Day 43 - 6 weeks!! (and one day)

I couldn't get it together to post last night, so here is my 6 week update a day late.

I'm feeling great. I was officially able to start chewing soft foods yesterday, though I have to admit, I started on Sunday morning with a bagel.  Then followed it up by chewing every meal after that. It's very bizarre because my teeth are still numb, so I have to rely on my tongue to feel my food's consistency going from solid to mashed.

My surgeon called me last night to see how I was doing at the 6 week mark and to also give me the green light to start chewing soft foods... um... thanks?! I figure I've been so good up until this point that I didn't need to mention the fact that I started a couple days ago! He also said the more I chew, the better my mouth will function, that it will be like physical therapy. He said I should continue sleeping on my back for another 3 weeks. At that point I can also start eating a more regular diet.

I also didn't mention that I went on a jog last week. I didn't over do it. I ran in intervals of 1 min run, 1 1/2 min walk (8 times). This is the first workout in a program called "couch to 5k". I've used it before when training for a 5k race, but figured why not start at the beginning again. I'm glad I did. Even though I felt good while running, I was so exhausted that night. I think I was in bed by 730pm. I haven't run again since then, because it's been so busy with the holidays, but I will go out again this weekend. I have to say, the opening of my airway made a HUGE difference. I didn't feel out of breath at all! (The iPhone app I use is called "Get Running")

Chin, gums and teeth are totally numb. The rest of my face is in different stages of semi-numbness. My lips feel like they are totally chapped, but in reality aren't at all. Just one of those weird semi-numb feelings.

I still get achy feelings in my right jawline and chin, but not as much as I used to.

My next ortho appointment is Dec. 18.

My right side is still more swollen than my left.