well its now day 9 and although i did go downhill a little way after day 4, it again was not as bad as i was expecting. the night times are still definitely the worst but after massaging the bit at the top of my jaw under my ears for 5-10 minutes the pain subsided.

i have also found that if i dont talk for quite a while my throat seems to tense up and i get a little pain, so phoning someone or even singing helps to ease the a annoyance.

all of my scabs have now disappeared - through night - (i get excited every morning to look in the mirror at whats gone!!) except for one little tiny patch by the dangly bit which is very annoying, but im sure this will go tonight.

as for alcohol, i hadnt touched any since the op, mainly due to the painkillers i was taking, but speaking to a lady last night who had hers out some months ago, she said that she didnt take many painkillers (actually left the hospital without any!!???) and had a few drinks which really helped her. so......last night i sampled a glass of wine which was great.

i am supposed to be out this weekend, so will cut down on painkillers and see how i get on.

plus, and my doctor will kill me for saying this, but i have also smoked since the day after the op. it was going to be my reason to give up but the little blighters got the better of me. i am not smoking my usual 10 a day but the odd one every now and again. it hasnt done me any harm but i cannot guarantee that it will be the same for everyone, so please dont take my word for it.

chin up everyone, just think this is only 2 or 3 weeks out of your life and when its all over you can go out and have a drunken celebration!!! i know i will be!

good luck xxx