Went to the ortho today. After 1.5 hours in the chair, 2 broken brackets that had to be replaced (the assistant broke them while trying to get my wires in), 2 powerchains, and a giant freakin wire. The ortho says that my occlusion is looking really good and that he wants to take impressions at my next appointment (November 1st ) He said he thinks I'm just about, if not ready for surgery!
So now is the dilemma! Do I hold out til May when I can have 3 and 3/4 months to recover, or do it in December and be back to work in a month. Oh...forgot, Dh and I are leaving on our long awaited (7 years) honeymoon over Xmas, so I would be only about 2 weeks post op prior to the trip, and would have to be back to work (where I talk a lot) by Jan 8th. I really think I should wait til May, but so want to just get on with it and get it over with! I'm so excited just to know I'm almost ready!
Brandy
OMG, Dr. Says he thinks I'm almost Surgery ready! (pics)
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Brandyleigh35
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OMG, Dr. Says he thinks I'm almost Surgery ready! (pics)
Last edited by Brandyleigh35 on Thu Sep 14, 2006 10:45 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Brandyleigh35
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I'm so torn! I so want this done! But I don't want to ruin our honeymoon by feeling terrible, and I know I would be embarrased about being in public so soon after my surgery. BUT! I want to get it over with, not be stuck in my braces for another 6 months just waiting til May.
Look at my new pics! I'm so happy with how my teeth look now and I haven't even had my surgery yet! Sorry they are so big, I didn't know how to make them smaller! This has all been done in less than 7 months, including the palate expansion surgery!
Pre pic
Now
Pre Pic
Now 
Day 1 w/braces
Today 
Look at my new pics! I'm so happy with how my teeth look now and I haven't even had my surgery yet! Sorry they are so big, I didn't know how to make them smaller! This has all been done in less than 7 months, including the palate expansion surgery!
Pre pic
NowPre Pic
Now Day 1 w/braces
Today
Last edited by Brandyleigh35 on Sun Sep 17, 2006 4:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Wow, your teeth look great! I don't want to be the one to tell you, but you may not really have a dilemma at all. I had my impressions done last September, and by October was told to schedule a pre-surgery consult with my OS. When I called, they were scheduling surgeries for March already, but wouldn't put me on the schedule until after my consult, which wouldn't be for another month. So I was looking at probably an April surgery date.
Due to insurance and other scheduling issues, I had to find another OS immediately and cried and begged for a December surgery, but only got that through a cancellation.
Reasons to wait until May:
* Dh and I went away for a weekend three weeks post-op, and finding food to eat was not easy (plus, it felt like a waste of money and energy to eat out when I couldn't eat much).
* Kissing is hard for the first couple of months. So is other activity that you might want to pursue while on honeymoon.
* I sing at church, and took 6 weeks off after my surgery to allow for recovery. I am very glad that I took the time and didn't rush back into such a mouth-intensive activity.
* You may not have a choice
Reasons to push for a December surgery:
* Having the time off during the summer would be nice, but might also hinder your progress, as the sooner and more often you exercise the jaw, the faster you heal.
* If you have a really great honeymoon, you may end up pregnant, thus postponing the surgery even more.
* If you're ready, it's really hard to wait. The sooner the surgery, the sooner the orthodontic journey ends.
Due to insurance and other scheduling issues, I had to find another OS immediately and cried and begged for a December surgery, but only got that through a cancellation.
Reasons to wait until May:
* Dh and I went away for a weekend three weeks post-op, and finding food to eat was not easy (plus, it felt like a waste of money and energy to eat out when I couldn't eat much).
* Kissing is hard for the first couple of months. So is other activity that you might want to pursue while on honeymoon.
* I sing at church, and took 6 weeks off after my surgery to allow for recovery. I am very glad that I took the time and didn't rush back into such a mouth-intensive activity.
* You may not have a choice
Reasons to push for a December surgery:
* Having the time off during the summer would be nice, but might also hinder your progress, as the sooner and more often you exercise the jaw, the faster you heal.
* If you have a really great honeymoon, you may end up pregnant, thus postponing the surgery even more.
* If you're ready, it's really hard to wait. The sooner the surgery, the sooner the orthodontic journey ends.
Kathleen
Surgery survivor
Surgery survivor
I am so excited for you Brandy!!! Is there any way you can move your trip to spring break? That would give you enough time to feel pretty normal again and you wouldn't be sitting around twiddling your thumbs. I am one to get bad stuff over with first so I can enjoy the good (ie. not obsess about teeth on vacation). I would call your ortho back and ask him what is in his mind - for him surgery ready might mean 1 month or 6 months. Call him now ....... I'll just wait here......... 
Hi There-
Wow, sorry about the dilemma you might have. That is not an easy one. I would contend with Katheen H. Depending on how big a town you live in and how busy your surgeon is, it might be hard to schedule the surgery over the holidays if you won't know until Novemeber whether you are ready. I was told as well that the holidays are a popular time for surgery. On the other hand, it you are ready waiting would be hard. I think I would have found it very difficult to travel one week post-op and still enjoy it. Basically, I was still getting back to somewhat "normal" at that point. Sleeping was an issue in that it was difficult to sleep through the night so napping was a must. In addition, it was very hard to eat and I had to be very selective. I found it hard to go out to eat until about a month and a half or so after surgery (but i also had a splint). I would hate for you to miss a long awaited honeymoon for surgery on the other hand, if you have waited 7 years maybe you could do the surgery in December if it could be scheduled and take the honeymoon over the summer! Oh yea, I agree that certain adult activities that might be desired on a honeymoon would be difficult just one week post-op....my experience was recovery and "desire" went hand and hand (-: Good luck with this tough decision!
Wow, sorry about the dilemma you might have. That is not an easy one. I would contend with Katheen H. Depending on how big a town you live in and how busy your surgeon is, it might be hard to schedule the surgery over the holidays if you won't know until Novemeber whether you are ready. I was told as well that the holidays are a popular time for surgery. On the other hand, it you are ready waiting would be hard. I think I would have found it very difficult to travel one week post-op and still enjoy it. Basically, I was still getting back to somewhat "normal" at that point. Sleeping was an issue in that it was difficult to sleep through the night so napping was a must. In addition, it was very hard to eat and I had to be very selective. I found it hard to go out to eat until about a month and a half or so after surgery (but i also had a splint). I would hate for you to miss a long awaited honeymoon for surgery on the other hand, if you have waited 7 years maybe you could do the surgery in December if it could be scheduled and take the honeymoon over the summer! Oh yea, I agree that certain adult activities that might be desired on a honeymoon would be difficult just one week post-op....my experience was recovery and "desire" went hand and hand (-: Good luck with this tough decision!
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KJNELLAMORE
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Brandyleigh35
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Thanks Everyone! I think you are all right. My doctor's surgery schedule is not that bad, really only have to schedule about 1 month out, but I've decided I'm just going to wait.
We have already bought our tickets, they are not refundable, and we are going for 2 full weeks which I would not be able to do any other time of the school year. It will be the first time we have had a vacation without any kids, and I know my dh is looking forward to it. I totally don't want to be miserable, or in pain, or weak, or have numb lips on my honeymoon. I think it should be something we do together that is a very enjoyable memory for both of us. May is a long ways away, but it does give me some time to get into shape, start eating healthier, and just work on getting strong so I will have a quick recovery.
IT really is amazing to me that it has happened so fast, I swear I look at the pics of my teeth and I can't believe they are really mine. It's like when I used to look at everyone elses progress and be in awe, now I'm like in awe over the changes that have happened in my mouth! It's so exciting!
Brandy
We have already bought our tickets, they are not refundable, and we are going for 2 full weeks which I would not be able to do any other time of the school year. It will be the first time we have had a vacation without any kids, and I know my dh is looking forward to it. I totally don't want to be miserable, or in pain, or weak, or have numb lips on my honeymoon. I think it should be something we do together that is a very enjoyable memory for both of us. May is a long ways away, but it does give me some time to get into shape, start eating healthier, and just work on getting strong so I will have a quick recovery.
IT really is amazing to me that it has happened so fast, I swear I look at the pics of my teeth and I can't believe they are really mine. It's like when I used to look at everyone elses progress and be in awe, now I'm like in awe over the changes that have happened in my mouth! It's so exciting!
Brandy
Surgery Date
Maybe I think this way only because I just got braces 5 weeks ago - my surgery is a whole year away - and it looks like a very long road ahead - but I would want to get the surgery over with as quickly as possible, regardless of other considerations. (of course, that's easy to say when you're not the one getting ready to go on a honeymoon!)
Whatever you decide - best wishes for a smooth surgery and a terrific honeymoon!
Whatever you decide - best wishes for a smooth surgery and a terrific honeymoon!
I think you are making a smart (and difficult) choice Brandy. After ALL you and DH have been through this year you BOTH deserve time together to remember why the heck you picked eachother to love 
. Kudos to you for getting in shape! I totaly agree with you on that point. My surgery is a year away (lefort now) an I just joined weight watchers ( to force me to make healthy food choices and lose those last 5lbs) and have gotten back into my excercise program. A healthy body should heal faster....that is my theory anyway.
. Kudos to you for getting in shape! I totaly agree with you on that point. My surgery is a year away (lefort now) an I just joined weight watchers ( to force me to make healthy food choices and lose those last 5lbs) and have gotten back into my excercise program. A healthy body should heal faster....that is my theory anyway.-
brunetteangel
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wow!!
Hi Brandy
im new to this forum and just wanted to say how great your teeth look.
as im a newbie im not familar with all the official terms for procedures, conditions etc. But i have a very slight underbite and was shocked to see how much your bite has changed with braces alone. It looks fantastic.
What will your surgery do? Are they going to further correct your bite as it looks pretty much perfect as it is now.
I am waiting for a referral to an orthodontist but am wondering if my underbite could be corrected with just braces
im new to this forum and just wanted to say how great your teeth look.
as im a newbie im not familar with all the official terms for procedures, conditions etc. But i have a very slight underbite and was shocked to see how much your bite has changed with braces alone. It looks fantastic.
What will your surgery do? Are they going to further correct your bite as it looks pretty much perfect as it is now.
I am waiting for a referral to an orthodontist but am wondering if my underbite could be corrected with just braces
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Brandyleigh35
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Oh, my bite still has a long way to go. I had about a 5mm overjet. The braces have lined my teeth up, and I now push my jaw forward into the correct position as it just feels more comfortable having my teeth sit where they are supposed to. My ortho has said that there is no way we are going to get my teeth lined up without surgery, so its a must for sure. Plus, my lower jaw recession causes me to have sleep apnea so the jaw surgery advancement is also medically necessary to make that go away.
They will probably only need to move my jaw forward about 4mm now, but it definitely has to happen.
Brandy
They will probably only need to move my jaw forward about 4mm now, but it definitely has to happen.
Brandy
I think I am going to have to concur with Kathleen regarding when you may actually get scheduled for your surgery. There's a lot more involved than taking impressions and then checking in to the hospital.
My treatment went like this: Initial consult with ortho: told I would need surgery and to schedule a consult with a surgeon and get insurance pre-auth. This took the longest. Then, braces for about a year before my ortho determined in late April that I was about ready for surgery. He took his own impressions, then forwarded his results to my OS. Then, I had to schedule two pre-op (some people only have one) to get all my measurements and MORE impressions done. This took about a month or so. My surgeon had another surgery scheduled for June 21st, and if I didn't get it done then, I would have to wait another month.
So, what I am saying is, though your ortho may be taking impressions in November, unless you and your surgeon are able to quickly coordinate your surgery, you may be looking at a date post-holiday.
I can't imagine going on a trip two weeks post op. At that point I was just starting to eat mashable food (no chewing allowed) and was in elastics front and back. This food issue really sapped my energy. As much as I might have liked the idea mentally, I really didn't have the energy to engage in (ahem) extra-curricular activities with my husband.
Just my 2¢.
My treatment went like this: Initial consult with ortho: told I would need surgery and to schedule a consult with a surgeon and get insurance pre-auth. This took the longest. Then, braces for about a year before my ortho determined in late April that I was about ready for surgery. He took his own impressions, then forwarded his results to my OS. Then, I had to schedule two pre-op (some people only have one) to get all my measurements and MORE impressions done. This took about a month or so. My surgeon had another surgery scheduled for June 21st, and if I didn't get it done then, I would have to wait another month.
So, what I am saying is, though your ortho may be taking impressions in November, unless you and your surgeon are able to quickly coordinate your surgery, you may be looking at a date post-holiday.
I can't imagine going on a trip two weeks post op. At that point I was just starting to eat mashable food (no chewing allowed) and was in elastics front and back. This food issue really sapped my energy. As much as I might have liked the idea mentally, I really didn't have the energy to engage in (ahem) extra-curricular activities with my husband.
Just my 2¢.
Braced 5/11/05, BSSO with advancement 6/21/06, Debanded: 8/1/07. Click on www for my braces story.
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Brandyleigh35
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Thanks Carissa,
Yes I know there is a lot involved, and I have decided to wait til May. I have some stuff I want to do like the lymphatic massages starting a couple weeks before surgery and just overall exercising and getting into good shape. As for the consult and pre-auth I have already got that. When I went in for the SARPE consult we did the whole thing as a unit. They put in for the SARPE, bone graft, and lower jaw advancement all at one time and I got approval before I even went in for the SARPE. Even if it is a new year my insurance says that it will cover it since it was pre-authed already and it is a continuation of approved treatment. So really all I have to do is see my OS again, and schedule the appt.
I can imagine that 2 weeks post op would suck. I was still feeling pretty crappy at 10 days after my SARPE so I have decided to just postpone it and do it when I can fully recover withough having to try and rush it all.
Thanks a lot for your 2 cents though it is appreciated.
Brandy
Yes I know there is a lot involved, and I have decided to wait til May. I have some stuff I want to do like the lymphatic massages starting a couple weeks before surgery and just overall exercising and getting into good shape. As for the consult and pre-auth I have already got that. When I went in for the SARPE consult we did the whole thing as a unit. They put in for the SARPE, bone graft, and lower jaw advancement all at one time and I got approval before I even went in for the SARPE. Even if it is a new year my insurance says that it will cover it since it was pre-authed already and it is a continuation of approved treatment. So really all I have to do is see my OS again, and schedule the appt.
I can imagine that 2 weeks post op would suck. I was still feeling pretty crappy at 10 days after my SARPE so I have decided to just postpone it and do it when I can fully recover withough having to try and rush it all.
Thanks a lot for your 2 cents though it is appreciated.
Brandy
Hi Brandy,
I think you are very courageous. The way you talk about having a BSSO.
That is just great. I would want some of your positive energy. So if you
have some in excess, please could you send it to me. You may know I have
to choose one of these days between stopping my treatment or having a BSSO.
I probably will go for the BSSO, but I must admit I am scared like hell right
now ...
I think you are very courageous. The way you talk about having a BSSO.
That is just great. I would want some of your positive energy. So if you
have some in excess, please could you send it to me. You may know I have
to choose one of these days between stopping my treatment or having a BSSO.
I probably will go for the BSSO, but I must admit I am scared like hell right
now ...
That you've decided to wait sounds like a good decision for you. I just wanted to clear up that I got my pre-auth before getting my braces, and I had two consults with the OS before I got my braces. However, once I was told I was ready for surgery, I still had to go back to the OS for more molds and x-rays, go to the hospital for pre-op bloodwork, etc. They had to schedule with the hospital. The OS had to create my splint for surgery based on the impressions that he took, etc.
The fact that you are waiting until May will really help you to plan for the date and that's definitely a good thing!! Pretty soon you'll be counting down.
The fact that you are waiting until May will really help you to plan for the date and that's definitely a good thing!! Pretty soon you'll be counting down.
Braced 5/11/05, BSSO with advancement 6/21/06, Debanded: 8/1/07. Click on www for my braces story.