Too old to have the surgery?

[Guest guest]

I'm a 48 (will be 49 at the time of surgery)year old female who has

been told by her dentist, ortho and now oral surgeon that I need

braces and lower jaw surgery.

I have a lot of concerns and have put off my first appt for braces

until after my daughter's July wedding.

I have a wonderful supportive family (my husband said he would

eat/drink whatever I had to) but it is a big decision - a 40

month " marriage " with doctors and dentists.

I feel the oral surgeon thought some of my questions were unimportant

(he seemed bored) although my ortho is wonderful. I live in a rural

area so my choice of surgeons is limited. He came highly recommended

by my ortho and other doctors in the area.

I have never liked for my picture to be taken because of my bite and

jaw appearance - so this will help plus both of my insurances have

approved the surgery and part of the otho's costs.

My first concern is I'm not young so how will I recover compared to a

younger person. The surgeon said he would keep me on strong

narcotics for the first week or longer - huh? Does that mean painful

recovery? Since I work for a Doctor (Dermatologist - not much help

unless I have a pimple) I know they don't always give all the

information.

I work with patients so when can I return to work and how will I look

to my coworkers and the public?

I also have Asthma and a fear of not being able to breath properly-

the surgeon said that is not a problem with lower jaw surgery - just

upper jaw - true?

Any help and support is greatly appreciated.

Actually I'm always on the go so a few weeks at home with Tivo, my

husband, cats and projects may be a good thing.

Thanks

Debbie