Slurp, Slurp

DAY 15

I am still eating my meals through a straw. From what I've read, the timing varies. I used the Dinner Through A Straw Bags (or Zip-n-Squeeze) for the first 2-3 days. Since I was allowed to use straws, they were no longer necessary. You see, I am TERRIFIED that I may accidently chew (out of habit). Hearing the horror stories, I don't want to complicate things. If this happens, as my doctor warned, they would need to go back in... and maybe in the office and not at the hospital. Yikes!

I've been wearing elastics 24/7. Straws are just easier. I am still numb on my lower left side and lower lip. My lips were peeling like crazy for the past 2 weeks. Continuously to the point that I didn't know when it would end. I couldn't feel anything but I can tell my lips were peeling too rapidly, revealing some raw skin. The doctor and nurse recommended A+D Ointment and Aquaphor. I used A+D primarily. It seemed to work. It continued to peel, but the ointment seemed to sooth the raw skin. I later tried Aquaphor. Big mistake. I *think* and I can't be completely certain, I developed an allergic reaction. My lips were swollen again and I developed tiny little bumps on my upper lip. My upper lip was fine. My lips were so sensitive at night, that the slightest touch was painful. I returned to yet another pattern of sleepless nights.

So, I am sticking with my trusty straws. Today, I attempted to use a spoon. It worked but it involved a lot of slurping. Very messy.