I browsed a lot of social media in the first two weeks. I couldn't focus on books. I was too loopy on pain meds or I didn't have the energy. I saw hundreds of photos of food on Pinterest and Instagram, but nothing piqued my stomach.
Then I saw this photo and my hunger returned in an instant.
Since then I've been known to groan, moan, bitch and whine about my hunger. I craved anything with kale, potatoes or Italian sausage.
I've had the green light on the coveted* "soft chew diet" since Tuesday. This means I can eat anything that's soft like scrambled eggs or pasta. I knew my first meal would be mashed potatoes with butter, salt and pepper.
I cooked it up, put it on a plate** and sat down to devour it.
Now let me explain something. I've had this body and this jaw/teeth/mouth for X number of years. When I picked up the fork and shoveled a small amount in***, it was instant chaos.
Imagine what it's like to chew like a Muppet. This was me.
My tongue is clueless, it doesn't know where to go or what to do. It shoves the food around but doesn't know to get out of the way of my newly connecting teeth. Ouch!? Plus my teeth are all in different places and I can't feel them.
Food also disappears. It's WEIRD. One moment it's there then poof - gone. Did I swallow that? I don't think so....wait - it's back. A lot of food ends up lodged between my cheek and lower gums and I have to fish it out my hand.
Nice.
My jaw is also drawing a blank when it comes to chewing. All it's capable of is UP and DOWN. It's like a panini press?! The next time you chew something, take the time to actually notice the dance that's happening between your tongue, jaw, teeth and cheeks.
I know I'll get to sandwiches eventually but for now I can't imagine when that will be.
* "Coveted" for any jaw surgery patient
** What is this plate? I haven't seen a plate in a month!
*** I still sometimes need a mirror to find my mouth. Seriously.
6 comments:
I'm so happy that you've graduated to Cookie Monster! Before you know it, you'll be eating like Bert, who I assume is a very neat eater.
Haha, if only there was a Lego Cookie Monster I could send you.
Christielli,
Holy crap would a Cookie Monster Lego be hilarious!! And I totally agree, I'm going to aim for Bert.
Love your blog! It's been one of the best I've found about describing double jaw & genioplasty. Your sense of humour is fantastic, and this blog makes my nerves a little calmer. I have surgery scheduled for Wednesday, and had to say thank you for your words beforehand!
Kylie,
Thanks for the compliment! I tried to keep my posts on the positive side because there are so many positives on this journey.
Good luck with your surgery! If you need advice or want to chat, don't hesitate to email me during your recovery. Nobody knows what you're going through better than a fellow jaw surgery patient!
I agree with Kylie-- your sense of humor would be a godsend to any jaw surgery patient about to go through a similar thing! I had never really considered how complex chewing actually is. I'll appreciate this intricate coordination when I sit down for dinner tonight!
Post a Comment