Day 23 - Swelling Coming Down Some

Last night was another uncomfortable night. Seems my jaw joints cannot get used to these rubberbands. They were aching all night last night. I got up at 4:30 to heat up my heat packs (which I swear are attached to my face 24/7 these days) I feel back asleep until finally at 8:00 this morning I just ripped the stupid rubberbands off so I could get some sleep. Then of course I went back to sleep but my mouth fell open, and in addition to waking in a pool of drool (so gross) my jaw joints were killing me again. I swear it is a no win situation. Beneath the stars told me that chewing would really do a lot to strengthen my jaw muscles, however, seeing that I won't be chewing anything for at least 8 more weeks, I have started doing opening and closing exercises during the day. I just pretend I'm chewing without really biting down and just open and close my mouth a bunch. I don't know if its helping or not, but I suppose I will know soon enough.

The swelling in my bottom lip area is a bit less today. It still is numb and puffy feeling but not as bad. I feel like I have more mobility in that area today. My lower teeth are very achey today though. Not sure if it is from the rubberbands or just feeling coming back in them (I think it is feeling though as it is the whole lower front quadrant not just the teeth being used to anchor the rubberbands.)
Things inside my mouth are still very swollen though, and comfortably closing it is not easy. I'm hoping that will change in the next few weeks.