Rita's Orthognathic/Orthodontic Blog

Progress Report November 2011

2011-11-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I honestly thought I would get my braces off before now, however I had a relapse after surgery and have been in jaw therapy for two years with my orthodontist. He has worked on my jaw and teeth and moved the roots around till I am tired. I had to have a root canal yesterday due to surgery trauma that damaged a front tooth. It was turning brown and my dentist agreed with the orthodontist that it needed the root canal. Funny story-----my dentist did the root canal without any pain killers at all. It took about 45 minutes and he was done. NO PAIN! My dentist is wonderful!!! Believe it or not it is true! : )

Anyway, my braces may come off by the end of the year or the first of next year and I know that is not terribly long. I can wait. He said he could work on moving the root of my front tooth some more but it would take another year of therapy and it sill may not change the position of the tooth. I told him I was okay with where the tooth was and he could just leave it alone.

I am posting pictures for you all to see the difference in my teeth and how far they have come over the past three years. I am happy with the results. In the near future, I will need to get a crown on my front tooth that has the root canal and I must have two implants after the braces come off. After these things are complete, maybe I will be finished. I sure hope so. Here are my pictures. Many blessings to you all!

Before Surgery April 2009

After Surgery August 2009

After tads were put in February 2010

Today November 2011

We are getting there! : )

My Jaw....An Update

2010-09-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I have been waiting and waiting for the "perfect" post for you! This is not it!!! I want to tell you all that my jaws are lined up and my braces are coming off..........but that is not the case. : /

My orthodontist is the greatest guy. He is working with bands, TADs and power chains to correct my relapse. I think I can see improvement but of course, I would. I am just ready to be done will all this. But anyway, everything is going good. My braces will be staying with me for a while longer. My right jaw still pops at times and both sides get very tired during the ortho visits. My surgeon is still willing to do a second surgery at no cost, so who knows?

I am still checking in on your blogs and keeping up with everyone. Some of you have your braces off now and you look "beautiful." I know my day for de-bracing is coming. I'll be patient. Blessings to you all. : )

One Year Update

2010-04-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, time flies! This week marks ONE YEAR since jaw surgery. I went to the orthodontist and he is moving my teeth all kinds of ways. After surgery I had a relapse in my upper left jaw causing a cross-bite and an under-bite. My orthodontist is working on the under-bite now. He is moving my teeth in ways that make them look like the hillbilly teeth you find in a dollar store. It is not a pretty site, to say the least. I have a big space on the left top and a very short front tooth. They said it would be awhile before they could close the space, so "gappy" I am. I am posting a profile shot tonight. That is something I would have never done before surgery. LOL. I am happy with the results and I am glad I went through with the surgery. All is well. : )

Ortho Update!

2010-02-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

I am updating today due to "I am so tired of looking at the last picture"! lol I did have a visit to the orthodontist and he was very happy about the results of the TADS. He said I could come in every four weeks to have the wires changed and to watch the progress. It is still going slow, but we are getting there! I just got back from the beach, so I put a couple of pictures that look better than my last one. Check out the jaw line! I have a chin! lol I can't even imagine what I am going to look like without braces! I will be glad when they are gone. : )

Gross TADs Photo!

2010-02-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!

I got the TADS. : / They are not fun! They make my mouth sore, so I have to use extra wax. As far as seeing them, you can't unless I show you. See photo! When I first got them, the surgeon put one in my palate. It got infected and I got very sick. It was on a weekend so I called and got an antibiotic and went in on Monday to have it looked at. The orthodontist called the surgeon and he saw me the next day. He took it out! Thank goodness! I could have hugged him. (but he doesn't seem like the hugging type, so I didn't) LOL. The orthodontist did say he would need it put back in soon, so the surgeon ordered a new one. Yay....I guess.

I am seeing improvements in my front teeth, so maybe this is a good thing! I sure hope so. : )

TADS

2009-12-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

The surgeon called and scheduled a date to put the TADs in. It is scheduled for December 31st. The good thing.... I can go to NCY without pain and I can still eat at Christmas!!! I will post pictures of them. May be gross, but may be interesting!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Here we go!!!!

2009-11-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

I went to the orthodontist today so he could explain everything to me. This is the plan..... I start on Friday by getting a heavy gauge wire on top. He is going to put the power chain on bottom.

They have ordered some TAD's for the surgeon to place in my bones. This is the strange part... he will place these TAD's (temporary anchorage devices) in my bone above and between my teeth. These screws will go directly in the bone so the orthodontist can put wire from the TAD to the brackets to torque the top front teeth forward. This is a 6 to 8 month process that may prevent surgery. He said not to bet on that because the purpose of this procedure is to get me "surgery ready" by spring or summer. (I can dream, right?)

I am glad surgery is a few months away, but I am concerned about the pain level involved with screws in my bone... but come to think about it, we surgery patients have many screws and metal in our bones. I guess it will be okay.

Has anyone else out there had TADs? How did you do with them?

Well I feel as if I am starting over. Maybe next time we will get it right. : )

Thanks for all the comments. I appreciate the support!!!

Blessings to you all....

More Surgery to Come

2009-10-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

I saw my orthodontist two weeks ago. He released me back to the surgeon saying he couldn’t do any more for me due to my cross bite. He said my left side has relapsed and he cannot fix it. I saw the surgeon yesterday. He said the muscles had pulled back into position and moved my bite from the place he had put it during surgery. He said my option was to have a second surgery. He took molds and x-rays. I will be talking to him sometime this week after he reviews everthing.

I have had a popping in my lower right jaw ever since surgery that normally doesn’t hurt, but after all the molds and movement from the doctor on my jaws, I have a knot and some swelling there and it hurts badly this morning. I am taking ibuprofen for it.

Due to being in college (at age 42), homeschooling my children, working a full time job, and keeping foster children daily, I am trying to figure out when to have this surgery. Classes at my community college stop December 14th and my classes at Arizona of Phoenix start January 11th. I am going to be in NY December 10th-14th with my daughter for a Christmas get away. My husband and I will be going away in November for our 19th anniversary. Maybe I will have the surgery right before Christmas and be all swollen for the holidays. Hey, at least I won’t gain all those holiday pounds while sipping through syringe. Hmmmm, I wonder if you can blend turkey???

(Complain time) This is ridiculous!!! I am supposed to be past this point! Surgery for me was on April 7th 2009. I thought by now I would be getting the braces off instead of starting over.

(Get over it time) Well anyway, it will work out and maybe by this time next year it will all be over. As fast as time flies, I will probably not even notice it.

You guys be blessed!

Good Surgeon Visit

2009-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

I had my four month visit with the surgeon. He had very positive things to say. One was, "Wow, this looks much better than I expected". Hey, I'll take it!!! He said things are coming together very well and he is going to call my orthodontist on Monday about some things. I personally think things are looking better. My teeth are sitting well although there is still a cross-bite. The orthodontist is working on it.

How do I feel? Hummmmm....

Face: My face tingles a lot. Sometimes it feels like it is melting off.

Opening: I am not opening three fingers yet. The surgeon said I need to exercise my mouth more, at least three times a day. With the bands being worn constantly, it is hard to remember to exercise.

Biting: I still bite my jaw some, but not as often as before. It really hurts, brings tears to my eyes.

Looks: It's funny, just when I get comfortable with my looks, it changes!

All in all, I am happy with everything.... just still getting use to it all. Blessings! : )

Dentist Visit

2009-07-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

My dentist appointment went very well. I was surprised that I did not have any cavities after having the palate splint for six weeks. It was so hard to clean my teeth during that time. I was sure a cavity probably got in there. lol. He said that I had very little plaque and everything looked great.

He said I was still in cross-bite but he thinks the orthodontics should be able to correct that. I sure hope so!!!

All in all, everything is going well. I will see the surgeon at the end of the month.

Blessings to you all.

Second Surgery

2009-07-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

This picture is of me and my beautiful daughter in Charlotte NC going to see the Phantom of the Opera. It was great!

I had a visit to the orthodontist last Friday. He first said I still had some swelling in my cheeks and lower jaw, which I was happy to hear because I am hoping to see more cheekbone in the future. While I was happy with that comment he breaks the other news. He said it was too soon to tell, but I may be better off with the second surgery. : (

While they were changing my bands, my mouth had to stay open longer than normal and my lower jaw started hurting. With my bad news and the pain in my lower jaw, the tears started to stream down the side of my face.

My doctor came over and wiped my eyes and the lady started saying she didn't mean to hurt me and he said to her that I was just worried. He was absolutely right!

Well, everything else is going well. I am eating much better now and the swelling is going away. It is definitely a day-by day-process. I am happy with the results thus far. I still have an underbite, but the space in the back of my teeth is looking better. I will see the surgeon at the end of the month. I will let you know how it turns out.

Hope you all are doing well. Blessings!!! : )

Back in Bands

2009-06-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

My visit to the orthodontist was quiet eventful. I told him what the surgeon said about a second surgery. He said he would do everything possible to keep me from another surgery, but he could make no promises. He put a thick wire on top and said it should fix my underbite. He then added a mouth of bands to pull the teeth together in the back. My bite still doesn't sit right.

I am so hoping this works. Actually, while wearing the bands, I haven't had any popping or sliding in my jaw, so maybe it is working.

My face is still swollen and hurts and I have a funny looking smile, but otherwise I am doing pretty well.

Blessings to you all!!! : )

Followers

2009-06-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

To my friends and family... thanks to a computer literate friend of mine, the follower 18+ is gone. Yayyyyyy. Blessings to you all. : )

9 Weeks Post Op Dentist and Surgeon Appointments and UPDATE

2009-06-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

For an update I am happy to report.... I do not have to have a root canal. Yayyyyyy. : ) The dentist took another x-ray and said the tooth looks good. It was just stressed from the surgery.

On to my jaw. I have had a bone grinding sound in my right jaw for about two weeks. It is more than the clicking sound before surgery, this is a pain that brings tears to my eyes. I called the surgeon when it first happened and he said my teeth are still not lined up properly so that may be the problem. It started getting worse as in happening every time I ate, so today is my regular visit with the surgeon.

Another thing of concern is that my mouth doesn't open but 2 fingers and at 9 weeks is that okay? So on to the surgeon's office.

UPDATE to the update.....

I went to the surgeon and he said the pain and grinding in my right jaw was some relapse. He said he had to move my bottom jaw forward so much that it now has settled some. He is hopeful that the orthodontist can adjust to fix the problem. If not, then I will have to go back into surgery. I am to see the orthodontist two times before going back to the surgeon. He said that would give my teeth some time to adjust and then he could make a decision regarding surgery.

He said I could start stretching my mouth some each day to widen it. He was not concerned about the 2 finger opening thus far. He said to just exercise it daily.

Hope you are all doing well. Blessings!!!!

Vanity -- Week 7 Post op

2009-05-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Updated pictures...

Okay, so I am a little upset tonight. My face hurts a lot. Kinda like blunt objects being pushed into my skin. I am not liking it at all. I am still taking ibuprofen daily and honestly, I am tired of it. Not just the ibuprofen, but just the fact of having to take it daily. I want this all to be over. The swelling and the strange pain!

On to vanity... when I was first told I needed jaw surgery to correct my narrow palate and my bite problems, I had no idea of the facial changes one would undergo. As I did my research, I found it did change the look of the person. Sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. Well in my case, I really don't see a major difference, but those around me do.

Honestly, I have had major support through all of this but there are always the few people who want to say things that they shouldn't. As my 16 year old daughter puts it, "closed minded people should have closed mouths". Well I am agreeing with her right now.

So what happened?? A lady came up to me while around lots of other people whom we know, and asked, "so is people asking you if you had and face lift and a nose job?" Well in my opinion, that was rude and uncalled for. I may look different, but I am still the same person. Maybe I shouldn't be so sensitive, but with all that we (jaw surgery patients) go through, I think a little more thought should be put into what one says.

I don't know anything about cosmetic surgery, but if it is as bad as jaw surgery, then I don't want to ever go there. Yes, the structure of my face and my nose did change, but I am hoping for the better. Right now, I think I still look like a... a... maybe a turtle. lol But whatever, I can breath better now than ever, never waking up at night to catch a breath... and when the orthodontist gets finished, I will be able to eat with a normal bite.

I know this will be worth it at the end no matter what other people think or SAY. Okay, maybe I am being overboard with this, but at least I have let it out. Thanks. : ) Blessings to you all.

Root Canal

2009-05-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

A quick update.... I went to the dentist today. He took an x-ray of my tooth. He said that both front teeth showed trauma from the palate split so he didn't want to do a root canal just yet because it may not need one.

So, I am staying on the antibiotic for six more days, then I will start a different antibiotic if the swelling comes back. If the swelling does come back, he said we would probably do a root canal then. He said we would just watch the tooth and not move too fast. That is fine with me. I wasn't looking forward to a root canal. Blessings!!! : )

Today starts the 6 week mark

2009-05-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I went to the surgeons office today. He took out the splint and took off the bands... yayyyyy!!! I am so glad they are gone. He said everything looks good and I can start chewing now. (I tried a cheeseburger but the meat was too tough, so I ate the bread. It was good.) After leaving the surgeons office, I went to the orthodontist and had the top wire replaced. I go to the dentist tomorrow to have the front tooth checked. I sure hope it doesn't need a root canal. I posted pictures with my first smile for you guys. I am getting there. Again, to you who are contiplating surgery, it seems to be worth it. : ) To you, Aimee... I promise it does get better. Blessings to you all.

Day 31

2009-05-07T17:24:00.001-07:00

So I am just posting today because I finally like my picture. My son took these today. I am still not showing any teeth ... maybe next week. : ) Just wanted to give those of you who haven't embarked on this adventure a quick thumbs up. Time really does fly by and although I am still having some pain, and still some swelling, it does get better. : )

Day 29...The Healing Continues (includes todays photo)

2009-05-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty good day with the surgeon. I am not sure if I mentioned the knots in my face, but they are in the places where "what else" more bone grafting. I have no idea what I am going to look like after the swelling goes down.??.

He did say everything looks good and my splint is coming off next week. : ) After the splint comes off I must rush to the orthodontist office and have my wire replaced.

(The surgeon cut it when he split my palate)

He said my infection looks better but I am to stay on the antibiotics for at least 10 more days. I guess I am okay with that except I am still swollen and it is very hard to swallow the pills.

I am still not allowed to chew, so blended diet it is. Maybe next week I can start soft foods when the splint comes off.

Here is a picture taken today outside my surgeons office. I will post another one when I am more comfortable smiling with my teeth showing. My smile is still pretty funny looking. LOL

Day 22 Update from the Surgeon..... Not a great report!!!

2009-04-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

The surgeon said that under my front teeth, where the bone was ground down, he put in harvested bone... I didn't know that I had bone from someone else.... but anyway I have a possible infection there where my bone and the harvested bone is fusing together. He put me on an antibiotic for it. Now I know why I am still having so much pain there.

Also, one of my front teeth is discolored and may need a root canal. He said this probably happened due to my palate being split and the nerves being moved around. He said I must wear this splint for two more weeks then he will get me in with my dentist asap to look at the tooth.

I am frustrated, concerned and a little sad about it.

This is by far the hardest thing I have every gone through. If I hadn't had my dentist, orthodontist, and three surgeons agree that I needed this, I would probably be mad at myself for doing it.

I am going back to work tomorrow. I did pretty good on Tuesday. : )

Sorry for the "not so good" update, but I know I will make it through. Blessings to you all.

Day 18 Better Pictures

2009-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Its now day 18. Things are going better. My swelling is now just in my lower face. I still look and speak funny. I still drool when I eat, and sometimes just for no reason. Kids still stare at me trying to figure it out. It is cute and doesn't bother me at all. I am sleeping better and not waking up so miserable. Thank goodness! The upper part of my lip still has pain, but it is manageable. My right upper jaw aches some but not too bad. I am just now to the point where I can say "I am glad I had the surgery". It has been a hard road. I weigh 123 pounds now. Liquid Diet... the way to loose weight. lol

I am going to try to work some next week. I have a finance report that is past due, so maybe I can hide out and work on it. We will see how that goes.

Many thanks to my friends and family reading this blog that sent gifts, cards and flowers. They are just great. I am blessed with friends near and far and I so appreciate it.

Day 12

2009-04-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Just a note to let you know I am doing much better. I had my best meal today. I went to my mother-in-laws today for lunch. She had lots of foods but I had potatoes with gravy blended with milk and then strawberry ice cream with apple and cherry pie filling blended together. It was great. The best meal I have had so far. Maybe this blender diet is not so bad, although I would love a big cheeseburger. : ) I go to the surgeon tomorrow. Hopefully everything is going well. My only complaint now is my face... it still feels like I have walked through a fire. It is very sensitive to touch. I hope this does not last too much longer. I have been holding ice packs to it, it does help. Any tips to help???? Blessings to you all.

Day 10

2009-04-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Well here we are again. I am doing much better today. Maybe, just maybe we are going to make it. : )

Last night I had a hard time with the bands so my jaws hurt a lot when I went to bed, so crying with ice packs I went. It was a long night. It seems nights and early mornings when I wake up are the absolute worst times for me. It's hard to rest at night and in the morning I am completely dried out. My mouth, nose and eyes are parched. It is just miserable. I have a vapor moisturizer, but I now have a spray bottle for tonight. I thought if I spray my face when I wake up, maybe it will help. We will see.

Now to the good news...... I ate the most food at one meal today! How fun! My husband said it's like having a child and seeing all the "first". lol Okay, so I took a baked potato and mixed butter, cheese, salt, pepper, and milk with it. I blended it up and put in the the syringe. It was too thick so I added more milk, blended again and it worked! It was the first time I have felt satisfied on this liquid diet. Yay!!!!! I hope you are all doing well!!!!! Blessings : )

Viewer Discretion Advised--- Pictures Ahead

2009-04-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

The first picture is me with my daughter about a week before surgery. Next is part of the problem. Then our precious bear and turtle we had fun making. (see day 8) Then the scary pictures... me out of surgery, day two and three, my friend Cookie cleaning me up, which I so appreciate. Next, day 6 and 7 then on to yesterday. Day 4 and 5 are too bad to post. I was just to sick to take pictures. I think I went from looking like a monkey to a turtle. lol We will see what's next.

Day 8 A Better Day

2009-04-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, momto5minnies, 6 weeks is here for you. That is great. I am glad you told me about the tooth sensations. I haven't thought about that. I did better with the brushing this morning...thank goodness. : ) Funny at age 41 I am learning to brush my teeth. lol

I did go to the surgeon this morning. He took out the tubes out of my nose and it hurt so bad I sat there and cried. He didn't let up for a second. My daughter said they were very long. He took out some stitches and I thought it was over, but no... he then pushed my lower right jaw toward the center and I almost came off the chair. It really hurt. By then he changed the direction of the bands and it was over. I was so happy, but went straight to my ice pack.

When we left his office my husband who loves the Bass Pro Shop wanted to go to the mall. My daughter was hungry so we ended up at the Olive Garden. I ordered the soup and tried to eat with a spoon but it didn't work, so my husband went to the truck and got my syringe out. Yes, I sat in the Olive Garden and ate soup broth through a syringe. We were in a booth so I don't think many people noticed.

We then went to the mall. It helped me a lot to get out of the house. This was my first day out. My daughter and I left my husband in the Bass Pro Shop and we walked the mall. Well kind of walked the mall. We walked, then sat for awhile and then did it again. I do think it build up my energy. We did go into the Build A Bear Workshop. I made a beautiful pink bear with pink flowers on it. My daughter who is into the arts made a turtle, named it Lancelot and put a Romeo outfit on it. lol We did have fun. I would have to say, this has been my best day yet. I hope to see many more. : )

Day 7

2009-04-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today has been better. I had nausea one time today and took Phenadoz 25mg for it. It made me sleep and then I felt bad after that. I told my daughter I am only taking that med or any other only if I am dying. Sometimes I think the meds make it worst. I was able to take a bath and wash my hair in the tub. I have been too weak for this before today. I have drank fresh juice from 4 apples and 1 carrot today. That did stay down. Tonight my husband helped me clean my teeth. That was gross and it hurt. I could not get all the gunk out of the "plastic thing", I hope it is not rotting my teeth. It was hard to get the bands back on. Also, I drank from a cup today. That helped me get more in.

I am not looking forward to tomorrow. I think I told you all earlier, but I also had sinus surgery and tomorrow is the day I go and have the bandages taking off and the tubes taking out of my nose. The doctor said it was a very painful thing and he cannot use pain blockers there, so he gave me Diazepam Solution 5MG to take 30 minutes before I get to his office. (my surgeons office is 1 1/2 hours from my home).

The doctor did say the anesthesia was still coming out of my body and that may be part of the nausea. I will be glad when it does come out.

I am feeling better about pictures, so maybe soon. : )

Thanks again for all your kind words and help you have offered. I do take it to heart.

Day Five & Six

2009-04-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Day five is a blur. I tried to eat on the evening of day four and by morning of day five I was throwing up everything, including stomach acids. It hurt really bad. I thought I was going to die, and almost wished I would. It was terrible. My mother-in-law, who is also a nurse, came over and helped me. She used phenadoz 25mg that the doctor prescribed to stop the nausea and vomiting. It worked but I was so weak and dizzy. I am still having a lot of draining.

Today is day six. I have been weak and dizzy still but managed to keep some Jello down. I have been drinking Smart water and Gatorade. I have not been vomiting today. Hopefully that is over. I have not had a lot of pain medicine today, but my head and upper jaw is hurting. I appreciate you all. I will post again tomorrow.

Day Four

2009-04-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

It has been another day now. I am still swollen and feel bad. I have been using the ice packs and taking the pain meds. I am not brave enough to put pictures yet. They are pretty bad. When I feel better, maybe I will. I want a good after before I show the "terrible". lol

Here are the surgery details...I left my house at 6:00am and arrived at the hospital at 7:45am. The surgery started at 10:00 am. It lasted 8 hours and then 2 hours in recovery. I went to sleep before they took me to the OR. I woke up in my room but only for a few minutes. I slept the first night. Besides throwing up so much blood and it running from my nose, I think I did alright. The surgeon gave my family details on why it went so long.

He stated he moved both jaws forward, and widen the bone under my nose to help me breath better. He had to file the bone under my nose (which he didn't know he was going to have to do) so my teeth would sit right and he filed my upper teeth. He also had to widening my upper and lower jaw and when he brought them forward it made my nose smaller. He said if this had been done 10 years ago, it would have been a 16 hour surgery. He told them I was quite a challenge.

That is all I know for now. Thank you guys for all the support. "So happy for you V"

Day Three

2009-04-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am home now. We went through the Chic-fli-A drive thru and got some chicken soup. (broth only) It was really good. I did sleep okay last night. My right jaw is still hurting a little. I have taken a ton of pain medicine. Not looking forward to it wearing off. Thanks to all you guys for the support. It was great when I could not talk or anything to see your post. I really appreciate it. I'll let you know tomorrow how day 4 is going, and I will be keeping up with you all daily. By the way, how are you doing V? I will check you blog. Blessings to all.

Day Two

2009-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today is my second day post surgery. I am still in the hospital, probably going home in the morning. I am in a good amount of pain. They have bee alternating Morphine and Loratab.

I seems the doctor ran in the more problems than expected, so my surgery went from 4 t0 5 hours to 8 hours. He had to shave some of my bone down in upper jaw and file some of my teeth. I will be talking to him more tomorrow, so I will get details on what he had to do.

I got sick twice last night and threw up about a pint of blood. It was not fun, but I felt better afterwards.

I have a good bit of swelling but it is going down. I have had draining from my nose that is blood mixed. I have been on oxygen sense surgery and wrapped in ice.

Sorry this has not been a fun post. I hope you are all doing well.

The Big Day

2009-04-07T03:14:00.000-07:00

On my way to the hospital!!! Oh' my goodness... I am a little nervous, but doing well. : )

The day before the surgery...

2009-04-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Tomorrow is my last day of eating solid foods for awhile. I have to work tomorrow, so the office staff is going out for a big lunch. I am looking forward to it. We have lots of fun at my office.

I just went out for pizza and a movie with my family. It was fun. It seems I have an ongoing list of pre-surgery things to do, so I will be busy getting it all done. I did finish the algebra finals. Made an "A". : ) Glad it is over, till fall semester anyway.

I had my pre-op visit with the hospital this week. They did paper work, took blood and did an ECG. It was pretty simple. My daughter went with me so we went to the Olive Garden and to the mall afterwards. We had a good day.

I will post again after the surgery, otherwise I will keep up with you all. Good luck "V" and Aimee. I know you both will do great!!!

Blessings!!!!

Vitamins

2009-04-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

I have been taking several vitamins to get ready for this surgery, along with exercise and eating right. When I went to the surgeon for pre op they wanted me to stop all vitamins until after surgery except for what they gave me because I am one week away.

The vitamin they gave me is: VitaMedica

It has:

500mg Bromelian and 500mg Quercetin. This I am to start taking 3 days before my surgery.

2 capsules 3 times a day for (7-10 days) This is for bruising and swelling.

Arnica Montana 30x. This I am to take following the surgery until the bruising and swelling subsides (7-14 days) 3 tablets 3 times a day.

Hope this helps you all. : )

Pre Op with the Surgeon

2009-04-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

Before I began... I want to thank you all for the wonderful commits on my post. You are the best! I am so glad I have you to walk with me through this. : ) Okay, I went to the surgeon yesterday for the pre op with him. They did two impressions on the upper and lower, measurements, gave me a book on blended diets, talked about facial changes, answered my questions, and gave me vitamins to take starting three days before surgery. My surgery is now only six days away. I have algebra finals today and tomorrow. I think I have bought everything I need to have on hand so the shopping is over... until I remember something else, haha. I am about ready... I think. I have to go to the hospital on Friday for pre op with them. I will post again after that appointment.

Surgical Hooks

2009-03-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today was my last visit to the orthodontist until after surgery. He put the surgical hooks on for the bands. The worst part was holding my mouth open so long. My jaws got very tired. I was so glad when it was over. Now I am getting used to the little hooks everywhere. I will probable use the wax tonight. : )

The hardest part right now is not the braces or the hooks, it is finishing my algebra class early. Has anyone ever tried to "cram" algebra. Wow, who knew it would be so time consuming. I think I am eating and sleeping algebra. : / I was hoping to take the finals this week, but it may be next week. That will be okay, at least the instructor is working with me to complete this course early. I am happy about that. I am not sure about my History class yet. It is online, so if I do have to work on it post surgery I will not have to go to class. Well enough whining. I will post updates next week. Blessings!

A New Friend

2009-03-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine called and told me about a friend of hers that has had upper jaw surgery. I was excited to meet someone who has had this surgery. She was so nice and helped me a lot. She was able to answer my questions and give me tips on what I needed before and after the surgery. Not only has she had the surgery, but she teaches students to become dentist. It was great to meet her. And for us who maybe a little nervous about facial changes... she is beautiful. : ) Thanks K.

Telling My Dad

2009-03-13T14:38:00.001-07:00

Today was the day! You have to know my Dad to understand. I have been pretty spoiled all my life. My Dad raised my sister and me, mostly by himself. He has always been very protective over us, so I was more than a little nervous about telling him about this surgery. The surgery is now 25 days away, so knowing that I can't hide it forever, I figured I had better tell him so today was the day! I went to his office while I had a couple of hours free and ask him to sit down. Then I told him. He actually took it quite well. I was surprised. Whew, now that's over! I am on my way to Bed Bath and Beyond for a wedge pillow and maybe a body pillow. This part is fun, I get to go shopping! (and yes... I am a 41 year old spoiled child, and loving it!) I hope to spoil my children that long too. : )

Surgery Scheduled

2009-03-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here is what happened. I went to the orthodontist today for the regular visit hoping to nail down the surgery date which was to be in May or June. When Dr. B. looked at my teeth, he said everything is lined up and ready to go. So he called Dr. M. and scheduled my surgery for April 7th. Oh' my goodness! I am now feeling nervous. That is only five weeks away. Will I be ready? I still have classes to finish and loose ends with house and kids. I will make it... I hope.

One thing about the "nervous" part is the change in my appearance. My nurse told me to expect a lot of change. She said, "you can't move jaws forward 8mm and correct deviated septum and not see change". I hope it is a good change. She then went on to tell me about a patient she had once that needed counseling due to he couldn't get used to the change in his appearance. She said he looked great, but just had issues with the difference. Has anyone else heard of this?

All I know is I will be happy when I stop biting the inside of my mouth every time I eat, and I can chew and swallow without looking as if I ate the whole thing at one time, and my TMJ stops hurting, and I can breath when I lay down. All this should make it worth it. I sure hope so anyway.

My pre op appointment is March 31st so I guess I will fill you in more then. Hope you all are doing well. See ya.

Possible Surgery Dates

2009-02-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone... I got a letter from my insurance today. They have approved the surgery. : ) So now what... I called Dr. M. (the surgery dr) and he also receive the letter. They gave me dates they had open for surgery. They are May 5, May 19, June 16, and June 30. They said it was up to the orthodontist as to the final date. I faxed the letter to him and gave him the dates. They said they would get back to me. I may have to wait until my next appointment with him to find out when surgery can be scheduled. The next appointment is March 4. I really would like to know soon, as I am ready to get this over with. I would go tonight if they would let me. I am a little nervous about the recovery time. Other than that, I am not worried about going into surgery. Now yet... anyway.

I Need What?

2009-02-06T05:42:00.001-08:00

Ok...here is the skinny on me. I inquired about jaw surgery two years ago at my dentist request. He had concerns about my pallet being too narrow. I have always noticed this in my eating and breathing, but had no idea there was surgery for it. I called my childhood orthodontist for an appointment. He checked my mouth and told me the same thing. He said I needed braces first to line up the teeth. I waited about a year before getting the braces just because I wasn't sure I wanted to embark on this adventure. After the year, my son needed braces so I thought, lets just get them together. It will be fun..."ya think". Sooooo I got the braces. My teeth hurt even today. Got the braces in October and now I have a power chain on the bottom. I go back March 4th for the top power chain. My insurance company is saying the surgery needs to be complete by May 2nd. I am not sure this is possible. I will be informed by the orthodontist soon. After two years I am ready to get this over with. I have had three surgeons to look at my mouth. The first surgeon I went to said he agreed with my dentist...but I really didn't like him so I went to Charlotte at my orthodontist's advice. I like this doctor so he is going to do the surgery. I did inquire with a local orthognathic surgeon, he stated my condition was too advanced for him and he suggested I stay with the doctor in Charlotte NC. I will post before pictures soon.