6 Week Progress report: Got UNWIRED!

November 1, 2004

So I went to the OS this morning for the unveiling! I remember him

months ago telling me that I was to be put under just for a few

minutes to remove the wires, so while I was alone in the exam room, I

took deep breaths to relax to get ready for the needle (I hate

needles and have to pysche myself up/out for them). So he comes in

with a great big smile and complimenting my recovery. The assistant

comes in with her tray of instruments, but....where is the needle?

Then I finally remembered: it is when they remove the FINAL wires

that I will be put under! So I close my eyes and try to relax. The

clips n' snips felt like the ones the ortho makes when I am getting

the wires changed, but the OS's " clips " got more and more agressive;I

was really wincing and groaning on some of them, like the thicker

ones that I felt yanked out of my gums. He kept reassurring me and

telling me to try not to breathe so hard (I tried!)Then it was

FINALLY over. NOTE: CONTRARY TO POPULAR PARANOIA, AFTER UNWIRING,

YOUR JAW DOES NOT DROP LIKE IN A TEX AVERY CARTOON. I was happy to

discover that.

So then I was given the go-ahead to brush, and when I looked in the

mirror, I looked like someone who chews tobacco--brown stains galore!

EWWW! I brushed with a manual toothbrush for 15 min, then with my

Cybersonic for 10 min more. Could not get on the surface of the

molars tho The OS peeked in and happily said I hold the record

among his patients for most thorough brushing (I STILL didn't get all

the stains out! I am so Monk when it comes to dental hygiene!) So he

put 2 rubberbands on me(the 41's), made me practice taking them on

and off, and told me to take them off only when eating and brushing

(ie, for 30 min 3x a day). I noticed the 4 wires I still have; there

is 1 on each side of my maxilla, and one each side of my mandible.

The ends of all four are sticking out of my gums and right now they

hurt despite some bending my OS did. I tried wax on them but the

wires are so flexible that any movement REALLY smarts, and plus the

wax does not stay on. What can I do?????

Anyhoo my boyfriend, mom, and I celebrated by going to the IHOP for

some pancakes and eggs. I managed to finish barely a quarter of what

was on my plate because I took so long and I felt full. At one point

I had to put the fork and spoon down and eat with my fingers to

better control of bringing food in my mouth!

It's been 9 hours since I got unwired, and my teeth ache especially a

couple of my lower teeth. Walking makes them hurt more. Walking and

talking is a challenge at work! I am trying to take it easy, walk

slower, and watch my step. The only time my teeth don't hurt today is

if I gently move my jaw up and down.

Anyway, I have an appointment w/ the OS on Thur. Will let you all

know what happens then.

Bea

November 1, 2004