Me and My Big Mouth

For weeks I have had a recurring nightmare scenario of waking up in the middle of surgery. Besides the inevitable pain, this one fear factor alone has sent shivers down my spine. I have a pretty vivid imagination which for someone who enjoys a little artistic freedom is a wonderful thing, but for one who is a single parent during the week and approaching a date with a surgeon – not so great. During the day, my mind was occupied with school/house projects and graduation. Yet the night belonged to the Twilight Zone. I did not get much sleep prior to last Thursday, but had no trouble getting up and ready for surgery day.

It was a quiet ride to Dr. Farber’s office. Scott tried diligently to offer small talk, but I refused. Since I required my husband to make a practice run to the location days before, we had no traffic delays and arrived 15 minutes early to the office. All I could do was pace. The sound of unlocking the door welcomed us in right at 7:30 AM. After signing paper work while discussing formalities, the anesthesiologist calls my name. My body reacted so fast to hearing its title that I didn’t even think to hug Scott before leaving the waiting room. I sat in the patient’s chair fiddling with my fingers wishing I had said something to Scott. Dr. Feelgood began working his magic through a few steps before “making me feel alright.” First, finding the vein… then needle hook-up for the good stuff. Three EKG sensors were strategically placed on my arm and legs. An oxygen tube wrapped around my ears, up to my nose to give additional air flow. By this time, Dr. Farber walked into the room discussing surgery specifics. I personally appreciated this. No need to forget a tooth or take out an additional one. I remember the anesthesiologist saying to me, “It won’t take long now” while my oral surgeon said OK, we will start with the wisdom teeth… and that was it, until… my body started to wake up before the surgery was over.

I am looking forward to my check up appointment this Friday to discuss with Dr. Farber two things: 1. Why the left side of my chest is so sore? And 2. What was I doing towards the last few minutes of surgery? I know my eyes were not open, but I distinctly remember hearing my name, feeling my body move as well as stitches in the mouth. Thankfully my mind was not fully awake or the reoccurring nightmare would have certainly become reality. The first blurred images I recall are of Scott standing in the room while Dr. Farber discussed the outcome of the surgery. I remember feeling very sad and confused. Dr. Feelgood kindly walked me to my car. At this point I was hoping he would hook me up with some more good stuff. The pain was approaching, and fast. The ride to Walgreens and home is also fuzzy except for the extreme pain. Scott had me popping pills in no time flat once in bed. And for two full hours I did OK… until….

The pain medication wore off. I begged and pleaded for more, but after a call to the doctor’s office my request was denied. The next best thing offered was 800 mg of Motrin which thankfully did the trick. For two days straight for every two hours I gladly popped pills. I didn’t eat much during that time, but am now slowly adding in more calories thanks to milkshakes – Yummy! In between naps and our Dexter Seasons 1 and 2 marathons, Scott explained what the doctor had shared with him. First off the bat, Dr. Farber was extremely surprised of my ability to wake up so quickly from the anesthesia. Apparently I should have been out of it for a bit longer. Then the news I did not want to hear. Exposing and bonding the lower incisor was unsuccessful. My teeth are so crowded he could not push it through to the gum line. This means in a few months once my teeth start spacing out, I go back for more surgery. *Sigh* Another added tid bit of info regarding my recovery – the area where they searched for the hidden incisor would be extremely sore. And let me say, that was an understatement.

It’s been six days since then. Today is the first day I’m starting to feel a bit more like myself and not a zombie. I’m not by any means 100% yet, but it will happen. It is so important to me to thank my parents for keeping Mason and Morgan for four days straight. That was HUGE! I’ve had them for two days by myself during a school week, and I am exhausted in no time flat. And a very special thank you to Scott for taking care of me on my road to recovery. I am not a very good patient. Lots of love to my parents, Scott and the kids during this time – I know it has not been easy. So, I’ll keep you all posted on the next steps. Follow up on Friday. Orthodontist on July 15th. Sad to think- all of this is just for my teeth. I’ve still got eye issues to deal with. I swear my body is over 40! LOL! ;-) Thank you all for you support, encouragement and prayers. It means more than you know!

Before / After