On November 14th, I had a full mouth extraction. Yes, as some already know I'm only twenty-four years old. Due to medical needs, I had to have every tooth pulled. Here it is almost four weeks later and I want to share more of this journey with you. First, this is what I looked like two days after the surgery. (Remember it's taking a lot to share this.)
I've been thinking about sharing this just didn't know how much I would actually touch with my words. I'd like to see this post make you think. Let me tell you that I regret not being thankful for having my teeth when they were healthy. Living with out them at this moment in time is hard.
I am completely embarrassed with how I look. My image has changed so much. I can't even bare looking in the mirror but I go about my day not even thinking about this. Some would think it wouldn't be that bad. Well, at times it is. Like when I'm hungry and I see people around me eating foods I love. I just want to grab some as well but then I remember I can't really chew it. So, I go to the cabinet and grab more soup or pasta. At this point that's pretty much what I can eat.
About five days after my surgery, I was out shopping with my Mom even though I didn't want to. But I had no choice. I felt like everyone was looking at me. At first I couldn't deal with the cold which in turn made my jaw hurt. I didn't eat so we decided to stop at Bob Evans. This way I could take my pain meds as well. While we were there, I saw my mom and her husband order some great looking food.
After our food arrived, my step dad started complaining about not getting all of his bacon he ordered. They forgot one piece. I was baffled by this. Here he was ABLE to eat bacon and all he could do was think about that one strip of bacon. WOW... was all I thought. So, I told him, "At least you can eat it. Just be thankful for that."
After saying this I looked at my mom and said "It's amazing how much in life we take for granted." While they enjoyed their nice hot solid meals, I enjoyed mashed potatoes and gravy with hot coco. And even tried a strawberry smoothy, thinking the cold would help my swelling.
So, the moral of this story is to be thankful for EVERYTHING in life. Not just the big stuff.
What small thing in your life are you thankful for?
Wow, babe. That really sucks. It's really great that you're willing to share this experience, though. It shows how truly strong you are and that you will get through it. One thing I'm really grateful for that I know I take for granted is my fam.
ReplyDeleteI think we can learn so much from our painful experiences and from each other. Thank you for sharing this and making me feel thankful for the leftovers I will have tonight (like you said at least I can eat them).
ReplyDeleteRaebeth,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. You have a great outlook about things and keep thinking about how grateful you are about the things you have, you will be blessed. I have to sit back and be grateful at times and I am truly grateful to the Lord that I worship, he looks out me when I am not looking out for myself. My God is good and I am willing to bet that yours is also.
Happy blogging,
Jenn
Wow what a lot to go through!! Thank you for the reminder to be thankful for all that I have big and small!!
ReplyDeleteWe all take for granted the simple things in life until they are lost. Sorry to hear about what your going through! I'm glad that you feel comfortable enough to share your experince with your readers.
ReplyDeleteYour story is very touching. There are tons of things that I take for granted every single day. I am 25 years old and I just can't imagine getting all my teeth pulled! I can't even imagine what you went through or what you are still going through. Be strong! You will make it through this hard time!
ReplyDeleteHun you will get back to normal. When i was little my grandma had no teeth which i found amazingly odd I was maybe 5. This woman could eat anything she wanted and i do mean anything. It might have taken her a min to figure out how to do so but she enjoyed life right along with us. Plus you will be getting your dentures soon wont ya? Your still beautiful just keep on going it will get better. Buda you best be telling this lady how awsome and beautiful she is everyday
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that must be hard. You are correct that people take simple things for granted all the time. Life gets so easy we forget that some people have to go without. Thanks for sharing your story to remind us all to be more thankful.
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