A Smile Connects Us You And Me

Tomorrow I get the bottom front braces off!! It isn't all the braces, but it is progress! Last week Dr. G took me off of the Gabitril as it wasn't helping my spasms. He also had me start wearing the bands for 4-6 hours in the late afternoon instead of wearing them overnight in hopes of alleviating the stress on my muscles. I think it is working!! Yay!! I have been enjoying the beautiful spring weather, and am REALLY excited to get the brackets off tomorrow! I'll try to remember to take/post pictures! SMILE!!!

I know in my previous post I said I was going to give a longer post, but I realized that the pictures really spoke for me. Currently, at 192 days post-op I am feeling quite frustrated. The Botox has completely worn off, and the new medicine (Gabitril) is not working. My entire face/neck/shoulders feel like one giant spasm/Charlie Horse/ terrible nightmare. The pain level ranges from a 3-8...it varies quite frequently throughout the day. At first I was sleeping better on the Gabitril, but now that even seems to be wearing off. I only feel a bit groggy or foggy 24/7 now. I don't know what the next step is going to be to ease the muscle tension, but I am thinking positive and using lots of heat on my face, neck and shoulders. For now I am again looking to Maya Angelou for some inspiration... 'I've learned that no matter what happens,  or how bad it seems today, life does go on,  and it will be better tomorrow.' Thank you to all of my family and friends who continue to s...

So here I am 6 months post-op! Whoohooooo! I'm just going to do this quick post now, I'll post again later today. I wanted to show my progress over the last six months! Pre-Surgery.................................................. ........and alllllll the way.......................to Day 166

The pharmacy had to order Gabitril (a.k.a Tiagabine), so tonight will be my first night taking it. The muscle spasms have been getting a bit worse, and my joints have been feeling a bit more stiff; however, chewing is going alright. I am a bit nervous about taking the Gabitril because it is "used with other medications to treat certain epileptic seizure disorders" AND "When used for conditions other than epilepsy, serious reactions (including seizures in people who have never had them) -me!- have occurred." I don't like the prospect of seizures, but I trust my doctors & this really is my last resort for treating my silly muscles....let's hope it works! I'll keep you posted! Still Smiling :)