Surviving My Wisdom Teeth Removal: Thanksgiving Break Edition

Over Thanksgiving break, I had the unfortunate experience of getting my wisdom teeth removed. On Monday morning, I woke up early and headed to the office with my mom at 8 a.m. After the surgeon reviewed my x-rays and explained the procedure and post-operative care, I was given an IV and slowly put to sleep. What felt like only a few minutes later, I woke up in a recovery room with my mom by my side. I was groggy, in pain and struggling to stay awake. A nurse wheeled me to the car, and my mom helped me in.

On the way home, my mom stopped at Kewpee for ice cream, which I promptly spilled all over myself. Once home, she applied ice packs to my face and I collapsed on the couch, falling asleep for a few hours. 

The next few days were spent mostly in my room, alternating between ice packs and resting. My bedside table was stocked with applesauce, Gatorade and water. My diet consisted mostly of chicken noodle soup, applesauce, and oatmeal. I was starving. Unfortunately, I had to miss my annual Friendsgiving with my hometown friends due to my swollen face and inability to eat normal. 

By Thanksgiving Day, I was able to eat a bit more, including eggs for breakfast and mashed potatoes later in the day. So not much. Luckily, my family’s main Thanksgiving dinner was held on Saturday. By then, my swelling had gone down enough that I could eat more solid foods. I enjoyed turkey (mixed in with my mashed potatoes, of course), sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, rolls and pumpkin pie. It may have taken me twice as long as everyone else, but I was grateful to have a somewhat normal Thanksgiving meal.

Overall, the week consisted of rest, naps, icing and my stomach growling in hunger. I’m happy to be back to eating solid foods and nearly healed. While I’m still taking Tylenol for some lingering pain, I’m relieved to be out and about again. I’m just glad I never have to go through this again.