So it finally happened. I should've seen it coming, really.
In med school, you learn about the body's endogenous (natural) painkillers. These are called endorphins, the same things that are realeased during exercise (though I must admit this never worked for me!) They work on opiate receptors, the same as morphine and heroin, which is why you get the high/pain relieving properties of those substances. There have been stories in medical literature, where for example farmers have accidents where their arms get chopped off, but calm as you like they pick up the severed limb and walk for miles to the hospital in absolutely no pain whatsoever. This has been attributed to the said endorphins released as a defence mechanism. Then they wear off...
I think this is what happened to me. The docs kept warning me that I was high and would crash down, but in my euphoria I completely forgot about this fact. It's powerful stuff. I got home yesterday and started feeling very sorry for myself, and had a little cry before bed - not too big, as I can't blow my nose! But my mum has been great support and I don't know what I would've done without her for the last few hours.
I am so very happy already with the results, and don't regret it for ONE second, but now that my muscles are all spasming and I'm finding it hard to talk/open my mouth/drink/take disgusting meds it's natural to feel sorry for oneself. I know it can only get better though, and even though it tires me out, am still trying to be in touch with friends etc as I know ultimately it cheers me up. Once I got to sleep last night, I slept well and straight through until I woke with tightness in my face about 8.30 am - no way I can forget what time to take my meds! I also had a bath and washed my hair for the first time this morning, which again although exhausting is definitely a boost. Trying to keep calories up is the biggest chore at the moment, as I'm not too hungry and still feel a bit weak so I know I actually need to try and get them in.
I'll try and take some pics from today and post them later though there's not a huge change. The bruising is perhaps a little darker but it's not spread so much.
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4 comments:
Awww, sorry you were feeling a bit down. I hope you are feeling a bit better. It does look like you were a bit euphoric in your hospital pictures. Those are the cutest post-op pictures I have seen. I haven't seen any with anyone looking so happy. :) Can't wait to see more pictures.
Thanks for the update, V! I heard from my surgeon that you hit the wall around day 4 or so. Are you sad because the pain is so overwhelming? Or are you frustrated that you can't eat anything solid? I heard that one can get quite irritated after a few days. Hopefully you won't be due to my nosiness! ;)
Not nosy at all! I want you guys to know the stages I'm going through...
It's not so much the pain really. I have been relatively pain-free, it's more of a 'tightness' - a bit like a Hannibal Lecter mask or something. I think the relief of finally having it done and seeing a glimpse of how great it's going to look, keeps you high for a bit, and then it wears off and the reality of no-food, the effects of the anaesthetic and frustration sets in.
I am struggling to get any nourishment down and think I maybe tried to do too much too quick. I was sick today also which was a bit scary but in reality not so bad. I think I was expecting to hit the wall about day 7 so I'm glad it's normal to be feeling like this around day 4, as I am!
I am glad you are doing better than me. I would not wish this on my worst enemy (I really don't think I have one of these, but you know what I mean) I never had the endorphins at all. I think I am sad that my looks haven't changed that much and my teeth do not line up. The surgeon said the orthodontist has to line them up now. I think the orthodontist didn't have my teeth ready. Your doctors sound better than mine, although I hope my got the job done right. Have you tried to yawn yet. It is horrible pain. I still cannot say I would do it again, maybe I will soon. Thank you for your help and encouragement. By the way, I loved your pictures. Mine will scare you guys when I post them.
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