Back to page

Ashleigh Needs a New Jaw

  • OK WOW! So much to tell you all!

      29 March 2021
    Main image

    Wow! I have so much to say. Firstly, surgery went well. I had the absolute best surgical team, and best surgeon one could ask for. I will forever be thanking the team at WellOral and Boulcott Hospital in Wellington - as due to them, i have a new and better start to life. Thank you Wayne Gillingham, for everything! You were the diamond in the rough for me. And will be forever thankful that you went out of your way to help me like you did.

    I am currently 11 days post op - and am doing okay considering. Due to have my stitches removed soon. My husband and i returned from Wellington on Wednesday afternoon - and have just been resting before rushing into an update. Swelling has gone down, and bruising has been minimal. I associate this to having such an experienced surgeon as well. I have been able to use my jaw small amounts - a lot more compared to before surgery. And instantly a few days after surgery i could open my mouth more. Slowly eating and applying heat and ice packs. And will look at stretching my muscles once swelling has gone down further, and when pain levels have decreased.

    I had an appointment with my GI Doctor on Friday - and I am to commence a bowel study on Wednesday. Am will have some more upcoming tests regarding this.

    Thank you to everyone who has made this journey possible. I honestly cannot believe i have made it this far, and that i have finally had the surgery. I am so, so grateful and forever thankful for all the love i have received from near and far. Further updates to come, as things improve - as i am still very early on post op, and still look like a chipmunk! Please feel free to follow me on instagram @ chronically_ashleigh.

      3 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 29/03/2021 by Julz

      Awwww YAH!!! Ashleigh, it is sooo great to hear that things are going well, so excited for you, please keep us posted! Sending you huge hugs and big smiles xx Julz

    • 29/03/2021 by Virginia

      Well done Ashleigh, so pleased to hear you are through surgery and starting the healing process, all the best.

      Virginia

    • 30/03/2021 by Roy

      Great news. Healing also everyone's blues.So a very big thank you

  • OMG! Surgery is next week!

      12 March 2021

    I want to thank everyone for the loving comments. I feel so supported through this journey. Without the kindness, love and generosity from everyone who donated - i wouldn't be having my surgery on thursday. All of your encouragement and kind words push me to keep going. I know that this surgery isn't the end of the road for me health wise - as i now have some other issues to sort out. But its one step closer to getting better, and hopefully one step closer to finishing my nursing degree. I often feel down, and feel that the hand I've been dealt isn't fair. And in hindsight- it isn't fair. But i would much rather watch myself go through all of this health wise, than watch a friend, loved one, or even a stranger go through this. I keep getting reminded that my journey is so encouraging for other people, and they express how strong i must be to cope with everything. I wasn't strong to start with. I had to be. And i hope that what i have learned from my journey, will encourage others to go above and beyond for their health. Seek multiple opinions if you have to. Because, if i hadn't - I don't know where id be today. Im here for everyone. And am here if you need advice, or someone to talk to. Im trying to update my Instagram "Chronically_ashleigh" as much as i can - and will be the place to keep up to date with surgery on thursday and the days following. I will get my husband to update everyone on Instagram on thursday afternoon, when i have gotten out of theatre. Please don't hesitate in contacting me. I am here for everyone - just as you all have been for me. I am really scared of what's to come - and i don't think anything could prepare anyone for this type of surgery. But i have so much loving support from my family and the community. And my specialist is amazing. I know im in good hands. Love to you all xx

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 12/03/2021 by Nicky

      Hang in there young lady. You're doing well, and things will turn around.

    • 13/03/2021 by Roy

      What is going to happen is success, a great future, a recovery that will bring strength , the ability to eat, drink and be merry. You are already an inspiration. When you look back on 2021 remember it with pride. It was the year you realized your importance.

      Regards from

      Roy

  • Surgery has been cancelled!

      10 February 2021

    Hey everyone. Was just doing a quick update to let you all know that my surgery that was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - has been cancelled. This is as my new joints haven't arrived yet, and are not going to be here in time.

    My new surgery date is the 18th of March. Really disappointing - as it has been a long wait as it is. And to now have to add more time onto that wait. This has really made me feel very down - and a burden to all of those around me. I just keep praying, and hoping that i can get in for surgery sooner than the 18th of March.

    -Ash

      9 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 10/02/2021 by John

      Sorry to hear about your surgery cancellation, it must be tough with the waiting process but just remember that somehow you who may have considered yourself insignificant inspired people who did not know you to give $85,000. You are about to have your life-changing surgery that will enable your dreams to become reality, do not despair your best is ahead of you and all of those who have given get to be a part of your dreams. Dream big, Ashleigh, as you are an inspiration to us all. Use this page if needed to get encouragement, you are in the home straight of this marathon you are sore, you are tired but we know you have got this.

    • 10/02/2021 by Susan

      Oh dear Ashleigh, what a blow for you. I have been counting down the days for you. How disappointing. I know a lot of people will be sending you best wishes so please keep well and it won't be long before March is here. Kindest regards, Sue Bates

    • 10/02/2021 by Susan

      Thanks for the update Ashleigh - sending you positive vibes and hope that March 18th comes around soon enough, luckily February only has 28 days! Great comments by John and Susan, and I too hope you keep well and stay positive - we all wish you the best for the operation. Sue

    • 10/02/2021 by sheryn

      Hi Ashleigh, try not to be too disheartened with the set back with the surgery. You want to be in top form to help your recovery when the time comes and being despondent can upset your natural healing. It is wonderful that you managed to raise enough funds otherwise you would be in a worse predicament, so look on the bright side, it will be done and over with before too much longer

      Cheers

      Sheryn

    • 10/02/2021 by Julz

      Hi Ashleigh, sending you a big hug...I have been keeping up to date on your insta acct and have often wondered how you are...some people just stick in your mind throughout life, not many, but you have certainly stuck in mine :) Sometimes it just feels like life is not at all fair (and it is not!!!), I get that but wow girl you have some serious strength and really are an inspiration to alot of people, what an impact you have made, how much you have made us all appreciate what we are able to do. I cannot imagine how hard life is for you and I often think of your situation and feel an ache in my heart. Please know you are thought of and I cannot wait to see you smile. You can do this...thinking of you and sending loads of love. Not at all wanting to downplay the enormity of what every day must be like but you will get there, just over a month, I will be counting down the days. Julz x

    • 10/02/2021 by Robert

      Hi Ash

      I know you feel disheartened and down about your surgery but please stay positive. My partner had a similar experience a few year ago as she needed major surgery on her neck. Her surgery was put back after many frustrating set backs but in the end she ended up with a different surgeon due to the delays and the surgery went way better than expected. What we took from this was that the best outcome happened although at the time was impossible to see. You have to stay positive and believe that the right thing will happen when the time is right. Stay strong and all the best. Regards Robert

    • 10/02/2021 by Luke

      That's such hard news, my heart breaks to hear it. You know you aren't a burden, though - the people around you love you, and it's a privilege to help and support someone you love. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to help you even just a little bit. Thanks for sending the update and I hope you get in sooner, too. I have faith you can make it over this hurdle as you have all the others.

    • 11/03/2021 by Susan

      Hi Ashleigh - only a week to go! Keeping my fingers crossed that everything is still ok and going ahead. Take Care and Good Luck. We are all hoping to hear some good news from you soon. We haven't forgotten you! Sue B :-)

    • 12/03/2021 by Ashleigh

      I want to thank everyone for the loving comments. I feel so supported through this journey. Without the kindness, love and generosity from everyone who donated - i wouldn't be having my surgery on thursday. All of your encouragement and kind words push me to keep going. I know that this surgery isn't the end of the road for me health wise - as i now have some other issues to sort out. But its one step closer to getting better, and hopefully one step closer to finishing my nursing degree. I often feel down, and feel that the hand I've been dealt isn't fair. And in hindsight- it isn't fair. But i would much rather watch myself go through all of this health wise, than watch a friend, loved one, or even a stranger go through this. I keep getting reminded that my journey is so encouraging for other people, and they express how strong i must be to cope with everything. I wasn't strong to start with. I had to be. And i hope that what i have learned from my journey, will encourage others to go above and beyond for their health. Seek multiple opinions if you have to. Because, if i hadn't - I don't know where id be today. Im here for everyone. And am here if you need advice, or someone to talk to. Im trying to update my Instagram "Chronically_ashleigh" as much as i can - and will be the place to keep up to date with surgery on thursday and the days following. I will get my husband to update everyone on Instagram on thursday afternoon, when i have gotten out of theatre. Please don't hesitate in contacting me. I am here for everyone - just as you all have been for me. Love to you all xx

  • Finally got my surgery date!

      27 November 2020

    Hi there everyone.

    I wanted to thank you all once again, for the outstanding amount of donations we have received for my surgery. Due to the generosity i have received, i was able to pay the $30000 deposit for the joints last Friday.

    Today i received a phone call, informing me of the probable surgery date next year. I have been booked in for the 11th of February 2021. It seems so far away. But i need to keep reminding myself, that it is only 2 months away!

    This week i had to have a Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. However, the sedation didn't work, and they had to stop mid Colonoscopy. So i have been told that they need to repeat it under general anaesthetic.

    We are trying to find the cause for these abdominal symptoms that i am having. This is causing me to struggle to have my tube feeds and fluid via tube or orally. So fingers crossed we get some answers soon.

    I have started medication for my epilepsy, and we are still in the process of discerning what kind of seizures i am having, as they have the tendancy to present differently each time. The medication so far, isn't helping very much. And i am still having seizures regularly.

    On Wednesday for my procedures, i was weighed. and have lost 4kgs in 2 weeks. And it is slowly on the decline again. This is due to the inability to eat without facial pain, eat without vomiting, or eat without intestinal pain and bloating when using my feeding tube. I am trying my best to stay on top of my fluids due to it being hotter, and being at risk of dehydration.

    So far, i am coping the best that i can, considering. And at the moment am stressing about being well enough to finish my nursing degree. But have been given some options by the nursing school.

    Thanks heaps everyone. I hope you all have a good weekend. I will update you when i have more news to tell!

      4 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 27/11/2020 by Roy

      Good luck and stay positive. Your weight loss is a real worry but think of the future and all the great meals ahead when the future is everyday normal. You have a heart of gold and gold does not tarnish

    • 20/12/2020 by Susan

      Hi Ashleigh, I hope you are well over Christmas and are able to spend some time with family and friends. It won't be long until February is here, and I know that you will have a great 2021 year. We are all looking forward to 2021, so I am sure there will be some big celebrations when the clock ticks over at midnight! Take care, and we are all thinking of you even though some people don't have time to leave you a note. Kindest regards, Sue :-)

    • 14/01/2021 by Susan

      Hi Ashleigh, I hope you have been progressing well and will soon have some more news to tell. Good news I hope! You see, I told you February isn't far away, and you have said you are booked in for the 11th for your op, so not long to go now. If you are able to post a quick update before you go in I am sure you will have lots of well-wishers. Take care and all the best. Kind regards, Sue

    • 10/02/2021 by Roy

      How very frustrating. You are not a burden. Be sure that you know that. Have a hug from me and remember you have the power to love,reach out to us folk and be admired and loved in return.

  • Wellington Specialist

      4 October 2020

    Hey guys. Just a quick update.

    Ive been to wellington and seen my specialist. He said that i need my jaw joints replaced. He stated that the surgeries ive had previously on my jaw, have sped up the degeneration process. And makes the jaw joint replacements inevitable. Once you start having surgeries, you'll need a joint replacement at some point.

    As the DHB is unable to fund my surgery. We are having to try and find $59000 asap so i can have the surgery as soon as possible.

    As I'll be having to stay down in Wellington with my husband for around a week after the surgery, we are having to try and raise a bit extra for accommodation and basic living needs and requirements, as my husband has no annual leave left due to attending my appointments and having time off work to look after me, etc. Because the joints take 3 months to be made, we are aiming to try and fundraise the $30000 deposit needed to start the building process of the joints, as i need this surgery ASAP. Otherwise it is jeopardising my whole health and wellbeing. I also found out this week that i now have epilepsy. They assume it is due to malnutrition. Which hopefully means that it will go away when i do eventually get better. I ended up in hospital just over a week ago. I had a really bad seizure and i stopped breathing. My family thought they were going to lose me. I have now started some anti-epileptic medication, and am awaiting an Echo of my heart.

    Please share my give a little around. Every little bit help. Thank you so much 💕

    https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ashleighneedsanewjaw

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment