Catgyrl's (Cathy's) Journey at age 42...

[catgyrl]

Klobird

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better today! I was thinking that braces are probably one of the worst things a person with OCD can do to themselves. (I also have a bit of OCD, myself.) We have to give up ALL control of what is happening with our teeth. I truly think that's why a lot of us have those horrid "teeth falling out" dreams when we first get braced...it's a loss of control. My ortho said that adult patients can be much more difficult than kids because the most they have to deal with for kids are non-compliance and hygiene issues. WE question every little thing. Haha

I had my first "braces boo-boo" in over a year. I LOST A LIG! I was eating a piece of chicken and, as per my usual eating routine, tried to get the food un-stuck from my brackets. By now, I can usually tell what, exactly, is stuck: rice, noodles, bread, chicken, etc. But there was one thing hovering above my bracket...something round and "wirey" that I couldn't figure out. I took it out, and it was my Lavendar lig; the one on my very last ceramic bracket up top. I remember that the assistant had a devil of a time putting it on. For some reason, it kept snapping off, and she had to try around 4-5 times. So, this doesn't really surprise me. Fortunately, I have a metal bracket right behind that one where the wire ends, so I doubt there will be a problem with the wire popping out, and they probably won't make me go back in to replace it.

Cathy

[catgyrl]

Okay, I called the office yesterday and here's what I was told: Re: the missing lig - "If it's not poking or bothering you, no need to worry about it." As for the sharp, pointy bracket: "Use wax." That's... it. Use wax. Those of you elastics-wearers know how hard it is to put wax on a bracket that has an elastic band moving all around it. Doesn't stick too well. I'm so tempted to get something like a nail file and either file it down, or push it back so it doesn't stick out. However, he'd know FOR SURE I did something to it. So, I shall suck it up for the next 2 weeks.

Oh, and thanks for the lovely NOT-SO-CLEAR powerchain, doc. It's now a lovely shade of amber, after only 2 weeks. These lavendars aren't holding up much better. They're very faded now. Will be glad to go back to the Obscure.

On a brighter note: I've decided to treat myself to a Las Vegas getaway sometime in the next few months.

[drgnchsr36]

Yay for Vegas! That'll keep your mind off of things.. just think.. Vegas Baby Vegas!

... it's going to be a tad warm though.

[catgyrl]

Yay for Vegas! That'll keep your mind off of things.. just think.. Vegas Baby Vegas!

... it's going to be a tad warm though.

Ooh, Lawdy... I know!! I really wanted to wait until November, or so, but I just need to "get outta dodge" as soon as I can. Been going through some rough stuff for the past year, and I need to have some fun. I used to travel by myself all the time, and somehow got out of the habit of it. Now, I'm going to do it again - 4 days, 5 nights in Vegas; going to see 3 or 4 shows (Barry Manilow... Donny & Marie... yes, I'm an old goat!); and just get some R&R. Hope the A/C in my room works!

[drgnchsr36]

Yay for Vegas! That'll keep your mind off of things.. just think.. Vegas Baby Vegas!

... it's going to be a tad warm though.

Ooh, Lawdy... I know!! I really wanted to wait until November, or so, but I just need to "get outta dodge" as soon as I can. Been going through some rough stuff for the past year, and I need to have some fun. I used to travel by myself all the time, and somehow got out of the habit of it. Now, I'm going to do it again - 4 days, 5 nights in Vegas; going to see 3 or 4 shows (Barry Manilow... Donny & Marie... yes, I'm an old goat!); and just get some R&R. Hope the A/C in my room works!

Have a great time!! I haven't been there in ages, but it's a fun place to visit.. last show I saw there was Blue Man Group!

The A/C better work If not, the pool could suffice

[klobird]

Hey Cat--

I know what you mean about needing a vacation!!! I was just talking to my husband about it...Hey, I know---You go to Vegas and I'll go to Hawaii!!

Have a great vacation!!!

[klobird]

Oh, one more thing...how are the elastics treating you, besides needing wax--I have some right now on the hook holding the elastic, plus a pokey wire nearby...

[catgyrl]

Oh, one more thing...how are the elastics treating you, besides needing wax--I have some right now on the hook holding the elastic, plus a pokey wire nearby...

Oh... it depends on the day. Today, the elastics and the hooks aren't bothering me a bit... but my teeth are KILLING ME! The ones around the extraction gap. Orthodontic pain is so random. I will say that I'm SO over the elastics already, but I know I'll have to wear them for a lot longer; at least, on the left side. Also, my overjet is coming back again. I suppose it's because the new wire is trying to form itself into the proper arch shape. But at least the overjet is in the middle of my mouth, as opposed to shoved off to the right side. LOL!

All those complaints aside... I still don't regret getting my braces.

Your wires are still poking? Have you gone in at all to have them trimmed? I would think that once you got them trimmed, they wouldn't be pokey for quite some time.

[catgyrl]

Hey Cat--

I know what you mean about needing a vacation!!! I was just talking to my husband about it...Hey, I know---You go to Vegas and I'll go to Hawaii!!

Have a great vacation!!!

Thanks, klobird! I'm going in September! Got my flights, hotel and 2 shows booked. I got a slightly more expensive room, so I might have to cut out Donny and Marie. I'm sure they'll forgive me...

[opera^gal]

Vegas in Sept? Asbestos bikini anyone? Have a terrific vacation! I know all too well how much you need a break after dealing long term with a family health crisis. See the shows, ride the rides, drink frothy beverages by the pool and r-e-l-a-x!

[catgyrl]

Vegas in Sept? Asbestos bikini anyone? Have a terrific vacation! I know all too well how much you need a break after dealing long term with a family health crisis. See the shows, ride the rides, drink frothy beverages by the pool and r-e-l-a-x!

I hear ya, opera^gal! My wallet desperately wanted to wait... but my nerves said, "Nope! We are stretched too thin... GO!" I was originally going to stay in "the cheapest hotel on the Strip" (won't say the name) because (a) I'm poor and (b) I'll be hoofing it the whole time, but after reading horrible review after horrible review of that one, I decided to stay at another one. It's still relatively cheap, but I got one of their "nicer" rooms because although most people don't go to Vegas to stay in their rooms... I play to spend at least one day and evening in mine, and need to know it's clean and smoke-free. (Yes, I know Vegas is the last place anyone with smoke allergies should go, but since I don't gamble, I figure I can rush through the smoky areas quickly.)

No pool for me... I'm too pale and will fry like bacon! The frothy drinks sound good, though. I'll have a TV built into the mirror of my bathroom, so I can soak in the tub, have a drink and watch TV.

[opera^gal]

I hear ya on the smoke allergies..bleh . If you fry like bacon under the sun, just think...you'll be surrounded by lots of men, cause we all know how the smell of bacon draws them in like wasps to a glass of sweet tea . Plenty of fun things to do other than pooling and gambling, that's for sure. If you want any suggestions, let me know!

[Snowglobe32]

Hi Cathy,

I found out today that in two weeks I will be getting cross elastics. Probably one on each side. I currently wear two (regular) elastics on each side. He considered box elastics but luckily changed his mind. After reading your comments, I am glad about that.

I think with about 4 months left, he is throwing everything my way including the kitchen sink!

At my appointment today, one girl was getting her braces on. I thought to myself, "I am so glad that isn't me."

[catgyrl]

Hey Snowglobe32

What are cross elastics?? When you get them, please let me know! I don't have box elastics, but mine are in a triangle (and sometimes I'm off by one tooth, and accidentally end up with them in a box configuration for a sec; and that does NOT feel good, at all).

I know it sounds a bit overwhelming to have all those new things all at once, but I would be so excited to just have a few months left, that I would put up with ANYTHING if it would get them off faster.

I'm a little bummed right now. I'm planning my Vegas trip, and have pretty much decided to fork out the $$$ for a VIP Donny and Marie show ticket, which includes a meet-and-greet afterward where you can get autographs and have your pic taken with them. (Got my "Goin' Coconuts" LP from when I was 10 years old for them to sign. That should give them a laugh!) I have loved them for over 30 years, and it would be a dream come true to meet them. However... all I can think about is that I have to take a pic with these DAMN BRACES!! I may have to beg, on bended knee, for my ortho to not give me any crazy elastics configs that month. By my calculation, I will probably get my adjustment (and cleaning) a few days before leaving for Vegas. But if he says "no can do", I will just have to remove the elastics for a few hours that evening. It will be the first time I've ever done that, but I will take my chances. I refuse to take a pic with them looking like I have freakin' FANGS! LOL!

Cathy

[klobird]

Hey Cat--

I saw Donny years ago when we went to a taping of the "Johnny Carson Tonight show". We were like in the 2nd row.
And I tell you--when I saw him sing in person---whoa--nothing like TV!... His voice was like butter--like something I have never heard before--it was amazing. Good choice!