I’ve been home 6 weeks now which is wonderful. Sleeping in my own bed, playing with the pups, seeing friends etc is wonderful, but it hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. I am struggling with old and new issues and have already been hospitalized for a week, had some emergency appointments and spent many many many nights in the ER Department. Most days the answer to “How are You” is simply, “Still Alive”. It’s still really rough going.
I’m not able to eat because the “hole” beside my mouth continues to open, and even if I can manage to keep something in my mouth, since my taste buds don’t work, it doesn’t provide any enjoyment. Thank goodness I have a feeding tube, although there have been a lot of issues with that as well – I had to have it replaced within the first two weeks because of a crack. Right now I’m dealing with extreme nausea and pain. I’m taking two anti-nausea meds, two pain meds and another one that does something else (??)
My cheek flap hasn’t healed the way it should, and it is opening at the top again. That’s frightening and maddening. I saw the surgeon a few weeks ago and he’s scheduled the next surgery which is supposed to push back the cheek into my mouth, and close my lips. I have no idea how he’ll do that, but I certainly hope he can. The surgery was booked for Jan 8th but it has just been postponed until Jan 22nd which is disheartening.
This is my second Christmas of not being able to eat which is such a big part of get togethers, and since I’m very self conscious of my face it’s hard to go to events. I’ve been wearing a mask when I’m not at home.
Hopefully 2025 will bring better healing and health. Thanks again for your support.