I'll take torque wrenches for a thousand, Alex...
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 10:31PM 
Maddie worked her little Chihuahua butt off and got K3 ready for her check up at Dr. J's, her reconstructive surgeon. The nurses are very nice, but sometime I think they're a little jaded about how uncomfortable these bone graft/ implant procedures are...
"Hi K3! You look great! Hopefully it didn't hurt too bad this time..."
"Well, yeah... it hurt a lot. Because it wasn't just the implant, Mom says I had a bone graft too."
"Oh, yes...so you did" flipping through the file, "and apparently we took the screws out of your jaw from the last bone graft too. No wonder it hurt!"
Yeah... no wonder it hurt.
With the six month anniversary of the accident coming up in two weeks, we're trying to complete as much treatment as possible before the insurance closes out our claim. So next Friday, Dr. J says we need to come in to test the implants.
On the more mature implant on top, they plan to do a torque test.
[photo borrowed from these guys]
I know, I cringed too. But apparently that's a standard test for implants. I glanced over at K3 and she didn't understand... I must have had a horrified look on my face (or a torque wrench floating above my head) because they immediately offered to refill her pain meds. On the newest implant, they thankfully just do an ultrasound to make sure it's embedded correctly in the jaw.
Fortunately, Maddie is ready to work double shifts next weekend... talk about dedication!
Once the implants are tested, the dentist can make new impressions and start building her new "store bought" teeth!
I can't believe it's been almost 6 months since she got hit by the truck...
What a journey...
In the meantime, K3 and I have been discussing the options around the guardianship application. There are variables on how the parties involved want to handle life issues like medical decisions, voting rights and marriage rights. Even issues around her "estate" and how her money will be handled. After a while, we put the paperwork to one side and gave K3 a facial...
Because you want to look good for your torque test...
Sorry, I just can't move past that!
Off to feed K3 breakfast before I go to work. Have a great torque-wrench-free day!
AG out!
Reader Comments (9)
I think maybe she needs to keep her eyes shut while they do it, if you dont see it ... maybe it scarier looking and it actually is when its used .. sigh .. its hard to believe that sweet girl has gone through so much in the last 6 mos. ((((to you all))))
I should know better than to read about K3's procedures while eating breakfast... I should have slowly back out and come back later... Gah! Torque wrench?!! Seriously... Gah!
What a trooper she is! I'd be RUNNING for the hills if they wanted to use that thing on me. I'm surprised you didn't grab her and run yourself! You both hang in there, this too shall pass.
Oh yeesh, poor K3. For her sake I hope it is painless as it can possibly be. And that the pain meds work. And that the dogs do a good job making her feel better.
Good luck with the tough guardianship decisions!
Sending ((hugs)) your way!
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Just the words torque wrench make me need some pain meds. K3 is AWESOME! And will get through this better than ever.
So have you guys in my thoughts and prayers. YOU GO MADDIE!!!
Oh. My. Gosh. I was considering an implant for my back tooth (or space I should say) and think I have changed my mind. Poor baby girl. *sniff*
I think you and K3 are the best troopers ever! I can't believe it's been six months already. Maddie has to be like the best nursemaid ever...