Let’s start with the answer to the BIG question: how do I sleep? Somewhat better. Of course, there is still tremendous room for improvement, but I do sleep better than before. I have yet to master the art of sleeping more than 4.5-6 hours a night, but I’ll gladly take what I can get. While I still wake up tired, I no longer have a headache in the morning. In addition, it’s much easier to make it through the afternoon without wanting to take a nap. There are no plans to have another sleep study.
Since the last blog update, I worked with a sleep specialist who encouraged me to meditate. I spent a few months practicing Mindfulness Meditation. Meditating was definitely relaxing, but it didn’t improve my sleep. I haven’t incorporated meditation into my daily routine, but I do enjoy the experience.
At this point, I don’t expect my physical recovery to progress any further. Here’s the quick summary of the physical symptoms that will likely remain with me:
- Numb lower lip, upper gums and the roof of my mouth
- Most top teeth have the wooden tooth feeling and don’t have complete sensation
- Upper gums still feel spongy when chewing
- Difficult to chew very hard and crunchy foods
- Weight returned to pre-surgery (bummer)
Looking back on the entire experience, I made the right decision to have the MMA – there were no other options left. While I haven’t had a breakthrough moment, I have benefitted from the surgery. I had the best surgeon do his best work and I feel somewhat better. Would I do it over again? I think so.
