Hey Emily

Sorry it took me so long to get get back to you, Emily, but here you go:

Q: How long was your recovery?
A: Define recovery. I took 5 weeks off post-surgery.

Q: Were people amazed by the change after the swelling had gone done? I kind of want a total transformation because my underbite is very apparent; will the change be totally different? (I'll send you photos).
A: "Amazed"? Maybe not. Mostly people tell me I look younger and my face is rounder. I'm the only person I wanted to "amaze" - and quite frankly, I'm very happy with the results.

Q: What was the most difficult part of recovery?
A: Breathing problems. See http://bracemyself.blogspot.com/2007/02/breathing-through-wet-sponge.html.

Q: My upper jaw is really flat and concave, but they haven't brought up the fact that I need it shortened and advanced a little, should I insist for the best results? I am also, having my jaw set back.
A: Consult your surgeon. I can't give you any professional opinions.

Q: Was there any permanent numbness upper or lower? Any paralysis?
A: About a third of my lower lip still feels somewhat numb, but it's not enough to bother me.

Progress

Slept through most of the night, woke up only twice. Breathing has become easier - not 100% there yet, but it didn't bother me enough to wake me up. :) Also, my nose isn't bloody anymore. Big improvement, considering how it's been bloody evern since the surgery. Also, the pain no longer becomes all-consuming as soon as the pain killer wears off after four hours. I tell myself not to take it unless I really NEED it. No point getting psychologically dependent on that stuff.

Breathing Through A Wet Sponge

This has been such a long, long night. I'd fall asleep from absolute exhaustion, only to wake up from my ever-diminishing breathing capacities. Jaw "wired" (rubber-banded), with a serious nasal congestion. It's one of the worst feelings I've ever experienced. It's as if your world is closing in.... and you're trapped in the middle with less and less oxygen.... and the light just dims. I feel this cloud of congestion hoovering right up in my sinus, between my eyebrows. It's like - breathing through a wet sponge.

The nurses had suggested to sleep with my head elevated to help reduce the swelling in my face. I've "slept" all night sitting up in my bed, with lots of pillows propped up behind my back. It's not exactly pleasant, and while it didn't promote the swelling, it didn't reduce it much, either. Off I go to get more ice packs from the fridge.