Today, believe it or not (I'm not sure I do), it's been one whole year since I had my jaw surgery. So much has happened in that time, almost all of it good, and all it for the good. Yes, I had some rough times (month two to three, I'm looking at you!) but I can unequivocally say that I'm glad I had the surgery done. It's amazing how much of my life I've gotten back since that day, how much I enjoy my life. My pain is so reduced and not the center of every minute. I can (and do) eat almost everything.
A great example of what I mean would be this past Sunday. I invited a group of friends that have been on this journey with me for a get-together. We all met at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I was able to sit with my friends, talk as much as I want, eat chips and salsa and any meal I wanted and just be a normal (for me) person. Then we all went back to my house and spent the evening playing games and noshing. It was a perfect way to celebrate how far I had come; doing the things that my TMJ had taken away from me.
Seeing as how it's that time of year, I think I would like to list some things that I am thankful for.
First and foremost, I am thankful for my husband, James. I'm not sure that I would have been able to make this journey without him. He's supported me in so many ways I can't even begin to recount them. For the silly things he'd do to try to distract me in the bad times. For celebrating even the small triumphs with great enthusiasm. For not saying the things I'm sure he wanted to when he caught the undeserved whiplash of my pain and anxiety. For uncountable hours of "rubs". For just being there when everything else felt like it was slipping away. Thank you, James.
(The following is chronological order, not, in anyway, order of importance.)
I am thankful for my Physical Therapist, Shawn Everson. He worked every bit of talent and skill he had to keep me together before the surgery and has managed to find even more of both in the time of my recovery. He has showed me the importance of listening to my own instincts as well as my health professionals and of patience. And of exercises; lots and lots and lots of exercises. I know that I would not have gotten as far as I have without him. And I know he'll do whatever he can to help find my way even further along. Thank you, Shawn.
I am thankful for my jaw doctor, Dr Keller. His knowledge, skill and patience never cease to amaze me. Here is a man who can make you feel like you are the most important patient in an office full of really important patients. You will get all the time, all the answers, and all the compassion that you need while you are with him. And laughter, you'll get lots of that, too. And the same goes for his staff; they have trained him well. Thank you, Dr Keller and all the folks at Keller Professional Group.
I am thankful for my surgeon, Dr Movahed. When I started down the surgery path I thought I was going to have to this incredibly scary surgery with a surgeon I barely knew in a hospital a very long way from home. But through this amazing confluence of this person that knew that person that was willing to get to know this other person, I was able to find an skilled and caring surgeon right here in my own home town. The chance to return to my own home so soon after surgery but still be able to easily follow up with my surgeon made those early days so much better. He answered all my questions, allayed my fears, and forgave me when I was a truly horrible person. He rebuilt my face and my life and everything is awesome! Thank you, Dr Movahed.
I am thankful for my mother, Mom. (OK, she has a name, Lois. But you don't call your mom by her name!) She made the long trip down here for the surgery and was the most welcome distraction for both me and James in that first week after surgery. She watched Grumpy cat movies with me, told me how horrible my lips looked after surgery, and managed to not hurt anybody because of what they were doing to her little girl. I know it's been very hard for her to be so far away during my recovery (now you know how I feel, Mom!) but it's been so important to know that she cared about how I was doing. And thanks for dropping your chip at Matador, it's one of my favorite memories of my recovery. Thank you, Mom.
I am thankful for all of my friends and family. I'm not going to list you all here but please know that does not mean that you all weren't important to my recovery. You've been with me on this journey from before the surgery and your support and encouragement has meant so much to me since. Thank you, every one of you.
I am thankful for the other TMJ patients who have contacted me since my surgery, my Jaw Joint Fellows. It means a lot to me that I share what I have experienced and learned over the last year. I hope that each and every one of you can someday have a celebration of how much better your life is then, too. Thank you, JJFs.
Well, I think that's about all. I just want to say Thank You again to everybody. I am so glad to have had this path to travel to where I am today and that you all have come along with me.
And Happy Thanksgiving!
