magoogs's Story
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Re: magoogs's Story
Thanks again - her videos are great!! I do plan on toughing it out - I feel like I'm doing exactly what everyone else has done, including the going crazy part and the "I'll have this lisp" forever part.
Re: magoogs's Story
Chapter 6
Day 11
The upper linguals - speech is getting better. Yes, I was freaking out. And I'd say I'm about 80-85%. I HAD to do stage shows - I had no choice. But I found my impediment wasn't too bad this past Wednesday and it seems to be getting better. What's still frustrating, and what I can't pass on to those waiting to start their own journey, is WHY I'm getting better. I haven't altered how I speak. I do drink a little more water, but other than that, I think you just used to it. It is also very gradual and slow and you be infuriated that first week. But if I keep progressing as I have, I should be 95% normal before Memorial Day.
That's the good news.
Now, the bottom teeth. My next appointment is June 8th. I get the lower damons put in. Those are metal fellas on the outside of my lower teeth. My HOPE was to lie low so I can get used to it - it's going to be the first visually jarring thing about my face. Well, I now HAVE to do a performing event on Sunday night with not just my own improv team, but MANY improv teams. Not to mention a debut of a show I'm producing and I may have to talk in front of the audience. Basically, I'm getting thrown into the deep end, this time dealing with the visual uncomfortableness of metal braces.
So, I turn to you guys again. I know I need to be brave and not let this bother me, but I am nervous. It's weird being an adult and getting these, and more weird revealing them to, no exaggeration, about 40-50 people who know who I am non-braces. I guess, on one hand, it's just out there. I won't have to worry about telling people about it. I also feel stupid or vain worrying about this - but, as some of you might know, my teeth has been the root of all of my lack of self-confidence. It truly has. Braces unearth the shields I've put up over the years. It forces me to deal with how I look and my feelings about it...
OK, this is a stream of consciousness, so I won't delete the above. But apparently some gal on American Idol has what I will have - metal on bottom. She's on NATIONAL TV, singing and she did it. I should suck it up and be able to handle 40 improvisers.
Whew. Thanks Allison Iraheta. That helps a lot. Seriously.
Day 11
The upper linguals - speech is getting better. Yes, I was freaking out. And I'd say I'm about 80-85%. I HAD to do stage shows - I had no choice. But I found my impediment wasn't too bad this past Wednesday and it seems to be getting better. What's still frustrating, and what I can't pass on to those waiting to start their own journey, is WHY I'm getting better. I haven't altered how I speak. I do drink a little more water, but other than that, I think you just used to it. It is also very gradual and slow and you be infuriated that first week. But if I keep progressing as I have, I should be 95% normal before Memorial Day.
That's the good news.
Now, the bottom teeth. My next appointment is June 8th. I get the lower damons put in. Those are metal fellas on the outside of my lower teeth. My HOPE was to lie low so I can get used to it - it's going to be the first visually jarring thing about my face. Well, I now HAVE to do a performing event on Sunday night with not just my own improv team, but MANY improv teams. Not to mention a debut of a show I'm producing and I may have to talk in front of the audience. Basically, I'm getting thrown into the deep end, this time dealing with the visual uncomfortableness of metal braces.
So, I turn to you guys again. I know I need to be brave and not let this bother me, but I am nervous. It's weird being an adult and getting these, and more weird revealing them to, no exaggeration, about 40-50 people who know who I am non-braces. I guess, on one hand, it's just out there. I won't have to worry about telling people about it. I also feel stupid or vain worrying about this - but, as some of you might know, my teeth has been the root of all of my lack of self-confidence. It truly has. Braces unearth the shields I've put up over the years. It forces me to deal with how I look and my feelings about it...
OK, this is a stream of consciousness, so I won't delete the above. But apparently some gal on American Idol has what I will have - metal on bottom. She's on NATIONAL TV, singing and she did it. I should suck it up and be able to handle 40 improvisers.
Whew. Thanks Allison Iraheta. That helps a lot. Seriously.
Re: magoogs's Story
So, here we are with an update.
Lower Damons went in a couple weeks ago.
First, the physical: I had a sore on the inside of my mouth for a good week. But taking little discs and using wax at night has healed it and I'm currently wax-free. I feel like the less I use wax, the better. Flossing is a PAIN - I dread going to bed because it's such a painstaking process, but I'm a little quicker now. There is one teeth on my upper row that I simply can't get the threader through. I'll leave it be until my next appointment in early august. I'll try it from time to time, but I think the THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR may have something to do with it.
The psychological: Well, on one hand, I can kinda hide the bottom braces. If I keep my lower lip up and am conscious of speaking a certain way, no one will know. But even in the last week, much like my adjustment to the upper linguals, I don't try as hard. Because, on the other hand, I have braces on my teeth. As much as I try to hide it, I can't. It's a fact. A fact for 2 years. It's a bit like holding a push-up position for 2 years. I can do it for a day. Maybe a few days. Maybe even a WEEK. But eventually, I'll need to rest.
OK, not so good analogy, but I think you get my point.
I do still perform at least once a week and again, I've had to just forget it. What else can I do!
I am comforted in the fact every time I see others taking bigger risks. Just recently, I saw a Univision morning host with braces. This guy is ON TV, every day, and he doesn't hide his mouth - he talks even bigger and more pronounced, actually. I don't know his name, but if you're looking for examples of courage, look to him. I saw that today and I instantly felt more confident about myself. Weird, I know, but I guess we pull strength from those who have plenty to share. It's funny, I wonder if he knows what a simple little thing like that helps people like me.
I have a couple sore teeth, and I was nervous at first, but I think I've been getting a little too ocean with eating. I think my teeth are still weak and I forget that and try to eat like I always have. So maybe I'll go on yogurt for a few days. I dunno.
Anyway, I think rubberbands are down the road for me, but until then, I'm running out on stage with these things on, in front a packed audience, so if you're feeling self-conscious (like I am), think of me doing comedy or find that Univision guy on Youtube. You'll get a confidence boost, for sure.
Keep it up, everyone! We're in this together. Thank you all for your support and I'll try to visit some other journals later this week to offer my support.
Lower Damons went in a couple weeks ago.
First, the physical: I had a sore on the inside of my mouth for a good week. But taking little discs and using wax at night has healed it and I'm currently wax-free. I feel like the less I use wax, the better. Flossing is a PAIN - I dread going to bed because it's such a painstaking process, but I'm a little quicker now. There is one teeth on my upper row that I simply can't get the threader through. I'll leave it be until my next appointment in early august. I'll try it from time to time, but I think the THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR may have something to do with it.
The psychological: Well, on one hand, I can kinda hide the bottom braces. If I keep my lower lip up and am conscious of speaking a certain way, no one will know. But even in the last week, much like my adjustment to the upper linguals, I don't try as hard. Because, on the other hand, I have braces on my teeth. As much as I try to hide it, I can't. It's a fact. A fact for 2 years. It's a bit like holding a push-up position for 2 years. I can do it for a day. Maybe a few days. Maybe even a WEEK. But eventually, I'll need to rest.
OK, not so good analogy, but I think you get my point.
I do still perform at least once a week and again, I've had to just forget it. What else can I do!
I am comforted in the fact every time I see others taking bigger risks. Just recently, I saw a Univision morning host with braces. This guy is ON TV, every day, and he doesn't hide his mouth - he talks even bigger and more pronounced, actually. I don't know his name, but if you're looking for examples of courage, look to him. I saw that today and I instantly felt more confident about myself. Weird, I know, but I guess we pull strength from those who have plenty to share. It's funny, I wonder if he knows what a simple little thing like that helps people like me.
I have a couple sore teeth, and I was nervous at first, but I think I've been getting a little too ocean with eating. I think my teeth are still weak and I forget that and try to eat like I always have. So maybe I'll go on yogurt for a few days. I dunno.
Anyway, I think rubberbands are down the road for me, but until then, I'm running out on stage with these things on, in front a packed audience, so if you're feeling self-conscious (like I am), think of me doing comedy or find that Univision guy on Youtube. You'll get a confidence boost, for sure.
Keep it up, everyone! We're in this together. Thank you all for your support and I'll try to visit some other journals later this week to offer my support.