On the home stretch...but...

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#1 Post by **chicago29** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:55 pm

So, I had an orthodontist appointment today. I'm 8 weeks post-op and this is my 2nd ortho appointment since recovering from surgery. Basically, we're just trying to close down the posterior open bite and doing some very fine tuning with alignment.

My ortho said I'm very close to being done, and at the next appointment he's going to put together a retention plan and take molds. He thinks I'll be out of the braces in a month or two.

I've thought about "the big day" of removal every day since I started this journey. I can't believe that it is almost here.

The weird thing is I am not as happy as I thought I'd be. Right now, I have no complaints at all and I'm happy with the surgical and orthodontic results. I have some cosmetic and gum issues I'll need to take care of, but to me that's a small price to pay and I'm not really concerned about any of those things.

I hate to say this, but I'm almost "sad" the end of the road is near. I feel like I'm being ridiculous and that I'm absolutely insane for thinking this way.

Has anybody else had these types of feelings? Can somebody reassure me that it is very temporary and I really won't be sad??

I appreciate any input.

-Chicago29

#2 Post by **Broadway Bill** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:33 pm

I sorta know what you mean Chicago. I can't say I'm sad that it'll be over soon, but I also feel like, in a way, a part of my life ius coming to a close. This stuff has a way of creeping into your identity, and with that comes an inevitable feeling of loss and regret. Also, as was mentioned earlier, we all kinda long for the whole thing to be life-changing, and make us look amazing.

On the other hand, we are somewhat of an elite group with regards to medical and dental hardship. I think that alone makes it all worth it; we can all say we had the strength to do something like this.

#3 Post by **ColoradoGirl** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:40 pm

Ooh, I like the elite group thing. Yesss!

Chicago, obviously I'm not where you are, but what you say reminds me of when I graduated with my MA--I had been working up to it for so long, and then when I finally got there--I was kinda "meh" on it. Somewhat of a let-down after such a build-up.

That said, looking back, I'm really glad I went for the MA. I imagine it will be only more powerful with this surgery...in a few years.

Besides, we get to set off airport metal dectecors forevermore.

#4 Post by **Broadway Bill** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:52 pm

Yeah, it is really similar to an academic achievement! Anything you wait this long for, and suffer this much for, is going to be a let down when it ends.

But, again, we are now that rare breed that can say "yeah, I had my skull sawed apart, electively, and couldn't eat for weeks on end. No biggie." I, personally, find much value and solace in that. It's also likely that we got to handle (what will in all likelihood be) the defining medical "crisis"of our respective lives on OUR terms and our schedules. I like that.

To reiterate the comparison to educational attainment, we are the MAs, JDs, MDs and PhDs of self-inflicted medical suffering!

#5 Post by **ColoradoGirl** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:05 pm

Broadway Bill--if only this forum had a like button. (Yes, I am an FB whore).

I had the always-rewarding experience of hearing a good friend--who had known I went through the surgery--gasp with astonishment when I told her it was a 5.5 hour surgery.

#6 Post by **chicago29** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 6:32 am

Colorado & Bill...Those are some great responses and it sheds even more light on this. Thanks so much for your thoughts!!

The only thing I heard that really bothers me though is setting off airport security detectors. Is that true? I was told the plates absolutely would not set off a metal detector. I travel A LOT for my job and I haven't had to get on a plane yet as my customers are within driving distance. However, the thought of having to always get a secondary screening is enough to make me utterly depressed!!!

-Chicago29

#7 Post by **mamaneedsanewjaw** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 6:51 am

I think I still have six months or so left in braces. Apparently I am an orthodontist because I just made that time frame up but I am sure I am close enough.....anyway.

When I got my braces on I couldn't wait to get my surgery behind me. Everyday it was all I could think about...to the extreme of being slightly OCD about it! Now that the surgery is behind me, I actually think I am done being obsessed...it is out of my system. Braces on, or braces off....who cares- the surgery is behind me! Now don't get me wrong....I will love to have this metal out of my mouth but I think for most of us it is the surgery(surgeries) that are the big obstacle...braces are pretty insignificant when it comes to what we have been through with the surgery!

Chicago- it is unlikely to set off the airport security but if it happens show that metal head off with pride....after all not many people are literally metal heads!

#8 Post by **RickC** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 10:39 am

Hi Chicago just wanted to set your mind at rest, you won't set off the airport metal detector. I work at an airport and have been through them several times since surgery and not set any alarms off.

#9 Post by **sarz** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 4:26 am

To reiterate the comparison to educational attainment, we are the MAs, JDs, MDs and PhDs of self-inflicted medical suffering![/quote]

I love this comment!

It's great chicago that you are on the home straight and I think that the feelings you have are perfectly normal re: end of treatment. It has obviously played a massive part in your life.
I wish you well in a brace free future.

#10 Post by **chicago29** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:32 am

There are two things I like about this thread:

1) I shouldn't be setting off THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR.

2) I think this is good evidence I'm not insane (well, at least in regards to my feelings on the end of the journey!). I think this is just another one of those examples where the old adage rings true..."It's the journey, not the destination".

Although, you can bet your last dollar I'm going to enjoy the destination!!!

-Chicago29

#11 Post by **Marisama** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:50 am

Although it's true that you must enjoy the journey in life, I am 100% sure I will be celebrating when I have a fully functional bite and no braces. I am going into surgery with high expectations, which I am fully aware may not be entirely fulfilled, but the thought of any improvement concerning my bite and TMJ sounds amazing.
I say enjoy the journey, but celebrate the fact that you will no longer log on to this site everyday and obsess over your jaw. That's what I'm really looking forward to, the day that I don't think about my jaw!