A month ago, while playing with my 2-year-old niece, I was knocked in the face. I didn’t pay much attention but after two weeks, some swelling developed on the right-hand side of my face. I contacted my GP who prescribed some anti-inflammatory tablets, with the hope that it would help with the swelling.
After a couple of days, I decided to contact my dentist because I was worried that the swelling did not yet subside. I went for some 3D scans which clearly shows the screws and plates that were inserted in my mouth to fuse bone grafts from major surgery I had done in 1994. During that op, a rib was used to build up my jawline. Little did I know that those screws and metal plates were only meant to be in for a year and could then be removed because they had served their purpose.
Fast forward, 29 years later.
I’ve gone through life as a somewhat normal human being, playing my sports without any discomfort whatsoever.
I was referred to a maxillofacial specialist for further investigation to determine the cause of a swelling. His colleague, an oral disease specialist, extracted some cultures for testing from an abscess in my mouth. Fortunately, the test results came back negative for a growth, but preliminary pathology tests showed that I did have an infection.
Later that week, I never would have thought that I would have to hear the words “surgery” again! Having been through and surviving 29 surgeries, I had come to a point that I just didn’t want to any more procedures done.
When I heard this news, I had to many thoughts running through my head, but my main concern was: “all I want to do is play tennis and do my website building work!” I didn’t want to be in a hospital bed for months and I didn’t want the recovery to affect my ability to lead a normal, success life.
But the surgery was important. The doctor explained that it was vital as it would prevent the infection from spreading and causing long-term damage.
On the day of the procedure, I was nervous, but the Professor re-assured me that things would be okay. I was told after the procedure that my sinus cavity was severely damaged due to the infection. The doctor removed 100ml of fluid from a cyst, and also removed the screws and plates that was squatting in my face for the last 29 years!
It’s a week since my procedure. So far I have had no pain, only slight discomfort from the stitches in my mouth. I am focusing on the recovery now, taking is slow and steady so that I can get back to the things that matter the most: my family, my sports, and building incredible websites!
Thank you to my family and friends who have been in my corner, praying for me and cheering me on!
I am a huge Transformers fan – I truly am an Optimus Prime!