Happy anniversary to Me!!

It has been a Year!! We made it.....yes we. I could not have survived this journey without all my wonderful family and friends. THANK YOU ALL!
It has been exactly one year........ look at the difference. I feel amazing. Braces came off in August and I just paid a visit to the extraordinary DR. Bishop this last week. He said my teeth and bite are.......perfect!
I so still have half of a numb chin/lip and the roof of my mouth is still asleep. I am told that will come back - but even if it doesn't I can live with it. NO pain. No headaches. No earaches.
I am eating almost anything I want. I have to be careful to keep my new post surgical svelt self.
I will be heading back to Dallas for my one year check up with the Famous Dr. Wolford. As I have said before, he is amazing. i have not enjoyed working with his office staff ( the infamous Mrs. Wolford - apparently) She has been difficult and unpleasant and I will not miss her. If you are planning on this surgery be your own advocate for the insurance issues and concerns.... they drop the ball with that one.
I will be back on blog after my visit to Dallas. IN the meantime..... Yea me.

Greetings to all! Long time no post!! I am doing so well. As you can see I still have a bit of a lip droop. My bottom lip and lower chin are still numb but they are definitely on the way back. I am a bit tired of eating "soft" but it is good for the waistline for certain.



















I went to Dallas for my 6 month visit  - I flew in at 8 AM and out by 2:00. It was great to see Dr. Wolford - I kind of miss the ole' guy. He said my bite looks perfect and that I have the best orthodontist on earth (Hoping to suck up to the orthodontist and get theses braces off my teeth!). MY opening has gone from 25-33 which I thought was great but Dr.Wolford would like to see more improvement. He gave me permission to start  chewing "real" food with the warning that my chewing muscles have been out of commission for a couple of years and did recommend not starting with steak. 

 PizzA PIZZA PIZZA - that is all I have wanted. Although it looks good in the picture, I actually had to cut it up into small pieces to eat it. It was the best piece of pizza I have EVER had!
So I am working on adding some food texture and increasing my opening.
That is ALL good news. I feel great and am so happy to have it all behind me. i could never have done it without all my wonderful friends and family - and my awesome husband. He really rose to the occasion and beyond.
Of course I am still working on bills and insurance as well. 
For those of you who are reading this blog because you are having the surgery..... here is my tip: Dr. Wolford is the BEST ever. His office help is...... Let me just say that you need to represent yourself with your insurance company and do not get lulled into thinking that his office is going to take care of it for you.( Even if they say they are) Find a person at your insurance company that you can communicate with and call them frequently. Never take no for an answer. Appeal when you need to and then appeal again.  Expect that the approval process is going to take at LEAST 6 months...... or more. No kidding.
I will keep you posted on the improvements as they happen......
love you all!

Holy Heck What Just Happend

I am coming to my senses - getting life back on track the best I can. And Iam wondering what in the heck just happened. the whole procedure and recovery were beyond what I had imagined - or understood it to be. Which might be the worlds way of saying just trust that needs to be done and let it be.
What an amazing,difficult, difficult and amazing adventure this has been. The best part is that we ALL rose to the occasion just like we knew(hoped) we would. That is what love is about and I have never felt more loved in my life.
As i slowly got my brain cells back..... i slowly got some responsibility back. It was a beautiful day when I got to drive around the block to prove to David I could drive. Ahhhh my wheels are mine again.
We had a last sister hoorah day in the hot tub in the mountains in preparations for me going back to work. A day with my sisters. If that is not a gift I do not know what is. And then today....no more sweat pants, no more jammies........ it's the ......Bionic Nurse off to save little children of the world and dressed in real clothes (I do love to wear swear pants). I had a warm welcome at my school and I got alot done. It felt good to be using my brain and to be doing for others again. The baby sitting Jody "era" is coming to an end. Physically my chin is still MIA and half my bottom lip remains on strike. The roof of my mouth might be showing some signs of return but not very quickly. I am wearing my rubber bands like the perfect patient that I am in hopes of getting them off by the start of summer - maybe. maybe. I continue on my mush diet and dream of a slice of pizza. Lilydog and I have been faithful walkers and we are both feeling pretty shapely.
So I am back to work for 29 days..... and then summer break is there to rescue me. What a Life I have. Not too bad at all.
Thanks for continuing to check in on me. I love and appreciate all of you all.

Weekend Update (minus Seth Myers)

So after my visit with Dr. Wolford my mouth was sore - just as he predicted. I drove to Edwards Colorado to see my favorite orthodontist Dr. Alton Bishop and his lovely wife and assistant Shirlene(we all know who is really in charge). (Aren't they adorable?) Edwards was BEAUTIFUL! I enjoyed it up there. Dr. Bishop was very pleased with the report from Dr. Wolford but he did put me back in rubber bands. :-(
My teeth are still moving so very nicely with the bands that we must take advantage of it.
I am feeling very good overall. I do wish the bottom lip would rise and shine - and my chin as well. But I am told "all in good time". In a way the surgery seems like yesterday - and in some ways it seems like it has been a long time. But the beauty of it all is that I have not had one single migraine since the surgery. And no grinding noise in my ear that my jaw used to make when I moved it. So I will be patient (tee hee) because the payoff is HUGE.
For those of you wondering about the fire - we are not in any danger. Today they are beginning to get it contained. Yahoo.
So....... it's me and Dr. Bishop for 4 more months until the next visit with the big boss in Dallas. Slow but steady is the motto.
Thanks still and again to all of you who continue to help us out - we could not be luckier people. Love and hugs to all.
bye

The Return to the scene of the Crime!

It is Saturday evening and David and I just returned from my 8week follow up visit in Dallas with Dr. Wolford. The news is all good. The bite is “perfect”. He took off the rubber bands today to see if it is solid enough to stay without bands or not. I will follow up with the orthodontist next week and he will decide if they come back ( I expect they will be back) But for now it is glorious to open my mouth and actually eat off of a grown up utensil.
Teeth and gums are VERY sore but apparently that is a good sign of nerves waking up. I am going to start weaning the medication at night – and as that decreases my driving can increase. He says things will be hugely different in one month.- like energy for work!
Thank you to my wonderful eldest sister for taking the boys (and the dog) while we were in Dallas. I could not have done any of this without my amazing friends and family. I am feeling hopeful today that there really will be an end at some point,
We went to visit a boy (18) that had the surgery yesterday. He is in for the worst night of his life tonight but his family was very happy to see me at 8 weeks and know the misery is worth it.
I am feeling a bit like the young teenage crowd right now wearing my paints hangin off my butt and showing my undies. I will be seeking a ride to a mall soon for a new pair of pants (happily) and new bras (sadly).
so just wanted to let you all know that progress is being made and the news is all good. I took a picture in front of the hospital to send along.
Enjoy the beautiful weather – happy spring break for all of you have spring break.
Much love and thanks to you all,

The Magic of 8 weeks.

Hi everybody. All is going well - so we are off tomorrow for Dallas
for the 8 week check up with my favorite surgeon Dr. Wolford.
Doesn't he look like the nicest man? He is. Doesn't he look like the smartest man? He is.













Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted when I get back.
Love to all.
j

Time for an update.

HI everybody. Long time no chat. Things are going so well. 8 weeks really is the magic number. I am getting my energy back - no more naps and able to tolerate some real exercise. Lily and I took a 3.6 mile walk - we were both wiped out but we are going to get better at it. I changed my own rubber bands this week which was a big deal - and took me a very long time. Still trying to think of yummy mushy things to have for meals. (boring). Want a pizza. Half of my lower lip is starting to get some feeling - chin is still numb. I am off to see Dr. Wolford on Friday. I have a lot of questions for him and hope he has lots of answers. Will let you know how the visit goes when I get back.
Thanks to all - love ya
jody

A Real Date

Hi everybody. Everything is going well. My orthodontist appointment on Friday was good - he accidentally pinched my lower lip and it hurt! Ya hoo....... it must be starting to wake up. He says the rubber bands are working great and I am going to change my own rubber bands next week ( well probably Dr. David) and then see Dr. Wolford on 3/24.
David and I went out to dinner on Saturday night and I had egg drop soup and rice -with a REAL utensil. REal clothes ( which are fitting quite nicely by the way) and I did not spill any food on my real clothes. It was so fun to just be out with my hubby. I feel like I have had pretty good energy this weekend and maybe can get something done around home with less napping.
Looking forward to my visit with Dr. Wolford. I hope he thinks things are aligned the way he wants them to be. Fingers crossed.
Thanks and love to all
Bye Bye for now

IT'S GROUND HOG DAY

Hi all. Wish I had some "big" news to report but right now it is hard to tell one day from the next. Every thing is going well. My teeth ache so that must mean they are starting to wake up. Lip and chin are still in hibernation. Brushing and cleaning my mouth and teeth take up a large part of my day. I am definitely sleeping less! And I am down to one layer of clothing most days. Still wearing my black hat at night, very attractive.
I had a most wonderful lunch yesterday with my nursing associates - they brought lunch and laughs and flowers. Best day ever.
I go to see Dr. Wolford in Dallas on the 24th. Off tho the orthodontist tomorrow - tighter rubbers bands (boo) but it is an adventure out.
i have been cooking some meals for the family - in which the children have been grateful - although Dad has done a superior job all the way.
Guess that is all for now. Thanks to everybody!! XOXO
jody

Long time no post!

Hi friends and family. I know I am a bit behind and am not sure why. Last week I had Cooper home with me puking (him - not me)
WE watched movies and napped for a couple of day.
I have been sleeping less - actually doing some laundry and paper work!
Looks like my smile muscles are getting better - the physical therapy is helping with that.
I wish my lower lip would wake up - it seems to be bothering me the most. The chin is still completely numb but my checks are starting to tingle. I just learned today that caffeine actually causes pain in nerves as they wake up so we will be avoiding that. I have not gone back to coffee anyway - no fun when it has to be in a syringe. My best friend the orthodontist is happy with the progress but he thinks the rubber bands will stay on as long as long as the braces are on. That was a bit disappointing to me because that limits my ability to open my mouth further than a fingers width. That is limiting my ability to speak and I really need to go back to work and speak. I go to see Dr. Wolford March 25th. in Dallas. He will decide if he can use bigger rubber bands to give me a bit more opening.
I miss my WHEELS! I am hoping that Dr. Wolford will give me the OK to drive and life will get significantly better for me as well as all my friends.
As for the food choices, I am quite BORED. All the fun of eating is gone. Good for the scale but still boring.
I need the wind to stop because whenever I go out for a walk it is quite painful on my face. Started riding the stationary bike in the basement. Have just finished the entire 7 seasons of Weeds. Loved Loved Loved by the way.
OK......... i guess that is it for now. WE continue to limp along with the help of friends and family.
One very exciting thing I forgot..... I can now use a straw!!! Life changing. Happy.
Bye Bye

Behind on Posting

So I am way behind posting cause there is nothing really exciting to report. Things are going along as they should be(seems slow to me)
The orthodontist is very happy with the rubber band s and how well they are working. Chin, lips, and cheeks are still snoozing - that is a frustrating part -the bottom lip.
Brooks has been home sick all week with cough cold and ear infection and now it appears as though Copper has decided to try it for the coming week.
I am starting to do some things around the house - laundry and help with meals. I am sleeping a lot less. David is grumpy - pretty much most of the time - and there is a possibility that I may be a bit grumpy as well. I NEED WHEELS!
Next ortho appointment for me is Friday and I will be scheduling my follow up visit in Dallas for 2 weeks!!!! Cant wait for it to be time for the rubber bands to come out.
Thanks for everything to everyone.
Talk to you soon.
bye

Kathleen the cruise director

Hi everybody. Today was another orthodontist appointment.... I am the best patient ever by the way. He says things are still looking great and the rubber bands are still really working. And..... that I have very clean teeth (not an easy task with all the rubber bands in the mouth). I am suppossed to start the side to side physical therapy 3-4 times a day. Maybe tomorrow. Aunt Kathleen was my cruise director for the day and she always comes equipped with with starbucks.... out of a syringe of course. After the dentist we took Brooks to The Children's ortho clinic to get his cast redone because it was not on correctly. Then a stop a Walgreen's and who's day woul not be complete with all that!! I am feeling more clear each day and able to stay in the upright position longer each day as well. Getting Better. Yahooo.
now so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open. Thanks for the yummy dinner tonight - thoughtful as usual.
Feel ready for some company if anybody wants to say hi in person.
Love you all and thanks for everything.
nite nite

Looking Pretty

Look at my pretty toes. My sister took me out for a little beautification (more needed). Not all of the toes are mine. We had starbucks (out of a syringe....trendy) and had a pedi and mani and then........... we even stopped at the pharmacy. Then it was straight to bed for me. It was so great to be out.
Today on this presidents day I am celebrating by using my brain. Paying bills.... yes they have started rolling in. Brooks has a bit of cold so he is chillaxin with me and Cooper went to meet with "the band".
Tomorrow is my next orthodontist appointment. We are starting physical therapy and it does NOT look fun, easy or painless. Ill keep you posted on that.
Still sippin yummy soup out of syringes thanks to all you good cooks. Thanks for everything.
BBye

I Actually Went OUTSIDE in REAL clothes

sorry about the delay the last couple of days but I did think there should have been a tad bit more enthusiasm for the shrinking badonkadonk. just saying....
Yesterday, I put on blue jeans ( no jammies , no sweats) and went to Cooper Dickerson's basketball game. Which he won. The blue jeans not such a good choice since i do still have healing incisions on my abdomen....but the jean were looser. It was nice to get out and then even nicer to get back in. The breeze is really bothering my face as the nerves and muscles try to remember what they are supposed to be doing. Still sporting my favorite black hat !
I feel like the last three days have been a bit of a corner turn. Starting to sleep less and follow conversations. Auntie Joan came and "helped" me bake valentine cookies for my boys. Nice eh? I even paid a couple of bills.... hoping that worked out the way it should.
Today was a bit rough as the boys were home from school (don't they ever go to school?) and it seemed a bit high maintenance. Not quite ready for that so bedtime will be early. So I'm feeling like there is actually progress going on. Today is ONE month. So..... i guess this is a bit rougher than I thought it might be. But it can be done.
Thanks for all the yummy food and flowers and love and valentine cards.
Love to all

The Shrinking Badonkadonk

There certainly have to be a few perks along the way. I see this as one. Big one.
Today was my best day. I felt energetic in spurts (Auntie Joan helped me make valentine cookies for my valentines (they were kind of lame but loving). I attempted to open a few pieces of mail - and thank you for the Valentine cards - made me happy. I took only advil for pain today and that seems like a big step forward. I have not been doing well with my daily walking as it is icy and the cold air is actually painful on the nerves that are starting to wake up. Might have to ride the bike in basement for a while. Even read the newspaper (a little) and a couple of syringes of Starbuck Chai that auntie Joan brought me. Thanks for all the foods and grocery's - greatly appreciated.
The orthodontist appointment yesterday said that the there had been a 60% improvement with the rubber bands since last Wed. That is what we are looking for - perfection. But apparently that takes patience so i am working on that. Becoming ZEN.
Brooks got a bright red cast on today and that is one more crisis averted for today. Poor David has not gotten a day a work done in weeks. Of course it does not help that the kids have a four day weekend coming up and that is usually mommy entertainment. WE might be putting together a lot jiqsaw puzzles. I may even break my own rule and get WII for my sanity and the sanity of those around us.
Anyway.......today feels good - I hope it is a trend and not a fluke.
Big hugs to all my valentines xoxo

Sunday Night. We made it!

I know you are all getting sick of looking at the same black hat..... My ears hurt alot it keeps them feeling better. Perhaps I could change colors but this one is so FUZZY. No action picture today but I think my smile might be getting better!!
Cooper worked on homework this whole weekend due to being a couple of weeks behind (I think he considered our absence a vacation) David worked so hard with him and aunt Kathleen finished the laundry. Brooks waited fairly patiently for Coop to finish his work so they could go to the lake and play some ice hockey. As for me......it took me most of the day to shower, clean my teeth/mouth - I did get a good walk in with Brooks and Lily and then a good nap.
So right now David is at the emergency room because Brooks broke his wrist in ice hockey. (sigh) The good news.....bring it on my deductible is P.A.I.D. consider this a free Break. Thanks for all the yummy food. XOXO

Saturday at Home

the best part of today was that my sister kathleen came and did the laundry and changed all the sheets. Yipeeeee. Priceless,
I was put in charge of helping Cooper get caught up with his school work which seems to me a little like asking me to sew a prom dress by 6:00. Apparently I did not do it the Proper "Dave Way" and will be passively punished for a period of time. That was not the fun part of the day because it is hard to state your case when unable to speak. I am sure the pressure of the household is getting to him.
Other wise it took me all day to shower dress, comb my hair eat and return to bed for a nap. Not really a high powered day. One of my rubber bands came off and Dr. david and his trusty assistance Kathleen got it right back in place.
Hopefully there will be more harmony tomorrow. really need harmony right now.
Thanks for alll the beautiful flowers and cards. they mean so very much.
I feel loved

Hit the Wall- Three weeks today

This would be me hitting the wall. Just got kind of tired of feeling like this. I probably did to much yesterday and added to my maxed out feeling.I went to the boys conferences which was not enjoyable in itself. My face is starting to wake up and that is an unpleasant feeling. I am warming up though. NO hat or long underwear today. So I got a little weepy and that really hurt my jaw - so I ended up taking diaudid. That took care of all the problems quite nicely. Still sleeping a lot which is good. Hopefully we can have a quiet weekend around the house.
Seems to be a lot of stress here right now. Tomorrow is a new day!
see you tomorrow!

To.Tired.To. Post.

see you tomorrow

The warmth of the Sun

This is an amazing Maui sunset that a friend sent to help keep me warm. I feel better already.
Today was my visit to the orthodontist who is now taking over. We had to see him in his Frisco office today - it was a nice drive but turned into a long day. (no nap!) He changed out all of the rubber bands which tightened up my bite again so I am back to the syringes instead of the baby spoon. The surgeon had told us that the surgery would fix the bite about 98% and the rubber band manipulation would take it the rest of the way - so the rubber bands are a vital part of the treatment. Our orthodontist happens to have a lot of experience with the surgeon in Dallas - they had worked together for years so we feel well taken care of. My jaws are barking tonight after the ortho visit but I am sure will be better tomorrow. The other fact that Dr Bishop told us was that it takes about 1 week of recovery for every hour of anesthesia. So, at some point my brain will clear. Until then, sweet dreams to all.