Jaw Surgery

Before we get into the holidays I want to get Sullivan's surgery documented.

2 years ago when we were told he needed this surgery it seemed so far away. 

Then this summer it seemed to be coming too fast. 

No parent wants to know their child will be in horrible pain. 

On top of the pain, we knew Sullivan would have to sit out the football season, miss 2 weeks of school, and have his diet drastically altered for 4 weeks. 

Not fun things for a 15-year-old. 

He went into it all like a real champ and we were happily surprised that he experienced little pain. 

His biggest complaint in the hospital were the drains at the surgery sites. 

Once we got home the numbness and swelling were not fun but overall he did so well. 

I'm still amazed and proud of him. 

I have to include some of the not-fun pictures for posterity but I'll start with the awesome ones...his pre and post-op xrays. We couldn't be happier with the results. 

Just a few more months and we will see his perfect, brace-less smile!!! 

Pre- op is the left - Post-op the right. 

In recovery.

Walking in to see him like this was hard on my momma heart. 

But he woke up quickly. 

The U of I treated us so well. Our room was huge and had lots of amenities. 

He looks really rough here but he wanted me to take this picture. 

Those drains were the WORST. 

Honestly, so hard to see. 

Not easy on Dad's heart either.

Drains out - almost ready to leave. 

He was not experiencing pain but just felt crummy. 

Home!

World's absolute worst picture but it shows how bad the swelling was those first few days. 

About a week post-op. 

Still swollen and so numb. 

He was on a full liquid diet for the first 4 weeks. But the first few days home he was so numb that consuming anything was difficult. Thank goodness for ice cream shakes! 

First real meal after 4 weeks! 

A sub!