Recovery Day 14 - 31st December 2012

 

New Years Eve

 

Had an ok sleep last night, got up and took my tablets straight away as the usual morning agony was present. Me, Matt and the boys spent the morning in bed watching TV. We got up to have breakfast. I tried the ready brek, it was very smooth and I could drink it from my sippy cup.

** The below passage is not very pleasant but it can happen after surgery, a change in lifestyle and change in diet so I wanted to include it  **

At about 3pm I made the move and had a shower, showering was quite tiring and afterwards I had no energy to dry my hair. I lay on the bed for a bit to compose the energy. I felt quite sick and a bit faint and I had pains in my stomach. I hadn't been to the toilet for quite a few days, being on codeine and a liquid diet was doing my digestive system and bowels no good. I thought I might have a sit on loo and see if there was any movement. I certainly felt like I needed to go but nothing was making an appearance. Then, there was a little urge to push, I did and ouch, I had stool stuck half in and out of me. It was sheer agony, that bad I was sweating with the pain. This happened another two times, I was literally wet through with sweat because it was so painful. I stood up and had a walk round, I still had the urge to go, but I was scared In case my bottom ripped open or I got a pile. I had no choice other than to return to the toilet, when I sat down I managed to go to the toilet again,

At 5:30pm after I had plucked the energy to dry my hair we went to mum and dads. Mum was in bed because she still wasn't well.

Dad suggested McDonald's for tea (cruel!) we downloaded the McDonald's App and perused the menu, other than milkshake and ice cream there wasn't anything I could eat. So..... Soup again. Grrrrrr so the boys went to McDonald's and mum got up for a bit. I don't normally like McDonald's but it all looked and smelt very appealing. My banana milkshake and ice cream where very enjoyable though. Mum went to bed at about 9 and dad, Matt and I watched TV until midnight until we had welcomed in 2013. Just after midnight I took my tablets and we headed home. Apart from pain and the lack of food it was a pleasant New Year's Eve.

Recovery Day 13 - 30th December 2012

Morning are just so painful, I think a mixture of running out of painkillers overnight and leaning on my face while sleeping are the main factors. Lower lip swelling has come right down although face still very puffy. There are just a few yellow bruises left on my lower jaw and under my eyes. My bite seems to be quite inline too. My teeth are very sensitive and brushing my teeth is a challenge as I can't open my mouth that much. I still can't speak very well but the dribbling has stopped (unless I'm excited!)

We needed some supplies for the house so were nipping I nipped out with Matt, I wouldn't go into any of the shops I'd just wait outside but appreciated a run in the car. On the way I asked Matt if we could look in Dobbies. It was horrible in there, there were no traces of Christmas. Just loads of reduced clutter everywhere. Dobbies has a lovely cafe so I suggested we look what soup they had on offer. They had tomato and lentil and a vegetable. They were both smooth so I opted for vegetable. I asked the waitress to put it straight into my sippy cup. She seemed very surprised at this request. I went and sat down while Matt paid, at this stage I still had my scarf round my face. When he came over with the food I took my scarf off. People started having a little point and stare. Then when I started drinking soup out of my sippy cup other customers were mesmerised! I was totally the Dobbies cafe afternoon entertainment. I didn't really care, I know I've sat and stared at people before, it's quite obvious that I've had something done and besides.... The soup was delicious and as a bonus it was free as the lad on the till didn't know what to put it through as!

We nipped to mums on the way home to tell them about the free soup and so I could take my tablets. We watched a bit of TV. I had pepper soup for my tea after putting on a protest and not eating it until 8:30pm while everyone else had pizza (cruel)

When we got home I had my tablets and went to sleep.

Recovery Day 12 - 29th December 2012

Had an ok sleep last night, I was very sore when I woke up so took my tablets and stayed in bed for an hour while they took and I felt a bit better.

On the way to football Matt dropped mum and I at my Aunties, its nice going to differant houses for a change of scenery. Its ok as long as you wrap up, take your painkillers, sippy cup and own food if required and you don't stay out too long and tire yourself out. We had a chat for a few hours, I had some soup for lunch that just wasn't flowing down well at all. I had some pain killers, then dad came to pick us up. Matts football was cancelled so he came back round.  We left at about 3 o'clock and went back to mums.

I fancied something to eat but couldn't quite put my finger on what so Matt and I nipped the Tesco. After a long look round we got some salmon mousse to try, some avocados, crime brûlées and I got some super smooth ready brek to try for breakfast. (at last an option for breakfast!!)

So with my little purchases we headed back to mums, the avocado was a disaster as it was too hard and the salmon mousse was just too rich.... Back to soup for tea!!

We watched a bit of TV with dad as mum went to bed because she wasn't feeling too good. We had the creme brûlée for dessert, it was ok. I only managed a bit because it was thicker than I would personally make it. Infact it wasn't anywhere near as nice as mine.

Then we went home, I took my tablets then went to bed.

Recovery Day 11 - 28th December 2012

Matts been in work again today, I
woke up at 09:30 in agony. Dragged myself out of bed and took my painkillers, I didn't have any breakfast as didn't fancy anything.

Bottom lips swelling has come down quite a lot. Top lip is still very swollen. Face is still puffy and pain is still there.

Didn't do much today, Matt came home at lunch time with our wedding albums that he'd picked up from the photographers. It was nice to see the pictures and bring memories of the day back.

When Matt went back to work, I fell asleep for a few hours. Can't believe how much sleeping I'm doing!

In the evening Matt took me to mums to show her the wedding albums. They all went the chippy for tea and I got a chicken and sweetcorn soup from the Chinese. We put it through the sieve so I was just left with the liquid. It tasted really really good. It was nice to experience a different flavour other than just vegetables.

Mum spoke to my Aunty and she said she might pop round to hers tomorrow, I said I will go too but only for an hour or so if I feel ok

Recovery Day 10 - 27th December 2012

Got up at 06:45 in order to have a

shower, dad picked me up at 08:15 and we went to the hospital for a post op check up appointment. I had iced vanilla milk for breakfast.

The hospital was really quiet, the quietest I've ever seen the car park. When we got to clinic 5 in the elective care centre the reception wasn't open. After waiting for about 20 mins some of the nurses came and spoke to us. They weren't expecting us (despite Mr D arranging the appointment on discharge!!) however they called Mr D’s secretary, Mr D was in theatre so he said his registrar Mr L should see me. I was happy that it was going to be Mr L, he had seen me when I was on the operating table and was well aware of me. He was doing the ward rounds so I had a little wait for him.

After 15minutes of waiting for him he came over and called me straight in. He took some time asking me how I was etc, he then had a look inside my mouth. He was really happy with where I was up to given it had only been 10 days since the operation. He spent some time touch my face asking me what I could feel. Most of my face apart from my forehead is still numb but he said this was normal. He said he was so pleased that he wasn't going to do anything at all. That was good news, but I dread to imagine what he would have done if he hadn’t have been happy!!! I then went for an X-ray which was all done and dusted really quickly.

On the way home dad got me a banana milkshake from McDonald's, we sat in and I put the milkshake in my sippy cup. People were staring at me but it was obvious I had had surgery and I didn't care that they were looking. I thoroughly enjoyed the milkshake, it was so soothing on my still sore and swollen throat.

Dad was a bit of a monkey and took the whole day off work, when we got back to his we had lunch (soup) I had a sippy cup of tea and took my tablets. I then fell asleep for a few hours. I woke up and seen dad and Barney were asleep too!! I then fell back asleep.

I had another good sleep, I was clearly exhausted from the trip to the hospital.

Recovery Day 9 - 26th December 2012

Felt good after a nice nights sleep, still dribbling, swollen and bruised but able to manage the pain effectively. I am well aware when the painkillers are running out though.

My mouth is still full of stiches, im not sure whether the are taken out at the hospital or if they come out on their own.

My throat is still really sore, this is from the tubes that were put down there during the surgery.

I had a smoothie for breakfast, went to mums at lunchtime and had soup. (again!!)

Spent the day with mum and dad, Matt and the dogs. We didn't do much but watch TV

In the evening mum did a little mix and match buffet style tea, Christmas buffets are my favourite thing ever so I got a little upset that I was having soup for tea. After a little cry I was ok.

After tea dad and Matt went to McDonald's and got me a caramel sundae. It was delicious and really soothed my throat. I had to eat it with a babies weaning spoon, it was messy but well worth it!! I wrapped a tea towel around me like a bit to catch the spillages.

We left mums about 9pm as she and Matt had work the next day.

Swelling same, bruising now yellow. Pain under control providing pain killers taken at the right time.

Had another reasonable nights sleep.

Recovery Day 8 - 25th December 2012

M e r r y    C h r i s t m a s ! ! !

Thanks to my new painkillers I had a peaceful night and didn't wake until 0900, ok I was in agony when I woke ,but at least I'd had a nice nights sleep.

Matts and I spent a few hours opening our Christmas presents and watching TV. I had an iced smoothie for breakfast. (still struggling with what to eat for breakfast)

I then had a shower and washed my hair, its strange how a daily chore such as bathing can tire you out so much. 

We then all went to mums where we exchanged more presents!!!

I'm so spoilt!!!

To start for Christmas dinner we had butternut squash and sweet  potato soup which was delicious, after that I took my medication. Then my sister and her partner came round, During their visit I fell asleep. (oops)

When they had gone we had our main meal. Mum, dad and Matt had the traditional turkey with all the trimmings that looked amazing. The dogs had roast turkey too!!

I had Christmas dinner soup that did actually taste like Christmas dinner!! I could taste turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce,potatoes ad gravy in it, it really was very nice. Mum was very conscious not to focus the day on food, she didn’t even set the table. They just ate on their laps.

At 7pm I got my pj's on and Matt put his onsie on! And we watched TV. I felt a lot better in myself on the new painkillers. Bruising and swelling still strong and still very dribbly.

Had another good nights sleep

 

Recovery Day 7 - 24th December 2012

Today is Christmas Eve, I Woke up at 0800, Matt has already left for work. In the middle of the night I had already asked him to ring the doctors at 08:27 to try and get me an appointment. As it was was Christmas Eve, the doctors was obviously going to be crazy busy. He text me at 08:30 ( the time the doc opens) saying he was 39th in the queue for his call to be answered!!!!

 

At the dread that I may not get an appointment, I thought I'd call too so I called and went in at 20th place in the queue. Miraculously, despite me calling after Matt my call got answered first but the person on the other end of the phone claimed they couldn't understand me so hung on. My speech wasn't great due to the swelling, but I'm sure the recptionist could have tried a little harder to assist me. Luckily Matts call got answered and I got an appointment for 10:25.

 

When I went into the doctors it was full of people coughing and spluttering. I felt very conscious about the way I looked but it was obvious I'd had an operation. When I went in, the doctor was already aware I'd had an operation and I explained the issues with the liquid medicine making me feel nauseous and not taking the edge off the pain. He said to try swallowing some paracetamol and some codeine tablets that are very small. The codeine also make you drowsy so could help with the sleeping issue.

 

After the appointment at the doctors I went and had my nails done and met a a girl that had had the same operation as me months ago. In all honesty, I probably wasn't up to even having my nails done, but I figured that it may just help me feel like me again. I went back to mums for more home made soup after our appointment and for my dessert was frozen banana with cinnamon which was also yummy. I took the tablets and a friend from work nipped round with my christmas presents and a lovely get well card and gift.

In the afternoon I really fancied a mince pie, warm mince pies with  double cream are my Christmas vice. Mum managed to make a mince pie soup. It tasted just like mince pie and cream,after that I fell asleep watching the good of Christmas Eve showing of home alone.

At 4 o clock Matt finished work and came to mums, he then went and got Binky and Boo from our house.

I had more soup for tea and we spent the evening watching TV, it was a lovely evening and the painkillers were working well. I didn't feel as sick which was a bonus.

Dad went to bed early because he had man flu.

Swelling and bruising still present, pain more under control with the tablets. Lips, gums and face are numb.

I managed to have a much needed good nightssleep.

Recovery Day 6 - 23rd December 2012

Its Sunday morning and I was craving a fry up,  Matt made me blended bacon, beans and mushrooms for breakfast. It was ok, breakfast has been the hardest thing to decide what to eat because what can you have for breakfast with the consistency of water/milk??

I had the usual battle of getting the pain relief down wanting to vomit at the thought of it and physically vomiting at the taste of it.

I got dressed and begged Matt to let me walk to the top of the road with the dogs to get some fresh air. He was reluctant! It was a chilly, fresh day but the sky was nice and blue and the cloud was fluffy and bright white. He reluctantly agreed as long as I got fully wrapped up. I put my big quilted coat on, hat, gloves and wrapped a scarf round my face so just my eyes could be seen. I held Binky the little dog and Matt had Boo the boys enjoyed their little leg stretch as much as I did!

When I got home I had some soup that mum had made me the previous day. It was carrot and parsnip. It was very flavoursome. I then had a little sleep on the couch while Matt watched the football. YUK!!

At about 4pm mum, dad and Barney the dog popped round. Mum had made me pea and ham soup with fresh peas for my tea. They'd been shopping and had picked me up some drinks to try, flavoured water, juices, milkshakes and smoothies.

When mum and dad left Matt wanted to make my tea, knowing my tea would only take a second to warm I suggested he make his first. He was having one of my favourites.... Macaroni cheese. I asked if he could save a spoonful for me to try and blend just so I could experience the flavour. Lets just say macaroni cheeses does not blend!!!  My pea and ham soup was totally amazing! So flavoursome and fresh tasting, I hate soup but I love this!

I watched a bit of TV then went to bed. There was the usual battle of the pain killers and an awful night’s sleep, I was awake most of the night in pain. I made a decision that first thing in the morning I was going to call the doctors and make an appointment to see if there were any alternative options for managing the pain.

Recovery Day 5 - 22nd December 2012

Had a broken nights sleep last night, I couldn't get comfortable and felt sick.

For breakfast I had watered down blended baked beans... Yum!! NOT

I had some gorgeous flowers delivered from my friend Caroline and they really cheered me up.

Today is the anniversary of my nans death, I decided I wanted Matt to take me out in the car to the grave so I could put some Christmas ornaments on it. We called mum and she said she would come too. I had a shower and washed my hair, it was tiring but when I was clean and moisturised and my hair had been washed, dried and straightened I felt a bit brighter.

I got all wrapped up and we nipped to dads shop, he shouted at me for being out! We then went and picked mum up and headed for the cemetery. It was a really miserable, gloomy rainy day but I was glad I managed to get myself up and there to pay my respects.

When we had been to the grave we went back to mums, dad had obviously fed back my upset in regards to eating because mum had made me 3 fresh soups.

I was struggling to drink so dad suggested I try tea... I never drink tea but anything was worth a try. Reluctantly I drank it and it was actually ok!

I tried some of mums soups in my trusty beaker, they were delicious and it was reassuring knowing I was getting some fresh goodness into me. She made tomatoe and red onion soup, parnsip and carrot, and broccoli, cauliflower and blacksticks blue cheese soup.

I was still feeling nauseous today and every time I had to take the pain relief I was close to vomiting.

As you can see from the below picture, the swelling was still very much present as was the bruising, I was still dribbling all over the place and the medication just didn’t seem to be doing anything.

Matt’s aunty is a threatre nurse, She suggested rubbing some Volterol cream on my neck and shoulders to see if that helped. Anything was worth a try so I gave it a go. It did seem to take the edge off the pain, I got myself all tired out so I headed to bed early.

Recovery Day 4 - 21st December 2012

Matt was back at work today so I was awake at 7 when his alarm off. I got up and psyched myself up to get the awful pain relief down me. I could just about manage the liquid ibuprofen but the paracetamol based medicine was disgusting and it just made me feel and be physically sick. I asked Matt to pick me up some calpol to see if that would go down easier. At 8am I went back to bed and Matt came home at 0900 and woke me up with some calpol. The calpol didn't taste much better and I was feeling very nauseas again.

Dad and Barney his dog popped round at lunch time with some soup,it was tomato and red pepper from the bakery in the village, I really enjoyed it. They stayed for a few hours and after they had gone I found the energy to have a shower and a freshen up to try and make myself feel a bit better... it worked a bit but I found it hard to look in the mirror as I didn't look like me.

It was nearing another dreaded meal time, Matt had bought some cartons of soup for me to eat but we decided I might try some mashed potatoes.... Bad idea is all I'm saying!! We didn't have any actual potatoes we had a Pre packed carton of mash, the more Matt worked it the more it turned to a wallpaper paste consistency. While Matt was working on the potato dad and Barney popped round. I started getting frustrated and upset because the potatoe was a gloopy nightmare and I just didn't know what to eat. It got so bad I just broke down in tears. Dad and Matt started suggesting different things but I didn't fancy anything. I hate soup when I feel normal!! I was feeling so nauseous that I couldn't even drink anything. Dad said he would go to Tesco and see if he could get anything.

He came back with some smoothies and some custard pots. I settled on a mango and passion fruit smoothie in my beaker for my tea.

The swelling and bruising was still intense, the inside of my mouth was very bruised and swollen. I was very dribbly and was constantly wiping my mouth.

Matt and I watched a Christmas film then I went to bed. I was finding it hard to sleep. I normally lie on my side and I couldn't now. Ihad to lie almost sat up with a pad (like a puppy training pad) over my shoulder to catch the dribbles from my swollen numb lips. I woke up in the night in pain and had to battle getting the medicine down again. It was as though my throat and senses had become very sensitive and as soon as I looked at something I was sick.

Recovery Day 3 - 20th December 2012

At about 8:30, Mr D’s registrar came round, he checked my nose and was happy enough for the pack to be removed. My nose was a mess underneath full or blood, snot and god knows what else. The registrar then said he'd be happy for me to go home today. I was delighted but felt a little overwhelmed and vulnerable. I was told I couldn't leave until after lunch when Mr D had been to see me. I told Matt to come to host for lunchtime and to waste some time I watched TV on the iPad, had a shower and packed. If anything I had majorly overexerted myself and I was shattered by the time Matt got in to pick me up. We sat round for a few hours and had some lunch of cauliflower soup. The nurse brought me my pain relief to take home.

At about 1400, Mr D came round and had a little chat, he checked my bite and spoke to me about what to expect over the next few days.

I then got wrapped up and made the walk to the car. It was very surreal and the journey home seemed to take forever. I fell asleep on the way home. When I got in I got to see my beloved little puppies Binky and Boo who were very excited to see me. I was so tired I went to bed and slept for 2 hours.

When I woke up I was faced with the decision... What the hell to eat? All I could manage was soup and I hate soup. I actually fancied some sweet potato. Poor Matt went out but couldn't get any and come back with root vegetables. He boiled them up and mixed them with gravy. It was pretty average to be honest and at this point I realised that eating was going to be a struggle.

Dad and mum came round, and it was lovely to see them mum brought me some flowers and Matt got me a lovely bouquet of flowers too.

My next challenge was to tackle my nose, it was blocked and full with dry blood. At first I tried to get it out with earbuds and hot soapy water... Not a chance. That tar like blood wasn't going anywhere. In the end I had to get a pair of tweezers and pull these solid clots from my nose. As my nose began to clear, breathing became easier and I felt relieved. My throat was very sore, I managed to shine a torch into my mouth and I saw all the bruising inside, no wonder it was sore.

I went to bed at 10pm and tried to take my pain relief, tried is the important word here because as hard as I tried I just kept throwing it back up. It was like my throat had become totally sensitive to any smell, texture or taste it didn't like and I just vomited it up. I got myself into such a state. I fell asleep sat up and woke at 7am when Matts alarm went off.

Recovery Begins, Day 2 - 19th December 2012

I was woken up at 0630 by staff wanting to do obs, give me some medication, pain killers, steroids, antibiotics etc . I found it quite hilarious that they had been so lax during the evening the catheter had actually overflowed all over the floor. I was then pretty much left to fester all morning.

The doctor came round at 0900 and checked the pack in my nose. It was still bleeding so couldn't come off. This really upset me as it was uncomfortable and annoying. The doctor was happy with the position of the teeth and the swelling. I sat in bed for the next two hours just staring into space, nobody came in to open the blinds, check on my or anything.

I eventually plucked up the courage to ring the buzzer. Somebody came in and I asked them to open the blinds for me. Before I could ask her anything else she rushed off. I sat for another hour then rang the buzzer again. A male nurse came in and in some garbled fashion I asked him to pass me my iPad and headphones so I could at least watch something on TV. I also asked if the catheter could come out and he said no.

At about 1300 the nursing staff changed over, I heard a nurse complaining to a colleague that I'd been left all day without anything to eat or drink still with a catheter in. She came in and asked me if I wanted to try and eat some ice cream. I said yes and asked if the catheter could come out to which she agreed!! I managed to get the ice cream down and it soothed my sore swollen throat a treat. After my ice cream the nurse the removed the catheter. I felt instantly better, free to move around and have a wash and a good look at my face. I slowly got out of bed, really taking my time as not to faint given I'd been laid on my back for the last 2 days. It felt amazing to be out of bed, I got to put my pjs on, wash my face and have a meander down the corridor to the toilet.

I did have to have a drip in because I was still struggling to drink but the nurse put it on a mobile holder so I could still move around with it.

At about 1600, I had a sit on my recliner chair in my room and watched some tv on the iPad. I managed some soup from a sippee  cup for my tea that had been put through a sieve and had some more ice cream.

Mum, Matt and dad came in for visiting at 6:30 and it was lovely to see them. Very tiring but very nice. After they had gone I started feeling a bit sick. From 9-10 I had the most awful hour of vomiting. There were blood clots fall from my nose down the back of my throat that was making me spew... Big time .. Very loudly!

The nurse gave me a syringe of  liquid paracetamol which I tried then threw back up. After and hour of vomiting up blood clots the nurse came in and offered me a sleeping tablet. I said yes but wasn't sure how I'd be able to swallow it. She suggested cutting it up and putting it in a tub of Ice cream. I was that desperate it was worth a try, and luckily it worked. I fell asleep at about 11:30 until 5am.

When I woke up I buzzed the nurse because I was in agony. She said she didn't know what to give me for the pain. In the end she gave me some paracetamol with some ice cream. I couldn't believe I was eating ice cream at 5am. It tasted amazing and really relieved my sore throat, Managed to fall asleep again for a few hours before being awoken again my night staff staff wanting to do obs, give me some medication, pain killers, steroids, antibiotics etc before they handed over to the day staff.

The Big Day - 18th Decemer 2012

The night team woke everyone up at 06:30am , I couldn't believe the day of my long awaited operation was here. I was very very nervous. Not about the operation as such but more about the anaesthetic. I had an awful feeling that I was going to have a heart attack while under and die on the table.  At 7:30am I went for a shower and to freshen myself up, I got into my gown and my blood clot stockings. From 08:00am I had a steady stream of visitors from the anaesthetist, pharmacy, theatre nurse and Mr D’s registrar.

The scariest visitor was the anaesthetist, he has actually put me to sleep the last two times I've had maxillofacial surgery. He was very interested about heart palpitations that I get so I told him all about them. He told me I was second on the list and that somebody would be down at about 10am for me.

The waiting time actually went quite quickly and before I know it a Scottish male theatre nurse came down to take me. I sent mum and Matt a quick text to let them know I was going and then took the walk to theatre.

When I got to the theatre block I was taken to a little waiting room and told that the theatre staff would be out for me in 5 mins. I waited there for what seemed like 30 mins when it was really about 10. I sat there and my heart was pumping out of my chest, I felt sick and I was dying for a wee. I went and found a toilet to pass some time.

When I got back the waiting area I seen two figures dressed in green coming towards the frosted glass double doors. It was Mr D and his registrar. Mr D was very upbeat and asked me about my holiday and complimented me on my tan. He asked how as I was feeling and the registrar said to expect the next 24-48 hours to be an emotional roller-coaster. Mr D said that I would have hatred towards him by the time I woke up.

Mr D and the registrar then left the waiting area and about 10 mins later two theatre nurses came out to me. They asked me some more questions then lead me through the anaesthetic room. The room was really cold and there was loads of equipment and drugs in glass bottles around. I remember looking at the clock and seeing it was 11:15 am. They lay me on a bed with a gel mattress to prevent bed sores and the rested my feet on gel holders. They then got me to clench my fist so they could put another Canular in the back of my right arm. The anaesthetist then sprayed a nasal decongestant up nose that was vile, it ran down the back of my throat and instantly started to numb it. After they had hooked me up to the  heart monitor they put a gas mask over my face, the air coming out if it smelt of vanilla. They said the gas would make feel really drunk and within two minutes I had double vision and felt quite sleepy. They then said they were going to give me some drugs that would send me to sleep and make have lovely dreams....... Then I fell fast asleep.

The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room, with blankets wrapped over me that had been in an oven. I was really sleepy and had an oxygen mask on. I heard the nurse telling another I was tacycardic which meant my heart was beating faster than it should have been. I tried my hardest to get my eyes open one at a time until I could focus again. As soon as I was fully awake I started violently vomiting, it was all the blood that I had swallowed during the operation. I had a bandage over my nose and my whole face was numb. My nose was blocked and my throat was sore. I also had a catheter in which I didn't like the feeling of at all. It felt like I needed to wee and I was scared to move Incase I pulled it out. The theatre team had actually brought my hospital bed up to recovery so I slithered onto it. After coming too some more hey wheeled me back to my room.

When I got to my room I was very sleepy, I was sick some more and the nurse gave me a load more anti sickness injections. At 5:30pm I asked a nurse to pass me my mobile phone so I could see if mum and Matt were coming in to visit me. (I couldn’t speak very well but I tried my best) They were which I was pleased about. They arrived at about 6:30pm, mum, dad and Matt. They couldn't believe how alert I was. This didn't last long as the nurse came in and put something into my Canular that made me really sleepy. They left a little later and I had a sleep.

I woke up at about 11:00pm and felt awful, my throat was in agony and I couldn't breathe through my nose. I rang my buzzer and asked a nurse if they could take the pack from my nose and they said not.

I had an awful night getting about 15 mins sleep per hour, my tongue and the roof of my mouth were full of thick, tar like, dried blood. At about 0500am I took matters into my own hands, shoved my fingers down my throat and started picking this substance off. It was hard going and making me sick but once off I felt a bit better

The day before the operation - 17th December 2012

I arrived at Aintree hospital with mum and my husband Matt at 2pm where I had to attend the maxillofacial lab and check nothing had moved and that the wafers still fit. The wafer had been made by the consultant, Mr D at the planning appointments. Luckily they did still fit and nothing had moved where is shouldn't have!!  

After we had been to the lab we made our way over to ward 29 where we were left sat on a corridor for over an hour. Eventually Mr D's general doctor Michael, who recognised me from a previous appointment asked a nurse the get me a bed sorted ASAP.

We were taken to a private room, we weren't sure if this was just a registration room or if this was going to be my room. Matt went and asked a nurse who said this was room and said I was to unpack and settle in.

At 4:30pm mum and Matt were sent away while I had some tea. I didn't really feel like anything but as I knew this was going to be my last proper meal for some time I thought I best force it down. To start was a vegetable soup that was actually quite nice, main was sliced turkey, chips, cabbage and gravy and dessert was a lemon tart. Not quite the Auberge standard (my favourite resturant), but quite good on the whole.

Mum and Matt where allowed back at 6:30pm for the official visiting. Pretty much after they arrived they were asked to leave my room so Michael could book me in.

He asked me some questions and put a double Canular in my right arm. He took some blood from me and give me an anticoagulant injection to prevent me from getting a blood clot.

At about 8pm I got ready for bed and mum and Matt left, I had loads messages from family and friends wishing me luck for the operation, I watched some TV. Then At 10:30pm I had a hot chocolate and at 11 I took two sleeping tablets.

Luckily I fell asleep quite easliy.