Anyways here is the whole story if you want to read...
So since this whole thing was a study the surgery had to be done under conscious sedation. They had to ask me how I was doing, if I think I needed more medication and if I felt anxious. Here is how the whole thing went. So the nurse got my IV in my hand and ready to go. They first took the amount of blood they needed for the study of my DNA. I got waaaay dizzy and they kept saying I looked pale. The nurse had to get out some ammonia for me to sniff so I wouldn't pass out. So one part of the study was that I would either receive a placebo or Midazolam through the IV. After they put that in my IV I didn't really feel anything. The doctor came in and then administered the local anesthesia. The shots in the very back of my mouth didn't really hurt but the ones in my palate made me cry. I'm going to admit it - I started to get weepy. The doctor said I needed to calm down my breathing. He was very nice and I immediately trusted him. They decided to give me some oxygen through my nose. Now that's a weird feeling. So the extraction officially started and before I knew it he had popped out the top two. When he got to the bottom 2 I heard the drill start and he said I would feel some pressure. Yep, he was right. I kept thinking, "If he applies anymore pressure he's going to slip and blow right through my cheek!" I felt him sew me up and do the same on the other side. After he sewed the last one he through down his tools, put his hands in the air and said "DONE SUCKAS!" Just kidding, but they told me later he was done in 14 minutes.
The nurse said I did really good and she thinks I got the pain medication in the IV. She said the Midazolam usually has a paradoxical effect and women sometimes cry. She also mentioned it would have an amnesia effect and might make me feel sleepy. Well I think I got the placebo because I remember everything and was not sleepy at all and cried because it hurt!
They had to monitor me for a couple of hours after wards and then sent me home with Vicodin and Ibuprofen. I got an awesome care package from work and surprise ice cream from great friends. Poor Ben has been taking good care of me, too. He calls me every 4 hours from work to remind me to take my medicine. I am in good hands and on a steady diet of pudding, applesauce, ice cream & mashed potatoes. I'm still pretty swollen and the jaw is still tight but there hasn't been any bruising so far. I can't really talk normal and sometimes talking even makes me more sore.
Ben didn't get a picture of me but here are some other people we can make fun of...
All in all I am really grateful for this opportunity even though it was out of the norm. I was with seasoned doctors and nurses who made me feel comfortable. I am also grateful for Ben's friend at work who let us borrow the complete Seinfeld series so I could be occupied. I'm only on Season 4 so I got a ways to go!
8 comments:
It sounds like you did a great job and you were the perfect patient. Try to get off the hard(Vicodin) as soon as you can. Hopefully you did take some pictures, even if we never get to see them. How long will you be off of work? Enjoy your time off. We miss you guys. Love mom and dad Miller
I'm glad you survived and are surviving!
I'm a little jealous. Is it bad that I have had such a medically uneventful life that I actually wish something interesting would happen sometimes? Especially if I could plan it like this.
P.S. Apparently if they ever had to take out my wisdom teeth it would be awful. My roots are retarded, according to the last guy that looked at them.
P.P.S. Legal Vicodin!
I've got an awesome picture that you can add to your collage. I looked fab after getting my wisdom teeth out. Aren't you relieved that it is over though and that you never have to do it again?
i'm so glad you were able to get it taken care of. no fun, but it's good to get it done. too bad you didn't take pics, since we weren't here to see you in all your swollen glory. ;)
I can't believe you didn't get any pictures! Well, probably better that way ... my brother uses mine as blackmail. I didn't realize it was a study you were doing. I'm glad it's all over now! I'll have to tell you about my wisdom teeth story sometime ... not a good time in my life. :)
OMGosh Caitlin, I never got those details over the phone. I'm so thankful that you had them taken care of. We miss you and I wish you had been near so I could have helped you ....but Ben was able to show his "protector and provider" part of his persona. He is da man. Actually, since today is Mother's Day I wish to thank both of you for making me proud of you and at this point, for being such good examples to me. I love you both very much....I'm thankful to be your mother/in-law.
So glad you survived! I can't believe you were awake for the whole thing too! I had gum surgery a few years ago and being awake the whole time was so traumatizing! You're my hero!
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