Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and I thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it and see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the morning. Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] underbite gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, and I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my peers on a daily basis. My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a big deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. My self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and everyone who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front of the computer, and I still do. Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my hair for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on August 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be (and still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely bed, and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show me drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through the halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of not being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according to my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, after the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to take a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since you're on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my jaws, caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I was like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and I've been through a lot for my age. That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I look in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the stitches clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, no matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what I look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this surgery. I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide behind my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. I can be proud now. Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long-winded. Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and I thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it and see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the morning. Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] underbite gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, and I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my peers on a daily basis. My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a big deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. My self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and everyone who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front of the computer, and I still do. Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my hair for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on August 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be (and still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely bed, and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show me drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through the halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of not being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according to my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, after the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to take a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since you're on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my jaws, caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I was like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and I've been through a lot for my age. That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I look in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the stitches clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, no matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what I look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this surgery. I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide behind my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. I can be proud now. Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long-winded. Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Sweet one, Congratulations on making it through all that. I'm glad you're doing so well, and it does indeed sound as though you are! But be careful about that swoony stuff. The os I had my first post- op visit with told me that the only way I could hurt myself, really, would be to fall (which I do a lot, because of some balance problems). So do be careful. Now, then. About this other stuff. I am sorry that you didn't know the kids I grew up with, back in the dark ages. I cannot help but believe they would have been more sympathetic and caring: Usually there was a leader who took up for someone who was " different. " But that's behind you. It was really nasty, and irrelevant, and I am sure it was majorly hurtful. But you do know that who you are isn't what you look like? Right? Jaw surgery won't solve all your problems, and if that's what you're counting on, you're in for some more struggles. But I'll wager that it solved some. And hey -- while you're still finding your new face, why not get a new haircut/color, and try some new looks, as well? Might be fun to experiment! Best, Cammie > Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and I > thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it and > see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy > for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling > mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the morning. > > Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] underbite > gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, and > I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my peers > on a daily basis. > > My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started > to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a big > deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. My > self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids > would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, > rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry > myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and everyone > who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from > everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and > cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the > more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front > of the computer, and I still do. > > Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has > caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my hair > for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful > countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on August > 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be (and > still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. > > The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and > physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself > behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, > and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely bed, > and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show me > drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through the > halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady > talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling > feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. > > After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my > ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of not > being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according to > my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, after > the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. > > Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which > tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, > and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild > swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. > > One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to take > a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is > always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws > wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since you're > on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so > it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my jaws, > caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. > > I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a > VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I > was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I was > like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The > claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which > isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your > jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and I've > been through a lot for my age. > > That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd > pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired > shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I look > in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the stitches > clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. > > I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw > strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very > happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, no > matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears > just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what I > look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. > Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this > surgery. > > I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether > someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide behind > my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as > cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. I > can be proud now. > > > Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long-winded. > > Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Sweet one, Congratulations on making it through all that. I'm glad you're doing so well, and it does indeed sound as though you are! But be careful about that swoony stuff. The os I had my first post- op visit with told me that the only way I could hurt myself, really, would be to fall (which I do a lot, because of some balance problems). So do be careful. Now, then. About this other stuff. I am sorry that you didn't know the kids I grew up with, back in the dark ages. I cannot help but believe they would have been more sympathetic and caring: Usually there was a leader who took up for someone who was " different. " But that's behind you. It was really nasty, and irrelevant, and I am sure it was majorly hurtful. But you do know that who you are isn't what you look like? Right? Jaw surgery won't solve all your problems, and if that's what you're counting on, you're in for some more struggles. But I'll wager that it solved some. And hey -- while you're still finding your new face, why not get a new haircut/color, and try some new looks, as well? Might be fun to experiment! Best, Cammie > Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and I > thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it and > see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy > for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling > mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the morning. > > Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] underbite > gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, and > I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my peers > on a daily basis. > > My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started > to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a big > deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. My > self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids > would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, > rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry > myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and everyone > who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from > everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and > cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the > more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front > of the computer, and I still do. > > Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has > caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my hair > for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful > countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on August > 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be (and > still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. > > The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and > physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself > behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, > and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely bed, > and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show me > drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through the > halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady > talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling > feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. > > After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my > ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of not > being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according to > my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, after > the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. > > Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which > tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, > and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild > swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. > > One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to take > a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is > always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws > wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since you're > on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so > it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my jaws, > caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. > > I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a > VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I > was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I was > like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The > claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which > isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your > jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and I've > been through a lot for my age. > > That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd > pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired > shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I look > in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the stitches > clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. > > I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw > strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very > happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, no > matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears > just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what I > look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. > Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this > surgery. > > I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether > someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide behind > my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as > cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. I > can be proud now. > > > Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long-winded. > > Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Hi, my name is and since before my operation I was a member of this site but not very active, just looked at the advice people were giving to others and took some tips. I am now 1 year and 4 months post op and could never be a happier person. I was actually just reading a touching story of a 15 year old who was viscously teased and humiliated as i once was. As i was reading this story i felt as if it were me 1 year and 4 months ago writing it. I was teased and made fun of because of my severe underbite and i too was a depressed and miserable person because of it. I was always hiding and talking with my hand in front of my mouth trying to disguise my over grown jaw. It also surprised me to see someone else so young, I have talked to many people who have had it done but were all in their mid twenties. I just wanted to say good luck to you and i wish u the best ... your not alone . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Hi, my name is and since before my operation I was a member of this site but not very active, just looked at the advice people were giving to others and took some tips. I am now 1 year and 4 months post op and could never be a happier person. I was actually just reading a touching story of a 15 year old who was viscously teased and humiliated as i once was. As i was reading this story i felt as if it were me 1 year and 4 months ago writing it. I was teased and made fun of because of my severe underbite and i too was a depressed and miserable person because of it. I was always hiding and talking with my hand in front of my mouth trying to disguise my over grown jaw. It also surprised me to see someone else so young, I have talked to many people who have had it done but were all in their mid twenties. I just wanted to say good luck to you and i wish u the best ... your not alone . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Wow...touching story. I am glad you got it out of your system. You should really print it out and save it for the rest of your life to look back on in years though. I too have some self-confidence issues...but not nearly as bad as what youve described. I never got picked on in school (i really didnt have much of a problem till I got my braces off in the summer between 8-9 grade. I had a major growth spurt in 9th-10th grade and I think that is what threw off my jaws. I am 18 now in my first year of college. I have an overbite, not an underbite. Even though my self esteem isnt as bad as what you had to experience..I can feel for you because I know right now I try not to laugh or smile unless I cant help myself. I never want people to look at the profile of my face. And I dread taking pictures. I have almost no just hanging out friend pictures from all of high school. and I regret it and I know I always will. I feel like I cant be myself because of my mouth. I havent even said much to many people about getting the surgery because I know that will make them look at my face to see what Im talking about. I was hoping to get the surgery in December but that has now been put off till summer. It took a bit to get over the pain of having to wait another 9-10 months or so but now I know it will be a better time to get it done with school and all. I can just start my second year of college as a totally different person. Well I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. Good luck on your journey as a new person inside and out!!!! Keep us all informed! > > Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and > I > > thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it > and > > see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy > > for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling > > mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the > morning. > > > > Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] > underbite > > gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, > and > > I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my > peers > > on a daily basis. > > > > My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started > > to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a > big > > deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. > My > > self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids > > would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, > > rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry > > myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and > everyone > > who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from > > everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and > > cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the > > more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front > > of the computer, and I still do. > > > > Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has > > caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my > hair > > for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful > > countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on > August > > 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be > (and > > still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. > > > > The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and > > physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself > > behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, > > and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely > bed, > > and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show > me > > drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through > the > > halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady > > talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling > > feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. > > > > After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my > > ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of > not > > being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according > to > > my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, > after > > the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. > > > > Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which > > tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, > > and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild > > swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. > > > > One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to > take > > a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is > > always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws > > wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since > you're > > on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so > > it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my > jaws, > > caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. > > > > I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a > > VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I > > was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I > was > > like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The > > claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which > > isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your > > jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and > I've > > been through a lot for my age. > > > > That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd > > pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired > > shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I > look > > in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the > stitches > > clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. > > > > I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw > > strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very > > happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, > no > > matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears > > just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what > I > > look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. > > Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this > > surgery. > > > > I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether > > someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide > behind > > my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as > > cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. > I > > can be proud now. > > > > > > Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long- winded. > > > > Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2004 Report Share Posted August 29, 2004 Wow...touching story. I am glad you got it out of your system. You should really print it out and save it for the rest of your life to look back on in years though. I too have some self-confidence issues...but not nearly as bad as what youve described. I never got picked on in school (i really didnt have much of a problem till I got my braces off in the summer between 8-9 grade. I had a major growth spurt in 9th-10th grade and I think that is what threw off my jaws. I am 18 now in my first year of college. I have an overbite, not an underbite. Even though my self esteem isnt as bad as what you had to experience..I can feel for you because I know right now I try not to laugh or smile unless I cant help myself. I never want people to look at the profile of my face. And I dread taking pictures. I have almost no just hanging out friend pictures from all of high school. and I regret it and I know I always will. I feel like I cant be myself because of my mouth. I havent even said much to many people about getting the surgery because I know that will make them look at my face to see what Im talking about. I was hoping to get the surgery in December but that has now been put off till summer. It took a bit to get over the pain of having to wait another 9-10 months or so but now I know it will be a better time to get it done with school and all. I can just start my second year of college as a totally different person. Well I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. Good luck on your journey as a new person inside and out!!!! Keep us all informed! > > Hello all. I'm roughly 2.5 weeks post-op from my oral surgery, and > I > > thought I'd share my experience. I hope someone can relate to it > and > > see that they are not alone. If nothing else, this is good therapy > > for me, and I thank you for listening. Please forgive any spelling > > mistakes or grammatical errors, as it is, err.. 4:30 in the > morning. > > > > Well, I'm 15 years old, and I was cursed with the [severe] > underbite > > gene from my great grandmother. It oddly skipped 2 generations, > and > > I was left to face cruel teasing and heartless insults from my > peers > > on a daily basis. > > > > My life has been a living hell since the age of 11, when I started > > to realize that I was different from the other kids. It wasn't a > big > > deal to me in the beginning, but the kids at school made it one. > My > > self-esteem was bashed away piece by piece, day by day, as kids > > would compare my mouth to that of a fish, call me cruel names, > > rudely imitate and mock me. It got the point where I would cry > > myself to sleep every night. I hated myself, my mouth, and > everyone > > who had ever hurt me. I became depressed, and disconnected from > > everyone and everything around me. I turned to mild drugs and > > cutting myself just to get away from it, and hated myself all the > > more for it. I became reclusive and spent my days sitting in front > > of the computer, and I still do. > > > > Words cannot begin to describe the mental damage my underbite has > > caused me in my few years of life. I have been hiding behind my > hair > > for far too long, and my life has been nothing but a painful > > countdown to my surgery date. But the big day finally came on > August > > 11th of 2004. The surgery would be 6 hours long, and I would be > (and > > still am) wired shut for 6 weeks. > > > > The experience was somewhat like a rebirth, both mentally and > > physically. I was leaving the thing I hated most about myself > > behind. We drove to the hospital, waited for them to call my name, > > and then I put on the hospital outfit. They put me on a wheely > bed, > > and put heated blankets on me. My surgeon came in to see me show > me > > drawings of the predicted aftermath. Then the wheeled me through > the > > halls into the operating room. The last thing I remember is a lady > > talking to me and asking me about school, and the cool tingling > > feeling of the anesthetic making its way up my arm. > > > > After surgery I was in ICU with tubes practically coming out of my > > ears. I don't mean to scare anyone, but I have vague memories of > not > > being able to breathe. I don't know much about it, but according > to > > my mother I had a reaction to something they gave me. Anyways, > after > > the tubes were removed I was sent to a regular hospital room. > > > > Everything was peachy; I had my antibiotics and codeine (which > > tasted HORRIBLE by the way) sent in for me at scheduled intervals, > > and nurses on-call as needed. Everyone was impressed with my mild > > swelling, as was I. They sent me home 4 days later as expected. > > > > One morning, after taking some Gravol and my codeine, I went to > take > > a shower. Just as I was finishing up I felt nauseous. Everyone is > > always worried about what it's like the throw up with your jaws > > wired shut, but it's not as scary as most people think. Since > you're > > on a liquid diet, nothing can come out thicker than it went in, so > > it just comes out. The only pain felt was slight strain on my > jaws, > > caused by my natural reflex to open my mouth. > > > > I'd like to say the worst was over, but it wasn't. I was having a > > VERY hard time dealing with the fact that I'm wired for 6 weeks. I > > was incredibly claustrophobic, and I just couldn't handle it. I > was > > like that for a few days, then it stopped and I was okay. The > > claustrophobia was horrible though. I would hyperventilate, which > > isn't a good thing especially when your nose is clogged and your > > jaws are wired. The second most horrifying time of my life, and > I've > > been through a lot for my age. > > > > That's the extent of my complications thus far, aside from the odd > > pain which is not out of the ordinary when one has her jaws wired > > shut. My swelling is almost gone, and I'm finally happy when I > look > > in the mirror. It's a bit awkward brushing and keeping the > stitches > > clean, but it'll all be over soon enough. > > > > I know I have a lot ahead of me, what with having to re-gain jaw > > strength, waiting a year to fully recover and all, but I'm very > > happy so far. This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, > no > > matter how difficult it is to get through. It brings me to tears > > just to think that I don't have to be ashamed of who I am or what > I > > look like now. I know I shouldn't have been before, but I was. > > Nothing could have changed my hatred for myself except for this > > surgery. > > > > I can be myself now. I can have fun and not worry about whether > > someone is looking at me from the side. I don't have to hide > behind > > my hair, I don't have to hide from the people around me. And as > > cheesy as it may sound, I don't have to hide from myself anymore. > I > > can be proud now. > > > > > > Thanks for reading my story, and I apologize for being long- winded. > > > > Best wishes to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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