More Metal in My Mouth

Just when I thought they couldn't possibly put more metal in my mouth they found a way. Yes, I got my surgical hooks on today. I didn't count how many there were, but I guess it was about 12-16 hooks. While they were doing it I had wires sticking way out of my mouth. I felt just like Jim Carrey when he said, "do I have something in my teeth". I asked them if it was just 6 weeks with the hooks on and she just looked at me funny and said, "weelllll, maybe a little longer". Oh, joy. They are trying out some smaller hooks and I'm the guinea pig. Here are some pictures.

Gross, I think I have something in my teeth. I should have brushed my teeth before taking the pictures. So sorry.

Pre-Op Appointment on Tuesday

I can't believe my surgery is in 10 days. I have my pre-op appointment on Tuesday with my surgeon. I don't know what all they do, but the appointment is supposed to last 2 hours. I'm sure they'll do xrays. My ortho did the molds at the last appointment. I bought a Vitamix Blender which is supposed to blend just about anything to liquid. It looked pretty cool and I think I'll use it after recovery too. My mom is coming out to help me and the boys. She doesn't know what she's getting into with the kids..hehehe.

I'm just hoping and praying that in the end it'll all be worth it and that I won't have permanent numbness or pain. Did anyone notice a difference in their breathing? I just wonder if that will improve since my trachea is half the size it should be. Thanks guys.

Surgery Date and Insurance Approval

Ok, I'm freaking out now. I have surgery scheduled on May 6 at 7:30am. Although I have known the date for a while I haven't wanted to post it, because I kept thinking I might back out because I'm nervous. However, today my OS's office called to tell me my insurance company has approved my surgery. Yes, they will pay for all of it except the genioplasty. (That one I knew they wouldn't pay for.) I am really kind of surprised they approved it, but it just validates my thoughts that there is something wrong with me. lol If anyone has some words of wisdom and encouragement I'd love to hear them.

Pictures from my trip to Rome

I just realized that I never posted any pictures from my trip to Rome sans braces. We had a wonderful time and we saw so many amazing things. We visited the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, The Vatican, Trevi Fountain (where I managed to miss the fountain when I threw my coin in, duh) and the Spanish Steps. I was so glad I got to go with my sister and my mom. That made the trip even more enjoyable. Maybe one of these days I'll go back and see everything I missed.

Sleep Study Done

I had a sleep study a few weeks ago. It wasn't too bad. I was able to sleep, with the help of a sleeping pill and a super-comfortable sleep number bed. I think my number is 85. Anyway, it was a little weird at first with all these wires attached all over my body and with a camera pointed right at me. The news from the study is that I have mild sleep apnea. I had 2 apneas and 14 hypopneas during the night. My pulse ox never went below 85%. Overall, the doc said it was mild and he didn't know if the insurance would cover my surgery with my sleep apnea being so mild. He will try though. He also said I was ready for surgery. He is out of town the whole month of June, so he said I could do it May or July. (I'm kinda scared now that it's getting closer to surgery.) I hate to do it in May because if I have any problems and he's out of town I might panic. I also have to wear some type of mouth piece for 1-2 months before the surgery to relax my jaw muscles. I don't have that yet, so that means July is looking more realistic.

I got a sneak peek

I know it sounds vain that I wanted my front brackets off for my trip to Rome, but I did it anyway. The ortho was so nice to me. I got 6 upper front brackets off and a retainer to wear in their place. It was like a sneak peek at what my teeth will look like when finished. I could see a big difference already and I have to admit they looked good. I don't think I would have done it, except this trip means a lot to me. It's with my sister and my mom who is not a "spring chicken". We have never done anything like this before and I want to remember this time with them in Rome without my braces.

Hey all. This is a weird question, but here it goes. I am traveling to Rome in a couple of weeks and it's kind of a once in a lifetime trip for me and it was just spur of the moment. Anyway, I'm pre-surgery and I have braces on. I'm going to hate having braces on in my pictures and I mean really hate having them on. I also do not look good smiling with my mouth closed. Does anyone have ideas on what to do. I'll take any ideas...even Photoshop them out ideas. Thanks.

2 Days Later.....

Ok, I had called the ortho the other day about taking these braces off for my trip and he just called back. The latest news is that he could take off my upper front 4 brackets. This would be for cosmetic reasons (for the pictures). Anyway, my upper front 4 teeth are on a separate wire from the back upper ones. This was done to allow for space for a 3 piece Lefort surgery this Spring. I had resolved to leave them on after reading answers on another blog, but since he said he could take these off, I'm now rethinking it. He would not put a retainer on and he would leave them off for about 2 weeks. What's your opinion on this? I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks!