Surprise, No Loose Screws

It came as a big surprise to my husband that I don't have a screw loose. He's just sure there's another one in there that's causing me to be so weird. I told him to just wait until he has a procedure and I'll tease him.

Today at 11:15 I walked into the OR to get my plates and screws removed just on the left lower jaw. I have to tell you, it was a piece of cake. They did give me gas to put me to sleep and a half trachea tube, and an hour later I was in recovery drinking apple juice. The doc did say the screws weren't loose, so that wasn't what caused the infection. He said a piece of food or some bacteria probably just got in the screw/plate. He said because of the infection the bone started to lay down more bone to cover the infection and he had to scrape the bone down.

I woke in recovery in pain which made me think the pain would only get worse, but it didn't. Actually, I feel fantastic now! I am still swollen in that spot, but I think removing the infection has already made me feel better. Or it could be all the Vicoden I've been taking. :-)

I've already taken the dog on a walk, made dinner(simple one) and cleaned the kitchen.

I am restricted to a cold liquid diet for 24hrs then I can progress to a soft diet for about 4-7 days depending on how I feel. Oh yea and I should feel good enough to go to the Bronco's game on Sunday! So excited. Anyway, you guys are all just awesome. Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and comments.

Plate and Screw Removal Tomorrow

Hi all. I had my appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday and he wants to take the plate and screws out. Actually, so do I. My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:15. It will be done at his surgical suite in his office. He kinda freaked me out when he said that an anaesthesiologist will be there. I thought he was going to just put me to sleep with an IV, but I guess he changed his mind. I know it will be nothing like my last surgery so I guess I'm not really scared, just a little . He said it would take about an hour. He didn't recommend me doing the other side because it wasn't bothering me. So, thanks guys for your input! You were all right. Once he's in there he should be able to tell what caused the infection. He also may have to shave the bone down slightly if I had some overgrowth. Sometimes that happens with an infection.

I asked the nurse how often this happens and I didn't get a very straight answer. She just said "not that often". Anyway, your prayers are always appreciated. Hugs!

The Infection is Back

Well as the doctor expected, my infection is back. I've been off the antibiotics for about 3-4 weeks now and my jaw started to get tender a few days ago. Over night it swelled up. It's kinda weird because the swelling is really hard, not soft like I expected it to be. It's right along my lower left jaw. In the picture it's on the left (looks like my right). The picture is reversed. Anyway, I called the doc today and he's going to put me antibiotics just to get me through the weekend. He wants to see me Tuesday. Looks like the plates and screws are going to come out. He said he would give me the option of removing the other side. The only draw back besides extra pain is he will have to put a hole in my cheek to remove the last screw. I'm not sure what to tell him. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks so much.