength/ position and posture. It's amazing and overwhelming at the same time how everything is connected and ultimately affects each other. So important to have good posture.
Anyways! Happy New Year!! I hope it's great and positive for all of us!!!
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