I got no teef! I am getting used to the gap in my smile, the feeling of it that is. I have to say, when I catch myself in the mirror, I do look a bit...um, well, you know, like a guy missing some teeth. Even though I know it's me and it's not from meth use, or bad dental hygiene, it still conjures up a certain preconceived notion. Good thing I don't have to look at me all that often.
I've been on a high protein, high calcium, mostly liquid diet for over two weeks; I can count on one hand the number of solid meals, if noodles and eggs can be considered solid. Pumping with twice my DV of protein I feel like I should be lifting things or riding a great deal, but I'm prevented doing anything that may up my BPM in order to keep bone grafting in place and growing. In addition to this limited diet, I've been dosing with prescriptions, rinses and vitamins. Toss in the fact that I've been required to be completely sedentary two weeks (6 to go), and I'm feeling a bit different than my norm. This little prison aside, I've come to a few conclusions: I'm pretty sure gluten is no good for anybody (reputably causes inflammation), regardless of whether or not you have an allergy, which is too bad cause I love a bit of crusty bread, I also love a good brew and miss it a great deal, but don't feel the ache in my heart that I thought I would with its departure due to conflicts with meds. With certain things, I like the thought of it and the romantic sensations it brings, be it coffee, a good beer or a terrific meal. However, the craving that I normally feel to engage in those sensations is drastically diminished. I don't know if this depravity has given me some sort of clarity or I am just that bored. Nevertheless, I can say that my mind has rarely felt better, which is good and bad. The dull headache that seems ever present is strangely missing (absence of gluten I theorize), but I have for a long time been that guy who creatively fed off his own melancholy caused in part by this constant headache.
I'm not really sure where I am going with this, but it is strange and also enlightening to be still making discoveries this late in the game about oneself. Also, something I've long known, but was either unwilling try or thought I knew better, were the effects of diet on the brain. I've read a bit about depression, ADD and the effects of food choices on these, but figured as long as I kept things all-natural or organic and stuck to a primarily vegetarian diet I'd be as healthy as I could be. Well, surprise, there is more to picking the natural option. Being forced onto a different diet has opened a few doors for when this little operation concludes, but you can bet when I reach for the bread or brew I will think twice. Armed with the knowledge that it's gonna make me feel shitty if I choose it will make it easier...and knowing is half the battle.