Lexi

[Guest guest]

That's exciting stuff! Isn't it freaky the first time you talk! My

tongue wanted to stay way back in my mouth where it had been for 6

weeks! I took my toothbrush and toothpaste to my de-splinting

appointment, but I felt a little awkward brushing with an audience. I

got the job done, but I REALLY got the job done when I got home! I

still can't wait to get them cleaned at the dentist on June 12! It's

amazing what we take for granted!

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed your first day of freedom and not

overdone it. It doesn't take long for those muscles to get achy and

start having spasms if you work them too hard the first few days.

Let us know what you find out tomorrow. We'll be waiting patiently!

Marsha

> > So! Are you de-wired?

> >

> > Irish!

>

> Well, when I saw my surgeon today I was not really sure what he'd

do--

> keep the wires on until week eight or cut me loose. I had asked

him

> not to give me any prewarning (to avoid dashed hopes)--simply do it

> when the time came.

>

> But as soon as I settled into his chair today he started in with

the

> same old questions: Any busted wires? Any loose wires? Any wires

> cutting your cheek? I sighed, and thought, okay Lexi, so no

cutting

> loose this week. That's just one more week to make that jaw even

> stronger.

>

> Then he turned around and stepped toward the chair with a wire

> cutters in his hand. I got so excited. Of course I said something

> incredibly intelligent like, " Wire cutters! Oh my gosh! Those are

> wire cutters! " He kind of chuckled and started snipping away.

>

> I cannot describe how thrilling it was to open my mouth. After

seven

> weeks, it was a moment to remember. Hurt like heck, of course, but

> still felt good. The nurse had a toothbrush all ready for me (of

> course, when I brushed the backs of my teeth, the gums bled, but

who

> cares? I got that brush in there!)

>

> But here's the story. I am on probation until I see him tomorrow.

> No lifting of the diet restrictions--still liquid only--except he

did

> tell me I could have mashed potatoes. Sweet guy. He thought he

was

> offering me some big time treat. If he only knew I've been living

on

> 101-things-to-mix-with-mashed-potatoes, and if I never see another

> mashed pototo again on this planet, I'll die a happy woman.

>

> Anyway, tomorrow I go back to the surg. Any change in my bite at

> all, and back go the wires. But if not....well, then we crack open

> the bubbly and start to teach this tongue how to do its job again.

> (yup, I did try to eat the refried beans without the aid of the

> blender and my tongue was just so confused. I keep thinking of

that

> old adage about old dogs and new tricks....

>

> Things I did this afternoon with pleasure:

> --brushed teeth (bought a baby toothbrush at CVS--went for Blues

> Clues, although Barney toothbrush was a better shape--still I

refuse

> to buy Barney.)

> --yawned, not real wide, but it felt sooo good

> --sang to my youngest kid

> --checked out my tongue (I'm sure the guy in the car behind me

> thought I was the vainest person as I checked my mouth in the

mirror

> at every stop light after the wires were cut

> --licked my lips!

>

> So I'm not quite free, but am tasting freedom, and it sure tastes

> good.

> Thanks so much Irish and Randy for thinking of me,

> Lexi