Today started off with some challenges but ended on a really good note. There are lots of ups and downs through this process; I never know exactly what to expect. Chris was clearly in pain and uncomfortable this morning, even though his swelling has started to subside, saying that he was dizzy whenever he moved and just wanted to sleep because that's when he felt the best. We encouraged him to get his pain medicine and antibiotic down, as well as some fluids (he's still drinking a lot!), and then let him sleep. He didn't feel up to a bath and wanted to save his energy for his afternoon doctor's appointment. He slept most of the morning and early afternoon until I woke him up around 2:30 for his 3:30 appointment.
We get relief and good news every time we visit the surgeon and his staff. They did some more cleaning in Chris's mouth/nose and answered our questions. They're always full of ideas for increasing Chris's comfort and happiness, which we really appreciate. Dr. Gunson let Chris open his mouth for the first time since surgery when he removed the elastics off his teeth. They wanted Chris to practice opening and shutting his mouth so that he could relieve tension in his facial muscles. He also took the opportunity to down some hot (well, more like warm) chocolate without any elastics because he was hungry. We learned that increasing his movement will help relieve his headaches and also his dizziness (though that may be related to lack of calories too). We walked away with our homework assignment and had new things to try at home.
We gave him new allergy medicine that might help to relieve his nasal congestion. I heated up a warmer with rice in it in the microwave and put it on his shoulders and gave him a massage. He was in heaven! We had him move his head more and do some stretches. For dinner, he requested strained tom ka soup from one of our favorite thai restaurants and he said that it actually did a good job of filling him up. With a full tummy and less tense shoulders/neck, his spirit shone through again. He watched a TV show with us this evening and watched me open various packages we had received from friends. It was a very positive evening!
We'll see what tomorrow brings... another doctor's appointment, hopefully less swelling, and more progress.
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