I was released from the hospital on May 22nd. The overnight stay wasn't too bad. The nurse (I wish I remember her name!) was awesome. Very low-key, not bossy and patient with me each time she had to give me my medication. By bedtime I was receiving my meds by spoon instead of the I.V., so that was a good thing!
The car ride home to my friends' house was very pleasant, albeit a little warm, thanks to Austin's weather! I stayed at their house the rest of the week and through the weekend. I was so grateful to be able to see my Goddaughter each day before she went to the sitter, and of course when everyone was home after work - being in that environment really helped the healing process begin with ease.
I saw the Ninja on Monday - Memorial Day. The office was closed but he wanted me to go in so I could begin the other thing I was kind of dreading...the turning of the appliance! We met him at 11am (after dodging a train and traffic) and he let us in the back door. He was, as always, his very calm and cool self.
He checked my mouth to make sure everything looked ok and then he gave me a mirror and the key and said to find the hole and insert the key. For a few minutes I could not find the dang hole to save my life. "There?" "No." "There?" "Close...go a little...no." "There????" After several failed attempts, I realized I had my glasses on (mind you, I can't function with the darn things on my face!) and took them off. VOILA! I found the hole! I practiced inserting and taking out the key a few times before he said to turn it. I did it once - that was to activate it - and then after a few moments I turned it again, initiating the process. Two turns a day for the next two weeks. The goal is to make a gap between the two front teeth 8 to 10 millimeters wide. Not bad, I can do this...
Every day since I've been turning the appliance I've taken a picture of myself - well, one of me and then one of my mouth and...
O.M.G.
The Ninja wasn't joking when he said it was going to be drastic. That sucker really has gotten bigger! Last Thursday (May 30) he measured it at 2mm and today, almost a week later, I'm really starting to resemble Goofy! Mind you, I'm not opening my mouth a lot when I talk and I'm avoiding smiling because I'm paranoid. I already looked a little funny with my friend Fang, but now...wow...whole new look!
I'll see the Ninja again tomorrow and then I'll see Dr. Mai on Monday the 10th. It just might be that the turning will be over soon and then Step 2 of this process can begin. Until then I will keep positive and relish in the fact that I - like many others out there - resemble a celebrity :)
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