Makay's Jaw Journey

Senior Year-

2011-11-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am so happy with the results I think I could honestly jump for days...

Today I got my senior pictures taken, and when I was given a sneak peek and was shown this picture I just couldn't believe how far I have come. What amazing things the surgery has done to my confidence level... although this surgery was not simply cosmetic (NOT by a long shot...) it really did some incredible good for the way I see myself.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all, I would be glad to answer them...

and feel free to email me as well for a quicker response. :)

Love Always,

Makay

Better than Ever, Except...

2011-10-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hello World...

How am I doing after surgery?

Well. It has been over a year now, and honestly it feels like some distant memory. I honestly have trouble remembering those first few weeks after surgery- all I remember was how awful it was, drooling on myself incessantly. Other than that I don't remember a whole lot. It seems like it happened once upon a dream, which I suppose is great news for some of you, especially those of you who are going through it right now.

I have been doing great except I am currently getting my upper two wisdom teeth and those little buggers hurt! I have to get them out, there is no date on the calendar yet, but you can be sure I will be blogging about it... it is part of the jaw-journey...

Because of my history with surgery I have to get them extracted by my surgeon, Dr. Turvey, rather than my dentist... which although it is a bit of a hassle makes me MUCH more comfortable with the whole situation...

I thought I might as well share some pictures with you all from this past weekend up to the mountains, it was incredibly beautiful up there!

Sometimes life is like a wind that just brushes right by, and honestly this past year has gone by at a rapid speed... I reach to grasp it, and hold on to my youth, but it will be gone before I know it...

Let me know if you have any questions... any questions at all!

And if you leave your email, I may be able to respond quicker, nevertheless I will respond.

Have a blessed day! :)

Makay

De-Braced and Can't Stop Smiling

2011-07-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it has been forever. I realize that, and I apologize, but that just goes to prove that after surgery life goes on. The experience only remains in your distant memory. At times though it seems like just yesterday...

I have great news (which may be obvious due to the title) my journey is complete! I have been de-braced! The bars were removed and I was set free 2 days before my Junior prom and I couldn't stop smiling... My teeth felt so free!

I just got back from a mission trip from Alaska, and I was thrilled to continually smile the entire 3 weeks! My dearest friend Mari was my smily partner on the expedition!

Life without braces, and a normal jaw is sweet, and honestly I wouldn't even think about it or appreciate my smile if I hadn't of had to go through my jaw journey!

Does anyone have questions? :)

I missed you all! I hope you are doing well.

Love, Makay

Some Photos and Some Love...

2011-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

Finally.

Finally I can live the way I want.

No insecurities about my bite... they have dissipated-

Bring on the profile shots...

Shining my super big smile incessantly (can you find me? not hard.) haha!

No underbite! :) This is amazing!

Look at that bite! Perfection!

Finally! FINALLLLLLY! :D

So I know this wasn't informational, however I pray it is inspirational... I went through hell to get where I am, and I am so glad I did! Every second was worth it!

Stand in the Rain all my lovelies!

You will make it through this storm!

This is where the healing begins! This is the journey... to a better you!

Let me know about any questions and or concerns you have! I am here to help! (Leave me your email in the comment box if you want a faster response! I will get back to you asap that way!)

Love Always and Blessings,

Makay

Delayed Update...

2011-01-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hi all my lovelies! :) How are you?

I am fabulous. :)

I am sure you want to see some update pictures... since I haven't posted in forever...

Compared to a month or two ago my face has gotten a more "heart" shaped feel rather than a circle- swelling is basically 100% down, and I am just so happy!

I'm going to amaze you with another set of before and afters... :)

Shizamm! :)

I am stuck with braces for a while longer, hopefully they will be off by April- that's what we are praying for...

I was wondering if you had any questions, or any concerns...

Or any topics for me to post about...

I guess my posts right now are sort of dry... :)

LET ME KNOW! :D

Love, Makay

Answering Some Question!

2010-12-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hi all my awesome followers! I am back for an update, and I will be answering some questions that were left on the last post, however, first I wanted to share with you a before and after that is pretty awesome!

God, thank you! I love it! ha.

Now for some questions!

Many people say jaw surgery changed the shape/position/appearance of their nose --and understandably so...but does jaw surgery affect your sense of smell? (I know this is weird- but I have a really good sense of smell [bad eyesight!ha] and I'm pretty worried about possibly losing that after jaw surgery.

No- it has not affected my sense of smell- however I can breathe MUCH better- that is one of the reasons that the surgery was "medically" necessary- for breathing- I can now breathe with my mouth closed and it is awesome! So no, not an issue- at first you will be so swollen that your sense of smell is pretty bad, but don't worry- just like everything else it will come back with a little time and Afrin nose spray- ha.

Do you play a wind instrument? ...I play the trumpet. Braces have already drastically changed my embouchure- I can only imagine the effect jaw surgery will have on my ability to play.

I do not play a wind instrument, HOWEVER... I would think just like eating feels different, and brushing your teeth feels different, playing your trumpet will be different... HOWEVER... I think you will compensate perfectly- it just will feel a little strange at first, but don't worry that TOTALLY goes away, because chewing felt weird at first, but now, I can't remember it before surgery. ha.

Do you still experience numbness or tingling?

Yes. I have numbness in my chin... that's it- and its coming back- if someone touches my chin it will tingle which is SUPER annoying, but I can feel the nerves coming back- its not like completely asleep like it was at first. So yes, I still have a tiny bit of numbness, but its coming back! :)

Does anything appear to be permanently damaged? Nerve-wise, everything is back to normal?

Nope- everything is basically back to normal other than my tingly chin- ha.

When the orthodontist prepared your teeth for surgery, did your underbite become more pronounced/worse or did braces continuously make your teeth gradually better?

WORSE WORSE WORSE! That is a terrible part about this journey- it gets worse before it gets better... here look...

Before braces...

After braces had been on a while...

Here is an animation that might help you see what I am trying to show... pay close attention to the part where they put the braces on and how it straightens the teeth...

I hope you see what I am saying... but yes- it def gets worse...

I got a bit worried, that maybe the surgery might leave me with a bit of a double chin, because as they're moving the bottom jaw back, wouldn't there then be too much skin there?

No no no no! Babe, that isn't an issue at ALLLL! You body reshapes to the bone... I promise- that is not a worry. haha. :)

I try really hard to make my diction better, but I think it might be to do with my bite!do you think that would get better if I had surgery?

More than likely it IS your bite- I had unclear diction and a lisp too, and that was one of the reasons my doctor said the surgery was "medically" necessary... It is your bite- once you have it fixed you will have MUCH clearer diction... You can compare vids on my blog if you would like of before surgery and after. :) I hope that helped answer your question.

Did your hair start to fall out after your surgery?

Actually yes, now that you mention it- I was shedding and thinning like crazy- and I kinda freaked out, but I was reassured that it was the anesthesia, so don't worry too much! It stops.

Thanks everyone for asking questions! :) I feel useful again! haha! I hope I answered well- and if not- ask so more questions and I will try my best to help!

Thanks!

And I am still taking questions! So ask away!

-Makay

Vlog

2010-12-10T15:31:00.001-08:00

That's right guys! A Vlog (noun)- video blog.

ha.

Let me know!

Post some questions! :)

Love, Makkkkkay

Day 150...

2010-12-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I hope you have all been well... I wanted to share my experience with eating after surgery...

At first it was really awkward and difficult, I drooled on my self, and had a hard time fitting a spoon in my mouth. HOWEVER, that all changed. Thanksgiving was recently and let me just tell you, it was fabulous... my bite was different and I could notice a change. When I bit my slice of celery my teeth met and I just bit a piece off, whereas before I would bite and my teeth would not go through all the way so I would have to pull and then it would string and it would be anything but graceful! ha. It was always embarrassing. It was so cool not to have to deal with any of those once "everyday problems" which I had become a-customed to. I just love my new bite, it is incredible what the surgery did to my entire face, the structure is all around comepletly different- a wish come true...

I stumbled across a few pictures of me, pre-op, and GOSH- I look so different, a totally different person honestly!

And now...

I love my bite! Thank you Dr. Turvey and Dr. Politano! :) I am so happy!

I am getting my braces off soon- hopefully earllllly spring... before April! :) I pray it is as soon as possible! I can hardly wait!

Let me know if you have any more question guys! I will be glad to answer!

Love, Makay

Thanksgiving and Such....

2010-11-27T17:06:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone I wanted to give you a couple update pics- I will be doing a huge post about my jaw- and all sorts of stuff soon- I just have to find time- DON'T WE ALL??? haha. :)

And I had my FIRST Thanksgiving without an underbite! YAYAYAYA... (more on that later I promise) haha...

I usually would have been angry for a side pic like this, but this year I LOVE IT! :)

I could eat everything with ease! Even ate some celery and it didn't get all stringy! :)

How are you guys!? Any news? Or questions? :)

Love, Makay

Update! :)

2010-11-06T08:24:00.001-07:00

I went to the ortho- I have about 2 months left- they are trying to correct my slight crossbite to the right. :P

Here are some quick pics...

How are you all? What do you want me to answer? :) Ha.

Love ya,

Makay

Day 100!!!

2010-10-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

I HAVE MADE IT! Day 100... quite the milestone.

So verrrrry sweet!

SMILE!

Just a "gaze", a normal look throughout the day... ha.

Oh, how I love my bite!

Last night was homecoming! Super awesome! Check out details and WAY more pictures on my other blog HERE!!!

I was gawking over how different I look compared to let's say my Sweet 16... And NOW (last night at homecoming)! AHHH! I LOVE IT!

What do you guys think!?

I just love my new smile, and I always show it off now!

Dan and I at homecoming! :)

DAY 100! WOOOOOO WOOOOOO!

Worth a celebration? At least a virtual one? I think so! haha.

Sooooo here is a video of my "transformation"...

So what do you think about my transformation thus far?

Any questions for me to answer?

I hope I still have followers... haha.

Love, Makay

3 months and 3 days! haha

2010-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! My life is close to normal- I can eat almost anything, except apples and carrots and such... and I love my new bite!

Here is a before to ponder on...

Shizammmmm! ha. :)

How are all my FOLLOWERS!???!?!?!

Do I still have you? ha.

Love, Makay

Project UNBOUND (please read)

2010-10-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

So this post is not really about my jaw, or my teeth (I promise I will answer your questions in my next post), however do not disregard this...

I currently am working to raise $6,000 dollars in order to fund 1,000 bibles to the persecuted Christians of India. Did you realize that every 3 minutes a Christian is martyred? If not, now you know, and you are aware, which makes you responsible to do something about it.

I am going to be raising money for this cause:

1.) Through donations, from generous people like YOU!

2.) Sponsorships

3.) My Benefit Concert, UNBOUND.

So you may want to know a little bit about my benefit concert, I am going to be hosting it November 13th, and I have recording artists, Day of Grace, The Alter, Written in Red, and The RETURN coming out! I am thrilled! It is going to be a rocking night and I will be raising the money as well!

As you can see in this picture, the red represent the Bibles that have been sponsored already by generous organizations, however the blue represents how many are still waiting for God's Word to reach them! You can help change that by Donating to Project UNBOUND!

Please consider giving a generous donation to this project! It is going to be impacting thousands of persecuted Christians, and inspiring others to make a change! Even a simple donation of $5 helps get closer to my goal! I know with the help of bloggers like you guys I can do it! Also if you have a business, and would like to sponsor the benefit concert and project with $100 + you will be considered an "official sponsor" and you will get your company name on the back of the shirt, and the shirts are the tickets into the concert! So it is great advertisement!

If you would like to sponsor, email me at kpiso@nc.rr.com... If you would like to contribute by purchasing a t-shirt please email me as well, they are $20 plus shipping an handling... and are SUPER cool (I can email you the design if you are interested)...

AND If you would like to donate, Do NOT hesitate! Do it now...

Thanks soooo much! I knew I could count on my awesome bloggers!

For more information please visit,

www.unboundbychrist.blogspot.com

Love, Makay

Update!!!

2010-09-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I guess I haven't really told you much about my actual progress lately... so here it goes... ha...

First though! I have some update pictures! :)

I am so happy with my new smile, and I can hardly wait to get my braces off! I cannot believe it is all over! I mean I feel like I was just saying "9 more months!" It's crazy... when you are going through it- it feels like foreveeeer, but once you make it past the first few weeks, it seems like a distant memory.

I have been doing pretty well... I have 85% of my feeling back... All I need is for the nerves in my chin to come, but I can tell they are getting better, they tingle when I touch my chin... ha.

I have been wearing rubber-bands, fine tuning my bite... They are pretty thick, and they are moving my molars in the back, they make my teeth pretty sore, but not too bad... they are just annoying more than anything...

One thing I find extremely amusing is that the sizes of rubber bands are based on animals, so every time I go to the ortho I am like, "Soooo... I am I still wearing Impalas or am I going down to Pandas?" I sure do get a kick out of it...

I hope you are all doing awesome! Let me know how you are! Where are you in your journey? Anything you wanna know? Ask?

Love, Makay

"Um... noooo..."

2010-09-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

So I was at Wyldlife, a Christian club for middle schoolers, we do ALL sorts of "Wyld" things, and well I am a high school leader! :) We are always victimized, and embarrassed. All is good though because that is why we go. Tonight was nerd night... a Mom came and picked up her son afterwards and I said "Hi I am Makay! Thanks for driving him over here we had a blast!" She said, "Oh, do you go to school with "Bob"?" hahaha... "Um, no I have graduated the 8th grade- I am a Junior in highschool..." haha... She said, "Oh really? You hardly look like you are in 7th grade!" WHATTTTTT!??!?!?!?!?!? Dang...

Maybe it was the outfit.... or the braces? HAHA.

Ever since surgery people have thought I look younger, which I guess isn't a bad thing... haha, but I don't know... I want to look like a junior, not a 7th grader... ha...

What do you think?

Never Gets Old...

2010-09-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

DANNNNNNNNG!!!!

*Happy Dancing*

I love it! It was a bajillion times worth it!

Would anyone like to ask questions? Or comment? I am starting to feel like I am talking to myself? haha... I am here to help.

Love, Makay

Day 71...

2010-09-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

HEY ALL MY JAW BLOGGERS!!!! :) I have missed you!!! Wanna see some update pictures?!?! *drumroll*

I missed blogging... I have been doing well... but do you have any questions for me to answer? Feel free...

Love, Makay

Questions and Answers...

2010-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! :) I wanted to answer your questions before school tomorrow, otherwise I was afraid it would be pushed off till next weekend... so here you go...

Did you ever eat with a mirror?

YES YES YES. ha. My mirror was my best friend for the first 2 weeks. I found it helpful to eat with it, one- because I couldn't open very wide at first, and it helped me find my mouth haha. AND it helped me keep it less of a mess. Eventually I just got tired of it and I wanted to be able to eat in public, and without it- so it kinda gradually disappeared.

How do you open so wide?

Exercise! Seriously... make sure you are opening as wide as you can and stretching everyday. This is very important if you want to make it back to your original range of motion. You need to open wide, and push your bottom jaw forward and side to side. It will be very uncomfortable for a while, but it subsides. Trust me, it helps you in the long run. My doctor said "Do not worry, you are not going to break your jaw(s) they are bolted and held together, you are fine. Just make sure you are stretching." Do it.

Did you really get your maxilla widened or just moved forward 2mm?

It was widened! They cut the roof of my mouth in half through the inside and put bone graph in between- it was widened 2mm. My top jaw was moved forward 6mm. My bottom moved back 3mm. And my chin moved forward 4mm. The perfect profile, and bite! :)

Your nose looks wider. Do you think this is the result of the surgery or something else?

Nope, it is a result of the surgery... here I am going to try and explain it- so think about it... I had a bone deficency in my top jaw- They pushed my top jaw forward 6mm! That is alot. So my cheeks used to be shallow, and when they pushed it my top jaw forward it brought cheekbones out, which pushed my nose forward. However this is a benefit to me! My nose used to be very pointy, and very defined. I love my nose, and the results that the surgery gave me. Here is a picture for comparison purposes, it NEVER gets old...

Is there still swelling?

Yes, not enough to affect my daily activities, no one notices, but me. Most of the swelling occurs in the morning, and then it goes down throughout the day.

Shout-out to Rosa!!!

I have no regrets. This has made my confidence hit the roof, and it has made me so very happy! I can bite into anything, and honestly all the pain and burdens were 900% worth it!!! DO IT. Trust me you will not regret it, I know it is a HUGE life altering decision, but I say go for it. This was the best decision I EVER made.

(Would you mind letting me see your bite? Is it how mine used to be).

How long do you do the salt water rinses?

I never did them. :O haha. Other than rinsing my infection drain (but that is whole other story! ha).

Did you feel like your elastics were super tight?

Yep, it is normal, they put a lot of pressure on my teeth, and it even gave me headaches. Do not worry, it will be over soon. Just push through it.

ANY more questions? Go ahead! shoot. :)

I will answer.

Also I promised you all a food post- it is coming soon. I promise, oh, and so are some update pictures.

Love, Makay

Day 50...

2010-08-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

WOO WOO! I have made it to a huge mark! Day 50?!?! Halfway to 100... crazy. It feels like it was just yesterday, but then I think about all that has happened and I realize it has been a while.

So I went back to school on Wednesday- and I have English with one of my best friends Wes and something HILARIOUS happened! A little embarrassing, but definitely something to laugh about- so I am sitting there- wes to my left and then I hear someone, "Pshhhh... Makay... hey..." I look over at Wes and he points to his chin, "you are dribbling a bit ky..." he says in a subtle whisper... Needless to say I had a trickle of saliva running down my chin and I didn't even know it- my chin is still completely asleep! ha. It was great- we both got a great laugh out of it.

I do not have much time to blog today, but I will post a lonnnng post hopefully this weekend answering all your awesome questions that you left on the last post. If you anything else to ask leave a comment and ask. :)

Love, Makay

Day 46...

2010-08-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hey all my faithful bloggers! :) How are you? I have been so busy, and that is good, because that means life is becoming much more normal as time goes on. Today I had a meeting and we had lunch at a local joint and I bit into my first cheeseburger! WOWZER what a historic day in my journey haha. It was great. I just bit straight through with my front teeth. I hardly make a mess anymore. It is great. Of course the occasional crumb is left on my chin and I can't feel it- that's embarrassing, but that is the worst of it. Drooling has pretty much dissipated into a non-existant issue.

Look at the difference...

I mean really? What do you sayyy! AH. :D

So time to answer some of your questions...

Did you ever have any problems with your bands? Or was it not that bad?

They weren't too bad, aside from the headaches and the pain of having to change them all the time, but no not really- they weren't that big of a deal.

Were you wearing your bands the whole time you had your splint in(except for meals)?

Yeppity Yep... I still wear bands... but only one on my right side. Before I was wearing 2 during the day... and 3 at night.

So lower jaw was moved back and upper jaw was widened. Did they widen your top jaw?

Yes my upper was brought forward 6mm, bottom back 3mm, chin forward 4mm, and top widened 2mm.

If so, did it feel like your tongue was always touching your palate?

No. It is different, but once the swelling went down I had no issue. You have to wait it out. Trust me in a week or two it will be fine... you just have to be patient with the swelling. The roof of my mouth was swollen and made it hard to swallow- that gets muchhhh better. Promise. :) (Oh, and YEAH! scarf them pancakes down!!!! They are so good. ha.)

Oh, and Brent... I will answer your question in the next post... I have to think about it a little... ha. ;)

So questions anyone? Anything? :)

Also would you be interested in a food post? I can help. haha. I know your menu can get a little mundane.

Love, Makay

Happy 6 Weeks to ME!!! :)

2010-08-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have made it to 6 weeks today! I am so happy to keep reaching new marks! 2 more weeks and will be 2 months. CRAZY- I mean it feels like I just had it done- like a day ago!

Today I had my first orthodontist appointment. They removed the AWFUL surgical wires which were so heavy and making my teeth sore, and also all the hooks that continually gave me ulcers! It was such a relief to get lighter wires- and no hooks. I am done with rubber bands... except one on my right side- she said my top teeth need to come back a little on that side- she said it is the muscles- you have to retrain them. We are just fine tuning at this point.

I have a chain on my bottom teeth- I have a small gap still between my bottom 2 middle teeth. Not a big deal. Honestly. I am pretty happy with everything. I am content now because it is like I am back to "Normal" other than not being able to eat anything I want- I am still on soft foods- well soft chew. But hey its better than no chew- right? ;)

All the ladies in the orthodontist office were Oooohing and Awwwing over my new bite, and we even took a peek at my before for comparison! :) All the women were amazed, and asking me questions. It made me feel good, because it was like they really "appreciated" or "understood" all I went through to get to this point, and made a big deal. It was fun.

Then afterwards my Mom and I went out to a local Mexican joint- San Fan- for some burritos. I even ate a few tortilla chips!!! *gasp* It was awesome!!! :)

Here look at my TEETH! No more spikes or surgical wires! I AM FREE! :)

PROFILE TIME! WOO WOO! :)

I am so happy with the results, and I am just one step closer to getting these braces off! :)

YAY.

So guys... any questions? I haven't gotten any in ages?

XOXO, Makay

Underbite No More...

2010-08-17T13:40:00.001-07:00

Forever you are gone.

No more insecurity.

No more trying to hide you!

No more fear of being thought of as "disformed"

No longer feeling unworthy- not beautiful.

Forever it is gone.

I am so glad to be free.

to no longer have to hide behind it.

No more insecurity.

I am the same person...

Just a new sense of confidence.

I am love who I am. I love where I am.

And I love my smile!

How long I have waited to say that. :D

Love, Makay

A Great Appointment!!!

2010-08-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

So today I went to my surgeon for another follow-up (which we are done with those for 6 weeks now...), but anyways- Dr. Turvey released me to my orthodontists care now- I go back to my ortho on Thursday... so that should be interesting. I asked the big question...

When do I get my braces off????!!!!

his answer?

3-6 months!!!!!!!! max.

WOOOOO WOOOOOO!

I am so excited- I mean seriously. He said that my teeth are very straight, my bite RIGHT ON, and so there should only be a little bit of "fine tuning" and they can come off. Can I get an "AMEN!?" I am thrilled.

Obviously... HAHA...

Oh, and I compared my old profile to now...

Dang! I don't even look like the same person! I am so happy... this before and after makes it ALLLLL worth it.

How are you guys? Any questions?

Love, Makay

Woo Woo!

2010-08-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today is...

Day 37

Geeeeez, it is crazy how fast all this is going by. I mean the first week definently felt like forever, but now everything is getting so much easier. I mean I am still dealing with a bunch of stuff- like numbness (though it really isn't a major concern because it is coming back) and swelling (especially in the morning), but compared to the first couple weeks this is NOTHING. ha. I am glad to be getting back into the normal routine of life, and being able to talk and do more with my friends. :)

Oh, so the I was looking through my videos and here is a 30 second clip from pre- op... This is so you guys can see my speech pattern- and compare it to after...

Here is Post-Op...

It is so different, I mean 1.) I have cheek bones, haha... but 2.) the way I move my mouth, and my voice even sounds different. My lisp is virtually gone! :) Ah. The results are INCREDIBLE. This surgery was worth ALL of it. Even the 6 week no-chew diet, even the drooling, and the pain! All of it was so worth it.

Here is my update picture...

I will start taking better update pictures- honestly this stinks, but whatever. haha.

So what do you think about my voice!? CRAZY RIGHT? ha.

So do you have any questions? I haven't answered any in ages- maybe you can think of some?

Love, Makay

Day Something...

2010-08-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am starting to lose track of how many actual days it has been since surgery- it is starting to fade and I am finally getting my life back. Here are some update pictures...

Do you notice anything?!?!

The splint is OUT!!!!! :D

I went for a post op appointment yesterday and he said that it could come out. I was ecstatic. I a feeling realllllly good right now. I am even on a soft chew diet now... Watch this video. I answer some questions and explain the splint situation! YAY.

Here are my update pictures...

I have a cheesy smile when I try... haha...

I have been having a ton of fun with my friends- we have been chilling at the pool, and just hanging out. It has been so much fun- full of laughs. My best friend just got back from a mission trip to Honduras. I am so glad she is back! She had not seen me since surgery (she was gone 7 weeks) and she really had a positive response. :)

She spent the night and actually went to the surgeon appointment with me. She saw how excited I was after getting my splint out and she was like "WHOA your speech. You sound so much better!" ha.

It was a great time. I am so glad to have the splint off! WOO WOO!!!!!!! :D

So anyways...

Questions? Comments? Anyone? haha.

Love, Makay

Day 31...

2010-08-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow!? Day 31! Sorry I went AWOL for a few days. My best friend just got home from Honduras and I have been with her and awaiting her arrival- ha. So I figure I might as well open with some update pictures...

Here is a SUPER SUPER big smile. :) ha. Just for you guys...

And here is my profile...

So my swelling has started coming down a little more. I have more definition in my cheeks, and I can smile much bigger than before... I am opening wider too... check it out- this is the difference since last week... (yes, they are awkward, but what else am I to do? ha)...

I am just so tired of this no-chew diet! AHHHH! I want food- legit food, with texture. This splint is also driving me insane- It is giving me a lisp and making my words unclear sometimes. It also gets food stuck in it! EW. ha.

So I have been told that my lips look more "volumptious" (thanks Wes), and that my eyes stand out more- and I look so pretty (Why thanks Mrs. Cari!), Oh, and well- Basically "YOU LOOK BETTER!" ha. Even if not everyone comes out and tells me I look better they all hint around by giving me these cute little compliments (which totally make my day).

So to sorta answer Sarah's question:

Yes I do drink out of straw- I don't know if I am suppose to. I do it when we are out so that I don't dump it on myself. Ha. Its gotten quite easy, but I guess if your doc told you not to don't that could lead to issues (which I am sure you don't want to risk hahaha)... Oh, and about exercise!!! AHHHH! yes. I miss it. But soon. Soon I can work out hard core, but until then I am forced to lift dinky weights (10 pounds, come ON! ha) and do squats and such- OH and walk... obviously. ;)

So I hope I helped- though I doubt I did. ;)

Are there any questions?!

Love, Makay

1 MONTH?!

2010-08-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Wowzer! Already? It seems like yesterday I was saying, "Only 9 more months", and here I am with my perfect bite typing this post- oh, look- now I am smiling. ;) ha.

So today was a really great day. I had some friends over- and as usual they made me laugh until I cried and it was just a great time.

My friend Wes shaved his mohawk- *gasp* ha. It was only a matter of time, his girlfriend was pushing him, and I admit I was too. ha.

Here we are... look at our nerdy glasses! (don't worry they are 3D glasses with the lenses popped out... ha)...

I know this is dark, but it is SO legit... hahaha...

Yes I am aware we look ridiculous- That is kind of the point... ha.

We also made brownies- which was an interesting experience- so interesting that we decided to record and animate the entire experience. ha. They are so fun! (Oh, and I totally ate one! I just cut it up and put it in... easy. and delicious!)

This video is completely unrelated but HILARIOUS!

You gotta love how Wes' point of view changes... hahahhahaha...

Anyways- thank you all for your kind words on my new haircut! I really love it! You guys are just so supportive and you have helped make this journey way easier! Seriously. :)

I am open for Q&A but I do not have any questions... so what do you all wanna know???

I am an open book! :)

Love, Makay

Day 27...

2010-08-04T16:06:00.001-07:00

Welcome to day 27... WOO WOO! What a day today has been... I have been busy working to complete my "Makeover" ha. A lot of my family members sent me money to help boost my confidence over this whole process and today I finally put it to use! SERIOUS shopping spree, and I finally got my hair cut! I did a mix between the Mandy Moore style, and Selena Gomez.

Anyway here is a before...

(excuse the swelling- this was taken a while ago, ha)

Here is the new hair...

Check it out-

I also got some new clothes! :) I got this dress at H&M and I love itttt! I can dress it up or down, and it is the perfect date dress. ha.

What do you all think? I really like it! Of course my hair is curly, but she had to "blow it out" so she could make adjustments... :) I am really happy with it.

I got a ton of great deals at H&M, and some cute shoes at Rack Room- overall it was a very successful day! ha.

Okay so I am going to answer your questions now...

Did you ever have any congestion?

Yeah, I did, but it has gradually gone away. My nose was really stuff and all that, but now it has passed- I used afrin and sudafed when it was bad... I hope that helps, but I think you are doing all you can for now.

Will you have to undergo any kind of speech therapy, or do any type of exercise to help strengthen your jaw?

No speech therapy I should adjust on my own. The reason I have a lisp and sound weird now is due to being rubber banded AND this stupid splint! ha. I am doing exercises to help strengthen my jaw- like opening as wide as I can, and pushing my jaw side to side and pushing it forward- all that- but that is all. (Maybe I will do a "Jaw" exercise video- interested? ha).

I've read that you're not allowed to sneeze or cough for awhile. Is that true? For how long? Have you felt the need to sneeze? If so, what do you do?

It is true. Only because it would be extremely painful if you did. ha. My doc did not give me a specific time that I couldn't I just started to when I felt I could handle it. I was coughing by Day 2 because I felt like I had stuff in my throat (granted they were soft coughs) ha. Now I cough and sneeze regularly. I had to sneeze the day after surgery and it was so annoying because I couldn't- I knew if I did I would blow my brains out and it would hurt- so I refrained. When I did finally sneeze for the first time I kinda held my body and just tried to hold it in and keep it from jolting me too much. It really wasn't that bad. :) Don't worry.

Anywayyys. I hope I helped! ha. :)

I am thrilled with my new hair! WOO WOO! ha. What do you all think? Cute?

I have always felt the need to hold on to the hair to cover my underbite, but not anymore! I am loving it!

GOODBYYYYYYE underbite!!!! ha.

Oh, and questions? ;)

LOVE, Makay

Day 26...

2010-08-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Here is my update for the day! I just wanted to let you all know that I am going to slow the posts down a little bit after my next ortho surgeon appt. Back down. II mean things have stopped drastically changing and I really would hate to make my blog mundane and flavorless- kinda like a liquid diet. ;) ha.

That appointment is next Tuesday. :)

I am praying that this stinkin' splint comes out- it makes my teeth sore and is just a hunk of plastic that food gets stuck in and slurs my speech! ARGH. ha. I also hope he puts me on a soft chew diet! I am too excited- ha.

Anyways today was my Dad's 40th birthday (you can read more about that here)and we had a Turkey dinner- along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cheesecake, and cranberry sauce, which is what I ate. mmmm... It is so good starting to venture out to something other than my beloved plain taters (even though they are good, they get a bit boring). ha.

I am getting my hair done and I am getting pretty stoked! I have wanted to do this, but have been playing it safe- I mean my underbite was a major insecurity that I felt I needed to hide, but not anymore! Can someone give me an, "AMEN!" ha. Then after the hair I get to go shopping! What a perfect day (that I certainly will be blogging about!)

Here is what I am thinking for my hair...

What do you all think? Which is your favorite? Or a better question may be- Which would look better on me? ha. Thanks for your opinion! :)

I will answer the questions from the last post and any that you leave on this post next time! :)

So questions anyone???

LOVE, Makay

Day 25...

2010-08-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have made it to yet another day! WOO HOO! :) Everyday is a step towards full recovery and I am thrilled! Here is my update pictures...

And today I decided to try something different... I answered your questions in video format... So let me know how you like that...

I also wanted to let you compare my voice before surgery and after- the comparisons NEVER get old for me... ha.

Pre-Op (this is for comparison to the 2nd video... no new info in the first video, obviously, haha)...

Post-Op (Questions and Answers)...

I hope you all enjoyed the comparison videos, and the Questions and Answers in the 2nd vid!

I am open for more questions!

ASK AWAY! :)

LOVE, Makay

Day 24...

2010-08-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today after church my fam and I went out for some Italian at Macaroni Grill- I was afraid I was going to be stuck drinking some water, and sipping some Minestrone. I decided to order the Lasagna, and just give it a try. When it came I chopped it up with my spoon, and WAHLA! It was the perfect consistency and I was able to eat it with ease! Then my Mom and Dad ordered some Tiramasu which was also PERFECT. Aw. It was killer. Seriously. Real food... finally. :)

That being said when I got home I had to brush a ton of noodles out of my splint. Gross! But true. ha.

Here are my update pics of the day...

Here is my comparison to last Sunday- the swelling is WAY down (seriously! I look like a different person, ha)... Woo Woo...

So NOW we have some questions to answer...

Did you donate blood before your surgery?

No way. They did tell me I may have to undergo a blood transfusion if I lost too much, but it would be donor's blood. They didn't wanna take anything from me! They even put me on Iron supplements to boost my blood count.

How is it that you have more defined cheekbones? Is that normal?

It is completely normal! If you have your top jaw moved forward (like I did) you will see a more definition- plus I had my top jaw moved dramatically! 6mm! Wowzer. So that really helped define my cheekbones! Here look at this video... it kinda shows the surgery "generally". (I had a genioplasty and a split on the top to widen... so that isn't shown here)

Will I be able to take my bands off to eat?

I am allowed to, and most of the other bloggers I have seen have been able to, however you need to check with your surgeon. ASAP. I know eating through a syringe for 6 weeks would be pure hell, thus I am very happy I can take my bands off and enjoy my Mashed taters! ha. I am on a no chew diet, but I can have solids... so its cool.

I hope I am helping! :)

If there is ANYTHING you are wondering... or have a question about go ahead and ask! :) I am here to help, and plus what would I blog about if you all knew everything? ha.

Let me know what you are interested in me blogging about... I will try and do it!

LOVE, Makay

Day 23...

2010-07-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) It is Day 23... And I have been through the dark, moving into the light, can I get an "amen!" hahaha... Seriously I am doing pretty good. You know that hole? The one they cut to drain my infection? Well it is healing up nicely- I still have to irrigate it, but it is getting better.

Today my fam and I all went out for breakfast- I was brave and instead of just ordering "grits" I got pancakes! :) And let me tell you- best decision EVER. They were delicious. I just put some syrup in a little dipping bowl and cut up the pancakes in small squares. Then BAM. Ate it. ha. They were really good.

Last night I discovered another delicious treat: Sweet Potatoes- sweetened up of course. So this is what I did- Canned Yams, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon... All together... microwaved it for about 2 minutes- mashed it up. MMMMM MMMM GOOD. :)

So anyways here are some update pictures. :)

See Marshmallow my elephant? hahaha. He was actually a post-op "Get Well" gift. Cute Eh?

I am starting to see my cheekbones emerging! WOO WOO! And my nose is getting some definition back instead of just being a blob on my swollen face- YAY. :)

Check out all that hardware! It's like Home Depot in there! ha. Surgical wires, Hooks, Splint, Rubber bands... DUDE! But- my top teeth are in front of my bottom! OH, and look... my midlines match up! *Gasp* hahaha. Not to mention my bottom teeth fit neatly inside my top... finally my top is wide enough.

Here is a before and after of the teeth (I will get a better pic later I do realize the order now is after then before- DANG... hahaha.)...

Huge difference...

So... I only have one question today...

Do you still visit your OS periodically?

Yep. I saw him a day after surgery then 1 week and then 3 weeks and then again at 5 weeks (but that one obviously hasn't happened yet.) I am praying that during the 5 weeks visit he takes this dang splint out because it is bothersome. Ha.

Anyways...

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Let me know your thoughts. :)

Love, Makay

Day 22...

2010-07-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am still trekking through the lonnnng road to recovery- but for the past 3 days or so it hasn't been all too bad, I am feeling a lot better. :) Everything is getting easier- though I am may admit my menu is getting a bit mundane... but I can find ways to mix it up. ;)

Anyways today is literally the best day swelling wise- here check it out...

Here is a close up one of my teeth! Looking good! :D

And here is a smile shot where you can see my cheeks and all that...

Then here is the PROFILE... Woo Woo... The money shot right here...

Question TIME...

Where are you still numb?

Wowzer. I should have told you all this, but I have been getting a LOT of feeling back recently. I am getting my cheeks back from the outside in... so like my cheekbones I can feel, but I don't have much sensation in the middle of my cheek to my nose, but is coming back. Also I have been all tingly on my chin- the doc said that is a sign the nerves are repairing themselves- hopefully I will be able to feel there too soon. :) Also my right side of my top lip is numb (weird that I can feel my left. ha) Oh, and my bottom lip is numb too. Like I said though- it is all gradually coming back- it doesn't feel as "dead" as it did immediately after surgery.

Did you suffer from headaches before surgery, if so are they gone now?

Holy Moly... yes I had headaches caused by my jaw for a lonnnnnnng time- and they happened quite frequently, now that you mention it I really haven't had a bad headache like that since WOOHOO! :) The only headache I had was when I had that stinkin' infection- but other than that I have been headache free! :)

How far can you open your mouth now?

Sorry for the awkward picture, but I didn't know how else to answer it, I guess about an inch 1/2, maybe 2... Plenty big enough for a spoon. :) ha.

Do you still have to sleep elevated?

Yes. My doctor said to keep doing that to keep the swelling down. If you sleep flat you will wake up with a TON of swelling. Trust me... its not too uncomfortable- I sleep fine, and it really helps. :)

Do you still use ice for swelling?

Nope. My doc said only use it for comfort if you want... he said after 72 hours the ice does nothing... that pertains to the reduction of swelling- so no need unless it feels better... but it doesn't help swelling after 72 hours.

Aight.

So I hope I answered all your questions. :) I love getting questions because I know I am helping! ha. And I am glad to answer- I wish I had alot of these answers pre-op too... would have left me better prepared, but oh well- I figured it out. ;) ha.

So... questions any one? Questions?

HA.

LOVE, Makay

3 Weeks!!!

2010-07-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am officially halfway there! Sweet! Only 3 more weeks and this splint comes off, and I am off this no-chew diet, and I will be through with rubber bands! HALLELUJAH. :) I am just glad that I have reached the peak... all down hill from here, I think the hardest part is over.

I am celebrating 3 weeks with my friend Curtman- Friends make everything better- can I get an "Amen"?! ha.

Here are some update pictures...

Okay so today I am going to discuss- EATING.

What are you eating?

So my favorite thing is probably Mashed Potatoes. I also like baked beans, and Mac and Cheese... And Ice Cream, Cream of Corn, Apple Sauce... etc.

I even ate cake at my Mom's little birthday party! And it was whole, I just cut it up and ate it normally. :) MMMM...

Are you using a syringe?

Unless you are wired shut completely (which is VERY uncommon) you need to be eating with a spoon, and taking your bands off for meals. I haven't used a syringe at all. Sure the spoon took some getting used to, but now I am fine. I am eating "soft" "non-chew" foods. Eating was VERY VERY messy for me for the first week (I had to use a mirror), but now I don't and its easy. So don't worry if you struggle at first- it gets better. I also found disposable plastic spoons easier to eat with than metal because it is thinner... Let me know how this works for you.

How many meals do you eat a day?

Usually 3... with a snack in between the 2nd and 3rd meal. :) haha.

I hope I answered you question Sarah... let me know if I didn't or you need more information! :) I am glad to explain. :)

Thanks to all my WONDERFUL followers for asking questions and leaving me encouraging comments! You have no idea how much they mean to me! They keep me going, and blogging- keep being awesome!

So... anything else? Questions? :)

LOVE, Makay

Day 20!!!

2010-07-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Can someone give me a "Woo WOO!" haha. I am so happy to hit 20... such a legit number! Tomorrow will be my 3 week anniversary- yet lets save that for later... haha.

Today has been one of the best days thus far- I feel human, normal. Wowzer it feels great. :) My friend Wes came over- and I was feeling good and it just was fun fun FUN.

Why yes... he is eating a cupcake- haha.

Anyways so today was really a good day- best so far! :)

Here are your update pics!

The reason I look so "un-done" is because it was a pool day... haha. ;)

So I got some questions to answer! Yay! Let's go!

How much longer do you have to wear braces?

6 months- 1 year... I am hoping closer to 6 months. ;)

I am planning to go back to work at the 3 week mark...I manage a bunch of people so speaking is important how do you feel your speech is improving every day and do you think 3 weeks would be too soon?

My speech is pretty good! And tomorrow is my 3 weeks mark, so I say if you are up to go back to work- DO IT! :) I mean I am talking- like full on conversations. Granted I do have to repeat myself once in a while, but I am doing fine. You can understand basically everything I say. Its just when I get lazy I start to slur... but yeah... I think it is fine.

Are you able to taste food?

FOR SURE! If I couldn't I would die. Okay- exaggeration, but that would be a big stinker! I can taste food and the conclusion I have come to is:

Mashed Potatoes are the BEST!!!! :D ha.

How are you keeping swelling down? And getting it to go down progressively?

Well I take motrin every 6 hours, which helps. I also sleep elevated. Very important... But to be honest that is it.... I wish it would go faster than it is...

Aight. So I hope I answered your questions... and keep leaving them to me in the comments box... I will feature them in the following post! Always do! :)

Glad to help.

So as always... Questions anyone? HAHA...

Love, Makay

Day 19...

2010-07-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey. Today was my 2nd OFFICIAL post op appointment. You know that tube? Well they took it out. HOWEVER, there is a freakishly large hole nestled in between my cheek and gums... It is freaking me out! Dr. Turvey said to irrigate it 3 times a day... AKA stick a pressure syringe in the hole and push 50 tons of salt water in the wound. Can somebody say, "ouch". I am squeemish just looking at it. Ew.

Okay so here are your update pictures. WAY better. Thank God the swelling is down. :)

Profile TIME... ha...

It really has started to hit me since I can see my "new" face shape emerging how very different even the front view looks. I mean look... wow. I am still shocked (in a good way of COURSE) I am so happppy!

Both of these pics make it totally worth it...

What do you all think? Isn't it a HUGE difference? I mean I think you can tell. haha.

Anyways... well I don't have any questions to answer... I am a little sad. :( haha. Come on guys... questions? Concerns? Let me know... :)

Love, Makay

Brushing... and an update...

2010-07-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 18. I promised I would help you guys out with brushing your teeth... here we go...

Okay so there is some "equipment" you will need for this...

1.) A tooth brush- Okay yes, obvious right? But you need something small enough to reach in the back (at least for the first week or two). For the first week I used a children's toothbrush Stage: 1. It worked. ha. Now I went back to using my big one... my Phillips Sonicare. It is the best tooth brush EVER and it really gets my teeth clean. It also really keeps my splint clean- with the vibration and the pointed bristles it works well to get stuff from inside the splint.

2.) You need a Pressure Syringe too... they are pointy and have a curve. Make sure to ask your doc for one of these.

3.) Toothpaste- I prefer Arm and Hammer with Baking soda- super clean feeling! :)

4.) A small plastic cup- for the water (so you can easily get it in the syringe.

Here is a video that may educate you further...

Let me know if you still have questions... Or I left something out...

Now some update on the infection and swelling...

I feel better already- the pressure is gone, and my ear isn't hurting...

Dr. POLITANO!!! YOU ARE MY HERO... I LOVE YOU! :) haha.

look at this...

Yesterday before we left...

Today...

Profile...

And... CHEEEEEESE... haha...

Here is your side by side comparison (in order from: Before the procedure, right after aka last night, and today)...

See the difference already? I am just so glad to have that behind me and be back on the road to recovery. I want this swelling gone... I mean its Day 18! haha. So I am just really happy today! :) Go swelling GO! ;)

Feel free to ask any questions... :)

Love, Makay

My Trip Through HELL...

2010-07-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Okay so this morning I woke up and I looked like this...

WHAT THE HECK!?!!?!?!?!?! It is day 17? AHHHH!

I know this is a long "tale" but it has a lot of info...

Later I was cold, and feeling pretty crappy.... so we took my temp... 100. :O AHHH. So of course we freak out and call the hospital for the Resident on call. Dr. Politano decided it would be best for me to come in. So we did. We had to go to the ER because the clinic was closed. He did a thorough examination (WHICH HURTTTT because he was pushing on what the problem was). After poking, prodding, and causing me pain Dr. Politano confirmed the worse. I have an infection... :(

Of course we wanted to know what we was going to have to be done. First I hoped it would be some oral antibiotics, but I was wrong...

This is what they did.

They took me to this oral surgery room with a bunch of scary equipment and a gigantic chair in the middle- anything BUT fluffy bunnies on the walls...

While I was completely awake and aware (as I would be for the whole procedure) Dr. Politano gave me some numbing shots WHICH HURT. Just saying. After the second one though it was numb and just pressure. Then he waited for the numbness to kick in...

After that he sliced a hole in between my cheek and gum where the "gumball" of swelling as he described it was... As soon as he sliced it open fluid and (sorry I have to say it) pus came out... a LOT. It had to be disgusting to see, but Dr. Politano found some sort of joy and excitement out of it. He kept telling the residents "LOOK, come look... pus... see..."

Then he started pushing on the swelling and my jaw trying to release some of the fluid and pus through the hole. This HURT the worse. I started sobbing and he coached me through it though, "Makay we are almost there, just deep breaths, I know it hurts but you are going to feel so much better!" And he kept pushing.

After the pushing and suctioning ended he stuck a tube in the hole and stitched it in (So it stays open) this is going to let oxygen in (killing bacteria/infection) and helping to drain the fluids. GROSS.

This was what I look like after the procedure... (Excuse the appearance... 1.) I am sick and feel like crap 2.) I just had my mouth sliced open and a tube stuck in and a bunch of other stuff 3.) I am tired. haha. Bear with me. ;) )

Oh, and here is a 1/2 smile to let you all know I am okay... not dying...

Here I will put the side by side comparison up... See the difference already?

This infection is a 5% chance out of ALL cases... But if you experience any symptoms like fever, achy joints, and alot of extra swelling CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!! Dr. Politano put me back on antibiotics for another week along with the tube. I pray this infection is gone soon.

I am glad we resolved the mysterious swelling because it would have gotten a LOT worse and I feel like now I am back on track with recovering. THANK GOD.

Feel free to ask questions...

and sorry, but the Brushing teeth tutorial will come tomorrow... I got side tracked with this whole infection thing.

I am glad to say I made it through hell... haha.

Love, Makay

Day 16...

2010-07-24T15:35:00.001-07:00

Well today has been like yesterday... I mean no difference in the swelling. Which is frustrating me beyond belief. I just pray it goes down soon. ARGH. Anyways...

Update Picture Time...

SMILE TIME! :D

Here is a straight on one... you can really see the swelling on the left I am talking about...

Profile time...

Questions and Answers...

Do you ever feel like your jaw is going back, or is going to fall back to where it was?

No. I mean I have a fear it will over time, but then I look in the mirror and my bite is PERFECT. :)

Did your nose change at all?

Yes. They pushed my top jaw forward 6mm. Thus giving me cheekbones and it slightly widened my nose, and made it look smaller. Here just look at this before and after... can you see what I am saying? I think it is way different, and I LOVE IT! :) It is insane how much it changed, but they really did shift my top jaw.

Are you still taking antibiotics? When did you take them?

I was on antibiotics. To prevent infection and rejection. I took them for 6 days post op... 4 times a day. I am done now though.

Did you feel tension in your jaw to keep it in the splint?

Not really I mean I have to push my teeth into it, but when I relax it is still right there my teeth just come out a little bit- if that makes sense. If you feel like it is a strain to fit into your splint you need to tell your doc.

I wanted to give you guys a video so you can hear my speech... It is pretty bad... haha, but getting better every single day. :)

Leave me some more questions!!!! I am glad to answer! :)

LOVE, makay

I AM BACK! :) Day 15...

2010-07-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am sad I totally missed my 2 week post op anniversary. :( haha. Oh, well. HAPPY 2 WEEKS TO ME!!! :) I am happy I have made it thus far, Next week it will be 1/2 way over (thank God), but I know every minute, hour, day, week- I am that much closer to being normal again. :)

Here are some update pictures...

Last time you saw me...

Now...

Here is a straight on one...

My left side is being stubborn, and the swelling just keeps going up and down... and recently it has been UP... look. I just want it to go awayyyyy! Argh.

Here is the profile last time you saw...

Now (but this is my left side, which it worse than my right)...

Soooo... what you think? I think I am starting to see my new face! Finally.

So time to answer some of your questions!!! :)

Did you lose weight? How much?

I lost about 10 pounds, and have been able to gain 2 back. Dr. Turvey said I needed to, so I did. It wasn't too bad.

Can people see a difference in your before and after?

YES! Holy moly sure! of course. Look yourself:

Of course my family and friends are like, "you were beautiful before, but WOW you are so gorgeous, what a great change!" haha. Yeah, people can tell. I love hearing I look better too. I mean I went through all this for a reason- tell me! ;) ha.

Do you still have nasal congestion and articulation issues?

I never really did suffer with nasal congestion... Afrin really helped me. If it is still bothering you I suggest you ask your doctor for something. Like a nasal spray... (Which is what Afrin is). And um yeah... I have a splint in- thus my speech is a little messed up with a little lisping. Plus my right part of my lip is numb making it hard to move it. haha. My speech is muffled, but understandable. It just keeps getting better and better though.

Do you feel like you are producing a lot of saliva? And you have to constantly swallow?

Yeah, it was much worse- to the point where I was drooling everywhere, but I have it under control now, and that too continues to get better. My saliva has gone down a bit though... I am not sure why it feels like that. I think I will ask my surgeon on Tuesday. Good question.

I am starting to eat normal Monday- a week after- is that normal, or really fast?

Holy cow! That is realllllllllly soon! You mean like a chewing diet? Or a non-chew soft foods diet? Because chewing a week after is asinine- not a good idea at all. I don't get clearance to start chewing again until I reach 6 weeks post op, which is when my ortho treatment starts again, and the splint comes out.

Okay, that is all the questions for today! :) Ask away though! I am open ears, and ready to answer.... Questions? :)

Love, Makay

Update...

2010-07-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

I promise when I get home I will put up pictures and update everyday again, but right now its just not going to happen.

My mema just died. You can read about it at www.sofarsogreat1.blogspot.com.

But my Nana's computer is slow. and I can't put pics up... so I will just update Friday when I get home.

Thanks for understanding. I will be back on track Friday... with a BIG update.

Love, Makay

Day 11...

2010-07-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up... laying on my left side... NOT good. I mean it wasn't hideous, but my left side was unevenly swollen. My right looked good (you could see cheekbones and everything), but my left was just really swollen up. My lips were pretty "Angelina" this morning. It was quite a sight. haha.

Since I have been at my Nana and Papa's I have been living off of Mashed Potatoes and Pudding ha. Today was my little brother's 9th Birthday, we celebrated and I couldn't have cake BUT my Mom picked me up a little container of Chocolate Whipped Frosting. It was SO good. Not gonna lie. :)

Oh, and my brother and sis were chowing down on Fruity Pebbles this morning and I was pretty upset I couldn't munch along with them (they are one of my faves), but my mom had the genius idea to pour the cereal, and milk in the little blender and turn it into mush. It sounds unappetizng but it was DELICIOUS! mmmm... perfect. ha. I really wanted them.

I am starting to get feeling back in my lips... I have more feeling on my top left side of my lip, thus resulting in a crooked toothy smile. I snapped a pic today and when I get home I will post it. You will all be suprised at how much my fat face has come down haha. I can see some bone structure. CRAZY. :)

Talking is getting a little better. Slowly, but surely. I just have to stay patient with it.

I know it probably annoying to read all this with no "visual" break. Haha. I know. But I am trying to help, and have no card reader, or web cam, thus I have no way to post pictures. DANG IT! But soon.... soon. And it will be like a surprise. :)

Today my Mema passed. :( Actually it was just an hour or 2 ago. Keep my family in your prayers. Thanks for your thoughts. We appreciate it. She was a good woman. We love her.

Okay... so if you have any questions please JUST ASK. :) I am open ears, and glad to answer....

:)

Love, Makay

Day 10...

2010-07-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating my "double digits" at my Nana and Papa's house... Yes I just travelled 7 hours only a week and 1/2 after jaw surgery. No, it was not easy. I was starving by the time I got here. But my Nana made me some mashed potatoes, so I felt better. ha.

My Mema is dying. My Mother's grandma, so we wanted to be here. So we will be here for 4-5 days which means no picture updates... because her computer doesn't have a camera- and she doesn't have wi-fi so I can't use my computer... when I get home how I look will be a surprise. Till then I will keep you updated on how I feel... and I will continue to answer you questions.

Brent asked:

How have you been sleeping?

Suprisingly well. The first night I only got like 3 hours of dosing, because the stinkin' nurses kept coming in to check my "vital signs" and shoot medications in my IV... but once I was home the 2nd night I slept 6 hours straight. Then 8 from the 3rd night on. Which is really well. I have been OUT. This surgery drains your energy, and I am ready to just conk out by 10pm. haha.

Have you been sleeping propped up?

YES YES YES YES!!! Sleep elevated. This is verrrrrry important because it helps the swelling go down. If you sleep flat on your back your face will be the size of a large watermelon by morning. I am sure your surgeon will remind you, but sleep ELEVATED. haha. And yes. A recliner works well. I slept in the recliner for the first 3 nights home. It worked out very well. :)

Who was your primary care taker for the first week?

My Mom. Haha. And my Dad too. Dr. wise it was Dr. Turvey with his cheif resident Dr. Politano. But yes my parents took care of me, and all that. It worked out. Let me know if this isn't what your wife wanted to know... because I am not exactly sure what you are asking.

What did the primary care taker provide you with for the first 48 hours-week?

My Mom and Dad's main job was food and medication. That's about it. My mom helped me shower the first day (washing my hair). I was pretty independent past the first 3-4 days. You will have a lot of meds to keep track of, so my rents made a little schedule chart to help remind us. It helped I would recommend doing that. My mom and dad took shifts and slept with me for the first 3 nights (when I was in the recliner) so they could give me meds and let me feel safe.

I hope I answered all your questions. Let me know if I didn't or if you need more info. Glad to help! :)

Questions anyone? Ask away....

-Makay

Day 9...

2010-07-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all! It is day 9, and I am happy to reach double digits tomorrow. :) But we will wait for that celebration. ;)

I wanted to give you all an update with pictures.

"I have CHEEKBONES!!!!??? Say what? WAHOO!"

"Oh, why yes, this lovely perfect bite does belong to me!" haha. ;)

How do you think I am coming along?

Then I wanted to help you out with food ideas... A soft food diet is super annoying, but you have to do it. So you need some food that tastes good? Here are some ideas! :)

Grits with chopped up scrabbled eggs mixed in- this is super easy and delicious. Just make sure the eggs are really tiny.

Pasta with Alfredo sauce blended up with cheese on top

Pudding <--- I totally love the Banana Cream flavor. mmmm mmmmm gooooood. haha.

Ice Cream- So good, as always. I like chocolate the best, but thats just a preference.

Baked Beans- Really good, and a great source of protein just blend em up. :)

Mac and Cheese- Any kind of pasta, just blend it up. But mac and cheese is really good.

Chicken salad- If it isn't fine enough you may have to throw it in a chopper, but it is good.

Jello Chocolate Mousse- Okay this is a bit expensive, but it is to DIE for. I love it.

Jello- Good, but it dyes your lips a little bit... haha.

Soups- Any kind of soup with out gigantic hunks of meat is fine. Tomato is good.

Apple Sauce- Really good. They have all kinds of flavors and it is great for a serving of fruit.

Mashed Potatoes- good. I had some with gravy last night and they were really filling.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes- A little butter- A little cinnamon- A little sugar. Mashed altogether? OMG. Delicious.

Tonight!? I am having Spaghetti blended up and a dessert of Icing and maybe ice cream. You see its our neighbor, Ms. Sherri's Bday. No cake for me. :( But I will settle with some icing. MMMM. One of my favorite things on the planet. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS. Sherri!!!!!

That is all for now. When I discover some more good food I will let you know, but I wanted to get some up for all of you who are drastically losing weight, or need to know what to buy. This is good. :)

Let me know if you have any questions...

Or some good eats to share! :)

Love, Makay

Day 8...

2010-07-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

I have made it over the one week mark, which means it only gets better from here- at least the swelling and numbness. :) So I asked if you had any questions, and guess what? You gave me some, so here goes. I am going to answer the best I can....

Are you still feeling numb? Do you have any feeling in you face yet?

Actually yes I do. I have gotten some back, which my doctors think is AMAZING because it has only been a week. Here I show in this picture where the numbness is. The purple areas indicate "feeling" the red is "numbness". I don't know if you will be able to read the words... Let me know if you can't.

How does your tongue rest inside your mouth? Does it feel crowded?

The inside of my mouth feels different. Not going to lie, and it took some getting used to but it does not feel crowded. I asked my surgeon the same question. I mean it seems logical right? They are taking your bottom jaw away so you wouldn't have as much room for your tongue? Not the case though. He said that they move your jaw back, and your tongue moves with it. Which is true, because my tongue feels normal. Great question though! :)

How do you brush the inside of your teeth?

I am not sure what tooth brush you are using, but let me introduce you to my best friend... ;)

It is a baby toothbrush, stage 1. It has soft bristles and a small head. And I can EASILY fit it between my teeth. I then just shove it back there and brush the back of the teeth. I know it may sound painful, but with a bit of practice, and you will be able to do it too. Make sure to have your rubber bands off before you do it... you have better mobility. (maybe I will make a video of how to brush your teeth. tell me if you would be interested.)

Can you talk and sing yet?

Yes I can talk. Not well, but I can do it a bit. It lets me get my message across most of the time. It is getting better though. I can't sing. really haven't tried. I have hummed though. Thats easy. haha.

Is your nose and cheeks producing oil?

More than usual? Yeah. I mean not too bad, but my skin feels kinda like after a sunburn... rougher, and a little oily... I think it is from moving my face so much... I don't know though. Good question. I am sure it will go away. So no worries. I just can't wait to exfoliate. That would hurt now though.

Update on Day 8:

Here is the swelling:

I do believe this is my first picture with a "legit" smile. haha. I can't wait for my lips to come down so I can do a full on toothy grin haha... :D It is a bit crooked do to the uneven swelling, and other stuff like that. No worries... ha.

Profile Time...

I wanted to leave you all with a little comparison. :)

If you guys have ANY more questions feel free to ask. I will try and answer them the best I can. :)

-Makay

One Week.

2010-07-15T15:28:00.001-07:00

I have made it! I DID IT!!!! YAYYYY. I have made it through the toughest week. I have made it through the dark, and I can see some light. The swelling is downhill from here. :)

Here are some pictures from today.

You have to love my "sorta" smile. I am trying... I am trying. My lips are still pretty swollen, I feel like Angelina freakin' Jolie. I hope it goes down soon haha.

Here is the money shot! Profile time! haha. My favorite time of the day. I am having some bruising under my chin, not bad, just slight. Its fine. And swelling there too. My top lip is the one that is super swollen. GO AWAY! ha.

Today I had some pudding which was absolutely delicioussss. It was Banana Cream pudding. :) So good. Pick some up, because it goes down really well. I also saw a commercial with the new Jello product, "Chocolate Mousse" and it looked so good. I may have to pick some of that up too.

Oh, and last night I ate something that filled my rumbling tummy, and it was very very very good. It was blended up baked beans, and blended up mac and cheese. MMMMM. It was the first meal that has really satisfied me. :)

Taking the bands on and off has gotten tremendously easier, so has brushing. Everything has gotten easier... well at least it takes less time to complete.

Today was my first milestone! :) I was happy with it.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Love, Makay

Day 6

2010-07-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be one week! I can hardly believe it. :) Today I made it out into the real world! My friend Brittany C. and I went down to the mall, and it felt WONDERFUL! I mean by the end I was a little tired, but walking around made me feel more human, and being with a friend helped lift my spirits too! I got 2 cute H&M items. 1 shirt, and a cute little dress. Then afterwards we went and got Ritas, which was SOOOOOOO good. MMMM.

So the walking around the mall must of helped my swelling because look!

Now profile shot (I used to hate them beyond all belief, but now they are my favorite! haha):

I am looking and feeling better! It is a awesome! I am so glad things are starting to become brighter.

Some new foods I have discovered:

Cream of Wheats with American Cheese (melted in it)

Gelati from Rita's (preferably cotton candy) haha.

Blended up Mac and Cheese (you may have to add a little extra water)

Chicken salad blended up

Oh, and one thing I figured out about sodas is you need them:

1.) Room temperature

2.) Not so fizzy... if you shake it up and let it settle that helps, because if you drink it when it is super fizzy it makes you cry and kinda burns your throat.

****Dr. Politano****: if you are reading this please comment in the box below... are you going to have to take out my stitches? or are they gonna fall out? Or dissolve? Please let me know.

So that is about it.

THANK YOU TO ALL MY FOLLOWERS! I am so serious! You guys have been part of what keeps me going! Feel free to ask any questions! :)

Love, Makay

Is this REAL? :D

2010-07-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

I am just so so sooooo happy with my profile (even through the swelling!). No longer will I have to be self conscious about this...

I now will be able to enjoy pizza, apples, and sub sandwiches without being embarrassed. I will not have to worry about my smile, and if I am hiding my underbite. I won't have to think about what angle I am looking in order to minimize my underbite. No longer will I feel like the "odd-ball" or out of place when with friends. I won't have to think about it, worry, anyyyy of it.

I just can't stop looking at my profile. I can't stoppp. haha. It is so awesome. I know once the swelling is down I will look and feel way better I know it. :) I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Once the swelling goes down (especially in my lips) I will be flashing my pearly whites all the time. :D

I mean WOWWWWW... what a difference already, and its only gonna get better! : ) Awesome.

I just wanted to say that. I will do another update post tonight. I woke up kinda swollen, and I wanna let it go down before I take pics. :)

-makay

Post Op Appointment...

2010-07-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Okay so my appointment went well, they just reaffirmed everything is well, yay. They said the swelling and bruising is normal, and that I will start seeing a big difference... the worst is over. That was good news.

Also I couldn't have possibly asked for better Doctors. Dr. Turvey and Dr. Politano. They are so very nice and really know what they are doing. I am so glad we live so close to such amazing surgeons. They really are the best. They have changed the way I feel about myself, and helped me lose a big insecurity. I can't thank them enough. :)

I know I already put up pics of today, but I took some more and was surprised the swelling has gone down since this morning even...

look.

This morning:

NOW:

HEYYY... is that a smile? I think it is... haha.

This Morning:

NOW:

Do you see the difference? HOLY SHAMOLY! :) Yay... this is the first time I have seen an improvement in the swelling. :)

Oh, and lets take a peek shall we... ;) back behind them Angelina Jolie lips... Yes I know it isn't a very good pic, but it was the best I could do... I am still marveling over the fact my bottom teeth sit neatly behind my top. :D

And I was in the car on the way home from UNC and this song came on and it really touched me. I have been discouraged, and I have been asking God just to help me make it through this- and to show me some light. And this song came on, and WOW. Listen to this. Amazing.

Wow. :)

So... Thank you to all those of you following, and commenting. Reading your comments makes my day. :) Such a source of encouragement. Thank you.

Peace Out.

-Makay

Swelling.... ugh...

2010-07-13T05:59:00.001-07:00

Okay so I have a question... my swelling under my chin has gone up... here look....

2 Days ago...

NOW! WHAT THE HECK???? I thought it was supposed to go down, not up. :P ugghhh

Do you see what I am talking about? There is some slight yellowish bruising there too. Is the swelling there normal? I mean it has just gone up up up... and I thought it was gonna start going down by now... but no luck.

I feel like I have 15 bricks in my face... it is heavy. ugh! haha.

I have an ortho surgeon appt at 12:15, i will let you know how it goes.

-makay

Day 5...

2010-07-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

Omgosh! It is day 5! Okay... I feel a little better today. Other than the swelling in my lips is up. UGH. Here look...

SWELLING!!! I DEMAND YOU GO AWAY!!!!!! I just want it gone. I am tired of looking like someone hit my face with sledgehammer. I hope it is down faster soon. First 3 days after surgery is prime swelling days, so tomorrow should be better.

Okay so do you wanna know what is a must? I have been living off of:

BOOST <------ great drink, full of protein, and vitamins. And it goes down my throat well

Blended Spaghetti O's <------ OMGOSH, wanna curb your hunger? Eat this. It is so good. :) MMM. just brush well after.

Chocolate Ice Cream <-------- mmmmmm. :) This is self explanatory. DELICIOUS.

Sprite <------- It is good, fizz feels good on my throat.

So that has been the main diet. Really good. I also had mash potatoes, but if you do that, make sure to water em down a bit so you don't choke they are kinda like glue.

Eating is like a 1 hour process. I have to take my bands off (PAIN IN THE BUTT! and it hurts because my lips have to be stretched to reach the back.) and then you have to brush really well after, which takes even more time. UGH. It is uber annoying. Make sure you are drugged up on Motrin or Tylenol before you go through all that.

And you know my Jaw bra? Well it was making my face swell up more because of the pressure, and I couldn't breathe or talk well, so my mom called Dr. Turvey. He said, "No need to make her miserable, just don't wear it anymore" so I was thrilled. Practically jumping for JOY! :)

Anyways. I am doing a little better. Pray for swelling to go down, and drooling to stop. I am starting to see a turn up hill. :)

-Makay

Day 4

2010-07-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Okay. So today I already am feeling a little better... it is the first time since surgery that I have caught a glimpse of light. I mean my lips are driving me insane, and I am taking meds every five seconds (antibiotics, motrin, tylenol, sudafed, etc). I haven't taken ANY narcotics the doctors think I am crazy, but the last thing I want is to be puking everywhere and all dizzy so whatever I am just dealing.

Here is how I look. SWOLLEN! Ugh. My friend Wes was like you are going to be drop dead gorgeous- as soon as you are not so "balloon-like" haha. Very true Wes, very true.

Here is my profile. I am still so happy that my top lip is in front of my bottom!!!! :D but of course my lips look absolutely hideous... I mean the corners are awful. I want it to go away. One thing I am loving is my nose! It looks smaller. :) Once the swelling goes down I am going to look wayyyyy better.

One of the most annoying things is drooling everywhere. HOW DO YOU STOP??? AHHH. It is driving me insane... I go to use the restroom and it is like freaking Niagra Falls. I hate it...

Also I hate the jaw bra. Seriously... do I have to wear it? DANGIT! I do. It is reattaching the muscle to my chin. Pretty important.

My wisdom teeth actually are giving me the most trouble, my ears hurt, and are popping. I just don't know why, but is giving me the most pain. Kinda ridiculous.

Oh, and it is so cute. Tucker (my doggie) keeps coming and sitting with me. It is like he knows that I am hurting. It is adorable.

Here are my before and after xrays. WOWZER what a difference. And look at all the screws! No wonder my face hurts haha.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The screws still kind of freak me out. :P haha. but you can see such a difference. :) EXCITING. Now if only I would stop drooling and swelling go down.

Questions? Do you have questions? Let me know.

-makay

Day 3...

2010-07-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

Okay. Yesterday was pretty miserable, and today thus far is a bit better, but I have a question...

Did anyone of you ever have issues with breathing??? I feel like I can't breathe or swallow... My nose is fine, but my throat feels soooo small. I can hardly breathe. Taking medicine is nearly impossible, it burns and I choke. It is driving me crazy.

Thank you so much for the prayers. And flowers and stuff. I have gotten balloons, stuffed animals, cards, jello, flowers, all sorts of things. :) It makes my living room quite bright and festive.

I am not going to lie, my face feels like it was hit by a bus. And like there is 15 pounds of bricks on my face. I do have pain when I don't have Motrin in my system, but it is not like a piercing pain- it is just very sore...

I know I look terrible... but I promised I would blog ALL. I meant it.

I just hate that it is so hard to drink, and eat. I just want this to pass... UGH. Oh, and believe it or not, where they took out my wisdom teeth hurts the most... I can't feel the other stuff yet... it is my ears... they are popping and hurt... it will get better.

-makay

I AM ALIVE!!!!

2010-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone is right the first night was bad. Not going to lie... I was bleeding alot, but you get a suction thing for that... not a big deal. It is nummmb... under my eyes down. But I am okay. It is SO very sore, but guess what????

YOUR PRAYERS WORKED! I may be able to go home tonight!!! WOWZER. Keep em coming! they are really helping. :)

Here are some pictures for you pleasure. ;) My throat is my major complaint, it is like the size of a dime. Which sucks. Makes it hard to breathe and swallow, but it should go down in a day or two.

How you like my Jaw Bra? hahahahahahha.

Oh, and my profile! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA! Finally my top lip in front of my bottom! :)

I am serious, get a shower asap, it makes you feel a ton better. The first day sucks, because of the anesthesia, but that goes away... promise. :) So how you like???? haha.

Oh, and I had to get some anti-nausea meds at first because when I got up to go to the restroom I didn't feel to well... just try not to go into panic like I did that only makes it worse. Trust me on that.

The worst is drinking... I keep feeling like I am chocking... he said it is because of the tube they put in my throat during surgery... he said that will go away soon. So, just waiting it out.

The roof of my mouth feels weird too, it is shallow (not as high) and wider. Weiiiird... and the numbness feels weird too. i haven't needed any strong pain meds, which is good... I am just on motrin... it helps.

So anyways... post soon. peace out. ;)

-makay

It is Tomorrow!!!

2010-07-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Holy Moly! :) It is tomorrow! I can not believe! Today I had a Ortho Surgeon Appointment. My Dr.'s resident Dr. Politano met with us today to 1.) calm my nerves 2.) give me details. So here is what I found out...

Measurements:

---> Top Jaw is moving forward 6mm

---> Bottom Jaw is moving backward 3mm

---> Chin forward 4mm (genioplasty)

---> Widening my top jaw 2mm

---> All my wisdom teeth removed

They are also gonna add a little bit of bone to my cheeks to help round it off, which is just gonna be extra from my bottom jaw.

Today was soooo hot... when we got out of the car this is what our temp reading said: 106!!! Holy cow... (Idk if you can see the temp in the mirror... but it's there)

Also I wanna show you Dr. Turvey's office... it scares me. There are skulls EVERYWHERE! I wish there were animals on the walls or something! hahahahaha. ;)

(this is a fake smile, just saying hahaha)

(this one scares me and my mom the worst! Look at that dude's head!!!! FREAKY! haha. Dr. Turvey needs some cute murals or something... ;D )

Then we went in and Dr. Politano showed us this xray of me now. The black/gray lines are now, and the red is after... well the "projected" after. (just click the picture to see it bigger)

Also I got an estimated image of what I will possibly look like, he said the program makes everything "sharp" and I will look better than the image, but it just kinda shows the projected profile...

here is now...

here is what they think I will look like... Of course it is not completely accurate, but it is a "guess", just for fun... haha. (He said the bottom lip will be under the top more than in this picture)

Then here is Dr. Politano and me. He is Dr. Turvey's resident, which is kind of like a "top dog" Dr. in training... Both of them will be doing my surgery, but I feel closer to Dr. Politano than Dr. Turvey because I have seen him more. (if you read this Dr. Politano, I am trusting you and Dr. Turvey with my life, and my face... ha. I know you will do a good job!)

The big day is tomorrow, and my surgery is at 7:30am... So I have to be there at 6am, so that means we have to leave the house by 5:20am. So PLEASE pray.

Thanks for your support! It means a ton! See you guys on the other side!!!! :D AHHH!

-Makay

Pre Op.

2010-07-06T17:32:00.001-07:00

Here is a pre-op video... I wanted you to hear my voice before... So yep. There is not too much info in this, but it does show "before" pretty well. Please excuse the wet hair, and no makeup... ;) haha.

So there is before... I will have after too. :)

I am going in for a pre op appointment tomorrow at 2pm. They are gonna give me a soft tissue projection of my profile (EXCITING!) and tell me the exact measurements. I am sure he is also going to let me know what I need to bring, and do before then. AHHHHH! It is so close... Its gonna hit me tomorrow. I have a feeling.

-Makay