Fall/Early Winter 2016 Surgery Buddies

[Msb12]

I'm so glad to see that there are so many surgery buddies! My upper jaw surgery- LeFort 1 2 piece and my lower jaw surgery-bsso are scheduled for October 26th! I was supposed to have my surgery this winter but it has to be rushed now because my insurance switches November 1st and I already have pre authorization for my surgery with the insurance company I currently have. I fought for 9 months and appealed their denial twice before my insurance company would cover it so I do not want to risk my new insurance company denying the surgery. So now because we have to rush we cannot do a 3 piece LeFort1 we only have enough time to possibly do a 2 piece. I NEED my two front teeth to spread faster! I only have 2 more weeks left for them to spread enough so we can cut between them!!!

[kpw818]

Hi Msb12!

Whoop October! Glad you are able to get things in before your insurance changes. I may be switching back to my job's health insurance. I've been paying for my own so I could go through Kaiser (job has United, and they apparently only cover for Sleep Apnea, at least through employer's plan).

How are you doing before the surgery? You are about a month away!

[Msb12]

[quote="kpw818"]Hi Msb12!

Whoop October! Glad you are able to get things in before your insurance changes. I may be switching back to my job's health insurance. I've been paying for my own so I could go through Kaiser (job has United, and they apparently only cover for Sleep Apnea, at least through employer's plan).

How are you doing before the surgery? You are about a month away![/quote]

For my insurance to cover it I had to meet certain qualifications and my case covered of the qualifications. That was only after I appealed the denial the twice, spoke in front their board appeals and had my case sent out for a 3rd opinion. Only after all of that was my surgery deemed medically necessary so insurance would cover it. My condyle heads are worn down there is a degenerative facial deformity and it can only be corrected with surgery. I'm currently doing well, but secretly freaking out and very anxious for the surgery! I have been in braces for 1 yr today and I'm concerned about rushing the surgery and not being completely ready. We already can't do 3 piece LeFort 1 and it worries me that I will go through all of this only for half-a$$ results. I'm starting to prepare for surgery by getting my house ready, purchase items I'll need and packing my hospital bag. I've always suffered from anxiety and it's been very high the last few weeks. It's crazy to think that I'm voluntarily going through with this surgery but I am hoping it'll be worth it in the end.

[CandyApple]

meb 12 when is your surgery. I felt the same way very anxious. I backed out 2 times and am now scheduled again for surgery. Im trying to trust in my orthodontist and surgeon. I still feel like why am I doing this, but if I don't I will say why didn't I do it. I have a hard time just talking about this...lol Im have lower jaw moved forward 4-5 mm. When I move my jaw forward now if almost looks like its too much because my face looks funny moving it now because Im using my jaw so it looks like Im doing the billy bob face from the movie sling blade.

[kpw818]

Hi Msb12!

Whoop October! Glad you are able to get things in before your insurance changes. I may be switching back to my job's health insurance. I've been paying for my own so I could go through Kaiser (job has United, and they apparently only cover for Sleep Apnea, at least through employer's plan).

How are you doing before the surgery? You are about a month away!

For my insurance to cover it I had to meet certain qualifications and my case covered of the qualifications. That was only after I appealed the denial the twice, spoke in front their board appeals and had my case sent out for a 3rd opinion. Only after all of that was my surgery deemed medically necessary so insurance would cover it. My condyle heads are worn down there is a degenerative facial deformity and it can only be corrected with surgery. I'm currently doing well, but secretly freaking out and very anxious for the surgery! I have been in braces for 1 yr today and I'm concerned about rushing the surgery and not being completely ready. We already can't do 3 piece LeFort 1 and it worries me that I will go through all of this only for half-a$$ results. I'm starting to prepare for surgery by getting my house ready, purchase items I'll need and packing my hospital bag. I've always suffered from anxiety and it's been very high the last few weeks. It's crazy to think that I'm voluntarily going through with this surgery but I am hoping it'll be worth it in the end.

Oh wow. What has your surgeon said on two piece vs. three piece lefort? I am still trying to figure out the reasons for doing one or the other (I think the 3 piece allows for more fine tuned movement).

Almost everyone I have seen says it is worth it! It will be great!

[momo2015]

I got the call today that my surgery (upper only) has been scheduled for Dec 12.

Now I'm freaking out because that's 5 days before I normally would have had my daughter's birthday party, and only 14 days before I have to play Santa for my three kids (9, 6, and not quite 5) and attend a couple family gatherings. Is anyone else here a parent? How are you planning on managing everything with the holidays?

[pantlover]

meb 12 when is your surgery. I felt the same way very anxious. I backed out 2 times and am now scheduled again for surgery. Im trying to trust in my orthodontist and surgeon. I still feel like why am I doing this, but if I don't I will say why didn't I do it. I have a hard time just talking about this...lol Im have lower jaw moved forward 4-5 mm. When I move my jaw forward now if almost looks like its too much because my face looks funny moving it now because Im using my jaw so it looks like Im doing the billy bob face from the movie sling blade.

hi Candyapple, when is your surgery scheduled for? Mine is in 2 weeks and I'm very much in the same boat as you in terms of the anxiety. but i know for sure that I am going to go through with it. I just know that if I don't, then all the money/time/effort spent on braces and the surgical planning will be a complete waste. what makes me so sure (and maybe it will help you this time around) is that i know i don't want to wait until i'm older and always wonder "what if I had just gone through with it?" In addition, i feel like the risk of surgery outweighs all of problems that my underbite currently causes me and the problems that it will cause in the future. that's me, at least. only you can decide for yourself whether or not you will go through with it. I wish you all the luck, this is a huge decision for all of us.

kpw818, exactly 2 more weeks for you!!!!! have you started prepping yet?

msb12, i'm also curious about the 2 vs 3 piece lefort 1. did you discuss with your surgeon as to his reasoning with why he went with that?

[wcom939]

hey all,

Back on the other side, had the surgery done about a week ago and still look like a chipmunk so cant comment on the results but all my surgeon and the 2 docs that assisted during the surgery were wonderful as was the staff at the hospital.

As some of you have mentioned before the doctor might change how he is going to do the surgery a few days before, mine decided on that as well. Originally he planned to do a genio, but after doing the virtual surgery preparation decided it was no longer needed. In the end he just did a 1 piece Lefort I, moving the top jaw down in one section 1.3mm and up .5 in another. He also did an IVRO moving the jaw back something like 5mm-6mm (I don't know the exact measurement there). As a result of not doing the genio I woke up with full nerve feeling everywhere in my face and the pain that goes along with it. I am however, extremely grateful for this outcome, I can handle a few days of pain, unsure about a lifetime of numbmess. If this is something that concerns you like it did me make sure to bring it up to your doc as he might be able to do a different procedure that would result in less chance of permanent numbmess (for example for a mandibular correction IVRO has a 2% chance, BSSO which most surgeons do has around a ~45-50% chance according to certain medical papers).

For the most part MOST of the pain goes away after 4-5 days, right now I just have alot of pain from swelling which is being managed by children's motrin (I'm 25 btw but doctor's orders and its working).

What I can say is the first 2 days are the worst things ever in existence (at least for me) and the only reason I can say this is because of airway related concerns, and because I am an extremely anxious person. For the first 2 days do whatever you can to breathe, and get as much sleep as you can which will be difficult.

I am still having airway issues now at night (my nose refuses to cooperate) I'm hoping these will go away soon but only time will tell, for now my sleep is few and far between

Otherwise no other major snarls or headaches to comment about, just try and get as much sleep as possible because for the first week or so your sleep will be limited due to congestion.

[kpw818]

meb 12 when is your surgery. I felt the same way very anxious. I backed out 2 times and am now scheduled again for surgery. Im trying to trust in my orthodontist and surgeon. I still feel like why am I doing this, but if I don't I will say why didn't I do it. I have a hard time just talking about this...lol Im have lower jaw moved forward 4-5 mm. When I move my jaw forward now if almost looks like its too much because my face looks funny moving it now because Im using my jaw so it looks like Im doing the billy bob face from the movie sling blade.

hi Candyapple, when is your surgery scheduled for? Mine is in 2 weeks and I'm very much in the same boat as you in terms of the anxiety. but i know for sure that I am going to go through with it. I just know that if I don't, then all the money/time/effort spent on braces and the surgical planning will be a complete waste. what makes me so sure (and maybe it will help you this time around) is that i know i don't want to wait until i'm older and always wonder "what if I had just gone through with it?" In addition, i feel like the risk of surgery outweighs all of problems that my underbite currently causes me and the problems that it will cause in the future. that's me, at least. only you can decide for yourself whether or not you will go through with it. I wish you all the luck, this is a huge decision for all of us.

kpw818, exactly 2 more weeks for you!!!!! have you started prepping yet?

msb12, i'm also curious about the 2 vs 3 piece lefort 1. did you discuss with your surgeon as to his reasoning with why he went with that?

Hi there! I have been prepping. Ordered a humidfier and ice wrap for face. Going to do some grocery shopping next week for post-op food and meds. As long as everything is still set. I did a second CBC and my platelets are lower, so there is a chance I may have to wait until platelets are normal for surgery). I think above 50000 is still relatively safe. I'm anxious now about that and surgery. It has been a rough week :C

How are things for everyone else?

[kpw818]

hey all,

Back on the other side, had the surgery done about a week ago and still look like a chipmunk so cant comment on the results but all my surgeon and the 2 docs that assisted during the surgery were wonderful as was the staff at the hospital.

As some of you have mentioned before the doctor might change how he is going to do the surgery a few days before, mine decided on that as well. Originally he planned to do a genio, but after doing the virtual surgery preparation decided it was no longer needed. In the end he just did a 1 piece Lefort I, moving the top jaw down in one section 1.3mm and up .5 in another. He also did an IVRO moving the jaw back something like 5mm-6mm (I don't know the exact measurement there). As a result of not doing the genio I woke up with full nerve feeling everywhere in my face and the pain that goes along with it. I am however, extremely grateful for this outcome, I can handle a few days of pain, unsure about a lifetime of numbmess. If this is something that concerns you like it did me make sure to bring it up to your doc as he might be able to do a different procedure that would result in less chance of permanent numbmess (for example for a mandibular correction IVRO has a 2% chance, BSSO which most surgeons do has around a ~45-50% chance according to certain medical papers).

For the most part MOST of the pain goes away after 4-5 days, right now I just have alot of pain from swelling which is being managed by children's motrin (I'm 25 btw but doctor's orders and its working).

What I can say is the first 2 days are the worst things ever in existence (at least for me) and the only reason I can say this is because of airway related concerns, and because I am an extremely anxious person. For the first 2 days do whatever you can to breathe, and get as much sleep as you can which will be difficult.

I am still having airway issues now at night (my nose refuses to cooperate) I'm hoping these will go away soon but only time will tell, for now my sleep is few and far between

Otherwise no other major snarls or headaches to comment about, just try and get as much sleep as possible because for the first week or so your sleep will be limited due to congestion.

Woohoo! Glad you are on the other side!

[tdhenson86]

hey all,

Back on the other side, had the surgery done about a week ago and still look like a chipmunk so cant comment on the results but all my surgeon and the 2 docs that assisted during the surgery were wonderful as was the staff at the hospital.

As some of you have mentioned before the doctor might change how he is going to do the surgery a few days before, mine decided on that as well. Originally he planned to do a genio, but after doing the virtual surgery preparation decided it was no longer needed. In the end he just did a 1 piece Lefort I, moving the top jaw down in one section 1.3mm and up .5 in another. He also did an IVRO moving the jaw back something like 5mm-6mm (I don't know the exact measurement there). As a result of not doing the genio I woke up with full nerve feeling everywhere in my face and the pain that goes along with it. I am however, extremely grateful for this outcome, I can handle a few days of pain, unsure about a lifetime of numbmess. If this is something that concerns you like it did me make sure to bring it up to your doc as he might be able to do a different procedure that would result in less chance of permanent numbmess (for example for a mandibular correction IVRO has a 2% chance, BSSO which most surgeons do has around a ~45-50% chance according to certain medical papers).

For the most part MOST of the pain goes away after 4-5 days, right now I just have alot of pain from swelling which is being managed by children's motrin (I'm 25 btw but doctor's orders and its working).

What I can say is the first 2 days are the worst things ever in existence (at least for me) and the only reason I can say this is because of airway related concerns, and because I am an extremely anxious person. For the first 2 days do whatever you can to breathe, and get as much sleep as you can which will be difficult.

I am still having airway issues now at night (my nose refuses to cooperate) I'm hoping these will go away soon but only time will tell, for now my sleep is few and far between

Otherwise no other major snarls or headaches to comment about, just try and get as much sleep as possible because for the first week or so your sleep will be limited due to congestion.

Thanks for posting! Great to hear from you! I'm glad they were able to give you good results with minimal risks. Please keep us all in the loop! I have my pre-surgical physical and work up one week from today!!!!

[CandyApple]

Hello all, Im having my surgery on next Thursday so less then a week. Praying for the best and no nerve issues. Thats my biggest fear since I have already had my IAN nerve injured over a year and a half ago with a dental implant. Don't worry it healed quickly, but it makes me scared to go in to do more work around that nerve. Im also over 40 yrs old but hoping that if I healed once from my nerve being messed with that this will hopefully turn out the same. Im have jaw moved forward 4-5 mm I am being told. With my braces I have about a 6mm overjet, but before braces it was more of a deep bite. Good luck to all of you coming up and thanks for listening while I vent a little anxiety.

[kpw818]

Hello all, Im having my surgery on next Thursday so less then a week. Praying for the best and no nerve issues. Thats my biggest fear since I have already had my IAN nerve injured over a year and a half ago with a dental implant. Don't worry it healed quickly, but it makes me scared to go in to do more work around that nerve. Im also over 40 yrs old but hoping that if I healed once from my nerve being messed with that this will hopefully turn out the same. Im have jaw moved forward 4-5 mm I am being told. With my braces I have about a 6mm overjet, but before braces it was more of a deep bite. Good luck to all of you coming up and thanks for listening while I vent a little anxiety.

Hi CandyApple!

Sorry to hear about your previous nerve issues. Are they moving your upper or lower jaw?

Good luck to you this week. I'm about a week away now--next Tuesday. Exciting and scary stuff.

[CandyApple]

Hi kpw,
They are moving my lower jaw. I am to the point where I'm like ok let hurry up and get this over with! Wow your a week after me! Good luck to you too and glad to have all of you in this boat together! We can do it!! Yes yes we can.

[senecastudent]

Hi everyone, just got my date for Nov 16th. Upper jaw advancement and lower jaw reduction. I'll have my consult with my surgeon next week to find out exactly what he'll be doing but I'm beyond relieved to get in as quickly as possible.

Quick question: does swelling affect the time of recovery? Like, if your swelling goes down sooner, is that a good thing in the timeline or is it irrelevant?