Adjusting to a new appearance can be a huge challenge for some people. Just remember we are all of our own worst critics and are more harsh when we judge ourselves. But at the same time, this is one thing that can be especially difficult for women to handle. In time your swelling will subside and you will be back to normal. Many times even the worst scars will lighten and become unnoticeable. Some people cover things up with makeup and dress with turtlenecks and scarves. OC can be so difficult since it affects the head and neck areas which arent the easiest to hide.

I am permanently disfigured from OC. Im not talking about some swelling either. Mine is severe, I am missing half of my lower jaw and have no teeth. I will never forget the shock I felt when I first saw myself in the mirror and didnt even think it was me as I looked like a monster. I used to be pretty but even after several reconstructive surgeries its obvious I am not a normal person anymore. Children would be afraid of me in the grocery store which was hard to adjust to for a while. Now I go out and give public speeches at OCF awareness walks and speak to students about the dangers of smoking. But no matter what I look like on the outside, I am still the same person inside. That is what you need to hold on to and go out with your head held high. Nobody can take away your inner beauty and strength. Looks will fade in time anyway.

Just in case you were curious, here is a recent article with my photo. This was in the OCF newsfeed which is free to subscribe to.

New Face of OC article