In need of a miracle!

[Guest guest]

Greetings!

My name is . I am 29 years old (turning 30 in June!) - and

have had braces on since June of 2002, in preparation for lower jaw

surgery (an underbite). As of July of 2003, my orthodontist stated

that I was ready for surgery. Afer visiting with the oral surgeon,

it seems I need both upper & lower jaw surgery. The ballpark cost

of the surgery: $5K-$8K for the lower became $12K for both with a

$30K overnight hospital stay. I was told initially by my

orhtodontist that insurance rarely covers the procedure, having

worked for myself for the past 9 years, single, and very healthy, i

do not have insurance, and did not get insurance as it seemed a moot

point. I was prepared to save & pay $5K-$8K - but the new " price "

has made the surgery cost prohibitive. I was told by the oral

surgeon's financial dept that they would not lie and state that it

was not a pre-existing condition for insurance. I now have these

braces still on my teeth, with no surgery nearly a year later, and I

don't know where to turn. I just want this to be over.

My jaw pain, ear aches, migraines, and such are at an all time high

(increasing with time). I don't know what to do, my career and life

are on hold as long as these braces are on - and my self esteem is

plummeting as the braces have pulled my lower teeth forward, making

me look much more like Bubba Gump (from Forest Gump).

I welcome any advice, wisdom, or kind words.

Your new friend -