Happy 1st Birthday TJR Joints

                                                    

May 8^th and 9^th –Happy 1^st birthday to my new and improved jaw!

One year ago today, I went in for a bilateral titanium joint replacement of the TMJ.  A decision I did not take lightly. Full of anxiety and fear, yet hopeful for an unknown future. 

                                                                                                     
       

I awoke from surgery to learn that everything went better than expected.  After that, I needed to heal and attend physical therapy.  I returned to teaching three weeks’ post-surgery. 

 This is my pic after surgery #pumpkinhead

Healing was a process, but not as horrific as I had imagined (and heard).  I believe in expecting the worst and hoping for the best. My high tolerance for pain aided in my ability to stop taking pain meds shortly after I returned home, and my aptness to heal. It's hard to imagine that I had nearly 100 stitches around my face.  Here are my scars one year later:

       

Within limits, I can eat whatever I want.  If it hurts, I don’t eat it.  If I overdo it one day, I eat all soft or liquids the next.  It’s all about moderation and listening to my body.

The weather can still cause tightness and migraines.  This will never change, but I am use to it.  I normally have good days.  I do feel mild discomfort in my face/jaw most of the time, but it is nothing to complain about.  In fact, I have a few days here and there where I feel no pain or discomfort.  Unfortunately, I do have the occasional bad day, but it is definitely manageable. 

When I’m stressed, I must hold my jaw in a tense manner as I get migraines and muscle tightness.  I attempt to focus and release the tension I am holding in my face, but sometimes it is not possible.  For example, the Douglass Massacre isn’t far from my home.   I know many people who were affected by this (students, parents, teachers).  I also teach at a local high school, and the weeks after were extremely unnerving and heartbreaking.  My jaw was sore for a while.

                       My friends and I at the #neveragain rally in Parkland                     

                                                                        My school's response to the national walkout (#OHSUPPORTMSD)

                             
 What is the biggest change?  My New Year’s resolution is to say yes to everything I want to do.  I’m typically quite a frugal person, but not this year.

My flight to New Orleans in November helped me recognize that I no longer needed to fear the pain of cabin pressure changing when the plane lands because it is no longer unpleasant.  With that realization, came infinite possibilities.

 

I have decided to live life to the fullest.

New Year’s Eve I spent on Deerfield Beach with a few close friends

I spent the weekend in South Beach and went to the Fountainebleau event and the South Beach tent event portion of the Food and Wine Festival!  Thank you Heather for making this possible, as you do every year!

I sat front row at Wicked!  By the way, many people said it was a mistake to purchase tickets so close to the stage because I would be uncomfortable, but it was fabulous!  Always follow your gut and do what is best for you!

Spring Break I went to Guatemala for four nights.  I was supposed to go with a friend, but she decided not to go last minute and I decided to try out solo traveling.  It was an amazing experience and I met many new people and saw so many beautiful sights.  In fact, I loved Guatemala so much I can’t wait to go back and visit!

     

I spent my birthday in Wynwood, Miami. 

I spent the night in Fort Lauderdale, to watch the air and sea show.  This is my first time ever going!

I went to the Pink concert in the middle of the week.  If you know me, you know this is unheard of.  I also paid more for box seats with my friends. 

I still volunteer with my rescue and foster dogs with 100+ Abandoned Dogs of The Everglades.

Deaf Ed (above)                        Littles ^                                                

                   

While I never expected my jaw to be perfect, I am pleased with the results.  Within a year, my world has completely changed and I am excited to see what the future has in store.  I absolutely DO NOT regret getting this surgery.  I knew that it was risky and that there are many "TMJ" people who believe that this is not the right option, but for me it was.  

My family and friends have been paramount to my recovery and I thank you very much.  I am blessed to have such wonderful, caring people in my life.