Just a quick update, since it’s been a year since my last post. Everything is going fantastically!
Swelling: Nonexistant.
Numbness: Small amount, but ignorable.
One strip that runs from the corner of my lip, down my chin, about 1/4 wide. It’s not fully numb. It’s actually hypersensitive to light touch, and semi-numb to deep touch. Light touch feels like a million tickling feathers, but it feels normal otherwise. And the gums in the upper dental arch (just the part that houses the teeth) is about half-numb, or half-sensitive. Overall, totally ignorable.
Pain: None.
I can poke and feel all the parts of my face that were once broken and it just feels normal.
Sleep: Fantastic.
I sleep regularly now, as in I am sleepy enough to fall asleep at the same time each night, and I wake up 8-9 hours later totally awake and feeling good. I still sleep a little longer than average, but still well within the range of normal. Gone are the days waking up each day feeling like I have the flu. Gone are the 2-3 hours of zombie-me wake up sessions that started each day. I’ve gotten exactly one cold in the last year, and 3-4 headaches, most of which were due to allergies. I used to get sick 5-6 times a year and have headaches most days of the week. Also, I can travel now! Even if I get crummy sleep in a hotel, it’s still so much better than the sleep I used to get. Traveling doesn’t mean feeling desperately unwell; it’s actually pretty fun.
All in all, if you’re considering the “overwhelming” cures for sleep apnea, I can tell you without a moment’s hesitation that the result is worth it. Whatever you have to do to get there, you won’t regret it.
Unruly Slumber 