Re: The long wait til Surgery

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

By compartmentalize I take it to mean, put it in the back of your mind.

Just keep up with all your regular activities, work etc. around it all.

All the anticipation is worse than the actual surgery, and then when

it's done all you have to worry about is healing. Like a Bible passage

says, I think that's what it is anyway, " Will worrying add a day to

your life? " etc. etc. I think I really have made a conscious decision

to not let this rule my entire thought process for a year. It would be

too much.

Find out all you can about the process, and then let it go and live

your life. Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow. And, when the time

comes, those who will be doing the surgery will do so and make sure

everything is OK and goes as planned after the surgery, and all you

have to do is let them do their jobs. And heal.

Hope this helps. It's late and I'm probably rambling

~Joanne

> Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering how I am

> going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until surgery time

> rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest thing that

I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a friend asked me

today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with all this on

a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in this group

would know what had worked for them. I think my life will stabilize

once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my OMS) until

Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him in April or

May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my teeth move as

quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may happen sooner

than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious to get

this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed out about

all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by making up

my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND LeFort on me. I

hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort some more.

Maybe he will have some suggestions about compartmentalizing as well,

so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

> > Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering how

I am

> > going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until surgery

time

> > rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> > suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Diane, you sound really stressed and upset sometimes, and if you have

any doubts whatsoever about your ability to cope, you need to be very

up front with your doctors and everyone around you. Do you think you

may benefit from presurgical counseling? It may help you gain a

better perspective about everything. I want you to feel that your

life is stabilized even now, braces or no braces.

I really care about you and want you to be OK through all of this.

~Joanne

> Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest thing that

> I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a friend asked

me

> today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with all this

on

> a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in this

group

> would know what had worked for them. I think my life will stabilize

> once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my OMS) until

> Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him in April

or

> May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my teeth move

as

> quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may happen sooner

> than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious to get

> this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed out about

> all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by making

up

> my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND LeFort on me.

I

> hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort some more.

> Maybe he will have some suggestions about compartmentalizing as

well,

> so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

It seems like only yesterday that I was getting ready to begin the

same journey. I have been in braces for 18 months with surgery

hopefully in January. Believe me time really does pass so quickly, I

am amazed. Once your braces are on, you will be at the starting line.

You are not alone here. Best wishes,

Cathy

> Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering how I

am

> going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until surgery time

> rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Cathy - Thank you for your response. I am SO hoping that the time flies

along at a nice fast pace; I think getting my braces on will start the

time zipping right along. I think one of the reasons why I'm so anxious

to get going is because of all the time I wasted not getting this

underbite of mine fixed years ago. I'm 47 and this is the third time in

twenty-five years that I have gotten a work-up to get rid of my

underbite. Well, I guess " third time's the charm " . This time I intend

to finally get this done; I have the BEST Surgeon I could've ever hoped

to get - he's awesome!! Thank you for your support. ~~ Diane -- In

orthognathicsurgerysupport , " Cathy " <catlee1980@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Diane,

> It seems like only yesterday that I was getting ready to begin the

> same journey. I have been in braces for 18 months with surgery

> hopefully in January. Believe me time really does pass so quickly, I

> am amazed. Once your braces are on, you will be at the starting line.

> You are not alone here. Best wishes,

> Cathy

>

> > Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering how I

> am

> > going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until surgery time

> > rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> > suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Diane, I turned 47 in June of this year. I was told I needed this

surgery 20 plus years ago. My bite worsened and my resolve for the

surgery changed. Once you get your braces on you will feel more

commited to this surgery. A few months after my braces were placed,

my ortho at my surgeons advice extracted two bicuspids. At this

point I knew there was no turning back. You are so lucky that you

will be ready in less than a year. How fortunate you are to have

found a surgeon you completely trust. This is the most important

thing I think. I understand your dilemma concerning lefort, I was

there not long ago. Once you make up your mind, hopefully you will

be able to move forward positively, it does get better.

Cathy

> > > Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering

how I

> > am

> > > going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until surgery

time

> > > rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> > > suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Joanne - Right now I have alot of other things on my plate, so-to-

speak, including the recent loss of my Dad, a VERY stressful job, and

getting my finances in order for my surgery next year. Add to that

list: my family's inability to comprehend my surgery and therefore

not being supportive at all. The only supportive people in my life,

besides you guys, are my friends and co-workers. I think last week

was the worst of all this, and once I give Dr. the go-ahead

for the LeFort I think everything will be just fine. I need to call

his office tomorrow so I can talk to him about the LeFort procedure.

I'm not comfortable going to counseling, but thanks for the

suggestion anyway. ~~ Diane

> > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest thing that

> > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a friend asked

> me

> > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with all

this

> on

> > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in this

> group

> > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

stabilize

> > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my OMS)

until

> > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him in April

> or

> > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my teeth

move

> as

> > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may happen

sooner

> > than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious to get

> > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed out

about

> > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by making

> up

> > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND LeFort on

me.

> I

> > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort some

more.

> > Maybe he will have some suggestions about compartmentalizing as

> well,

> > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Cathy - How interesting! - we are the same age (I turn 48 in Dec.),

and I needed this surgery twenty-plus years ago too. Also, my OD told

me a few weeks ago that if I ever needed to have a LeFort that I

would need to have two upper bicuspids extracted. I told this to my

Surgeon last Tuesday and he's not sure what my OD meant. I told him I

don't want two healthy teeth removed if it's not really necessary and

he agreed. I'm now wondering if my OD thinks I'll be having a LeFort

with segmentation; my Surgeon only intends to advance my maxilla 4 mm

and drop it down. Are you having a LeFort 3-piece or something? About

the fear of the LeFort: I think last week was the worst of it; I just

need to call my Surgeon's office in the morning, and sit down and

talk about it some more with him. He told me last Tuesday that he

DOES NOT want me to worry about anything, and if I need to talk to

him to just call and we'll get together. Thank you, Cathy, for your

support and advice. ~~~~ Diane

> > > > Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am wondering

> how I

> > > am

> > > > going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until

surgery

> time

> > > > rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> > > > suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear about your dad, and the stress you are under.

Families do seem to have a hard time understanding this surgery. You

will find that as time goes on after the braces, they will become

more supportive and get use to the idea.. at least in my case.

Today a good friend suggested I have should invest in lasik eye

surgery instead of jaw surgery. I wear glasses and I am blind as a

bat. Not sure her reasoning. Some people don't get it. You will

find more courage in this process and you become more confident with

your decision.

Cathy

> > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest thing

that

> > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a friend

asked

> > me

> > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with all

> this

> > on

> > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in this

> > group

> > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

> stabilize

> > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my OMS)

> until

> > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him in

April

> > or

> > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my teeth

> move

> > as

> > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may happen

> sooner

> > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious to

get

> > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed out

> about

> > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by

making

> > up

> > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND LeFort

on

> me.

> > I

> > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort some

> more.

> > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about compartmentalizing

as

> > well,

> > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Cathy - Actually, I intend on having Lasik done the year after the

Orthognathic Surgery, as I am ALSO " sight-challenged " just like you

are. Actually, after I get my braces off (LOL - making plans AFTER

braces? - They're not even ON yet!!), I get to go back to my

Wonderful OMS to get a dental implant installed at the site where I

had an extraction done by him in May. Then, maybe I will get my

eyes " zapped " . On families, my Mom thinks that the surgery is similar

to a root canal; told my OMS and he was shocked! LOL ~~ Diane

> > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest thing

> that

> > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a friend

> asked

> > > me

> > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with all

> > this

> > > on

> > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in

this

> > > group

> > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

> > stabilize

> > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my OMS)

> > until

> > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him in

> April

> > > or

> > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my teeth

> > move

> > > as

> > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may happen

> > sooner

> > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious to

> get

> > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed out

> > about

> > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by

> making

> > > up

> > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND LeFort

> on

> > me.

> > > I

> > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort some

> > more.

> > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about compartmentalizing

> as

> > > well,

> > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

I remember when my ortho told me I had to have 2 lower bicuspids

extracted. I freaked! I even called him back at the office and

asked him to explain exactly why I needed this done. I found it

difficult to justify removing two healthy teeth. My surgeon

requested this and was needed for maximum movement in surgery. It's

so easy to second guess everything they do, but I had to put my

mouth/face in their hands and find peace with it. I am not always

there, I do have moments of panic, but they are fewer and further

apart as time goes on.

I am having the opposite. Lefort 1 (surgeon just said upper, I have

a gummy smile and my mouth doesn't close well without force), lower

advancement, and genio. I doubt the surgeon knows what I will need

until he does all the casts, molds and tests. Now I am curious. I

wish they did lipo. That would be nice. Hopefully when they

stretch my lower jaw forward it will shrink my extra chin. That

would require much stretching (lol). You are so lucky with your

choice of surgeon. I have only seen mine once, and he is extremely

busy with a nine month waiting list. He was excellent at my consult

but I wish I would have been more prepared with written questions.

If you do go back and talk with your surgeon, write all your

questions down. I understand your fear of Lefort. Somehow not sure

why, lower seems more tame, less intrusive, although I am not sure

it really is. I think you should sit down with your doctor again, if

only to feel more comfortable and at peace with your decision.

Good luck Diane, we will be thinking of you

Cathy

> > > > > Hello, My surgery won't be until next summer. I am

wondering

> > how I

> > > > am

> > > > > going to " compartmentalize " that part of my life until

> surgery

> > time

> > > > > rolls around. How does one do this? Does any one have any

> > > > > suggestions?? ~~~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Your poor mother, she will be in for a shock. Once she sees you

after surgery I think she will change her mind. She sounds funny

(lol). Might be a good idea to show her some pictures of post of

healing to prepare her. I intend to show my mom and family a few

pictures before the surgery. My mother has a habit of telling

everyone we run into about my surgery, possibly to explain the

braces at my age. She comes in with me for some of my ortho

appointments and they get a kick out of her. The young ones really

wonder why she is there.

I think its great that you are having the Lasik done after surgery.

I am always amazed when I watch the surgery on tv, and the patients

can actually see immediately after. Now you are going to have me

really thinking of Lasik. I am legally blind without my glasses. I

would happy to just improve my eye sight. My worst fear is breaking

my glasses at a terrible moment (driving, the lenses have been known

to pop out). I have worn glasses almost my entire life. They are my

lifeline. I can have a panic attack just thinking of being without

them.

Anyway I think its great about the Lasik. Good for you!

Cathy

> > > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest

thing

> > that

> > > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a

friend

> > asked

> > > > me

> > > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with

all

> > > this

> > > > on

> > > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in

> this

> > > > group

> > > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

> > > stabilize

> > > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my

OMS)

> > > until

> > > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him

in

> > April

> > > > or

> > > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my

teeth

> > > move

> > > > as

> > > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may

happen

> > > sooner

> > > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious

to

> > get

> > > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed

out

> > > about

> > > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by

> > making

> > > > up

> > > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND

LeFort

> > on

> > > me.

> > > > I

> > > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort

some

> > > more.

> > > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about

compartmentalizing

> > as

> > > > well,

> > > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Cathy - After my Dad's funeral in May (in Florida), my Mom offered to

come to Boise to nurse me back to health after I undergo my surgery

next summer. (She's 87). I tried to explain all the surgery to her,

and even gave her some reading material on the basics. Since then,

she asks me the same questions over and over on the phone. Her latest

question is: how long before I can eat a steak; I told her " at least

three months " . I told her that I will be on a liquid diet for at

least four weeks and then a soft diet for a few more weeks after

that. She told me that I was going to the wrong surgeon and I needed

to change to someone who knows something. LOL!! I told her I am VERY

happy with my surgeon and HE'S the one for ME! She has also told me

that she will pay for part of my braces, as her & Dad paid for both

of my sisters' braces when they were teenagers. We'll see how that

goes! Sounds like your Mom is alot of fun!~~ Diane

> > > > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest

> thing

> > > that

> > > > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a

> friend

> > > asked

> > > > > me

> > > > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with

> all

> > > > this

> > > > > on

> > > > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in

> > this

> > > > > group

> > > > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

> > > > stabilize

> > > > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my

> OMS)

> > > > until

> > > > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him

> in

> > > April

> > > > > or

> > > > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my

> teeth

> > > > move

> > > > > as

> > > > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may

> happen

> > > > sooner

> > > > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as

anxious

> to

> > > get

> > > > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed

> out

> > > > about

> > > > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress

by

> > > making

> > > > > up

> > > > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND

> LeFort

> > > on

> > > > me.

> > > > > I

> > > > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort

> some

> > > > more.

> > > > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about

> compartmentalizing

> > > as

> > > > > well,

> > > > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Mothers! What would we do without them. Even at our age we still

need them. Your post gave me a good laugh. Perhaps the photos will

have more impact on her. Isn't that sweet of her to offer to help

pay for the braces. Mothers are always trying to be " even " or fair

with all their children. I can relate. None of my siblings wore

braces so I guess I won't qualify for help. Your mothers sounds

remarkably able and healthy at her age, offering to come to care for

you following surgery. That is amazing. Even at her age, wanting to

care of one of her little ones. They say parenthood never ends.....

then comes grandmotherhood... My mother is reaching 70 and still

wears jeans (flared ones at that). She lives nearby, so I imagine

she will help out if I need her.

My grandmother who lived in our home all my growing years cared for

all of us until she passed away at age 94. She would probably agree

with your mother. Bless them all.

Cathy

> > > > > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest

> > thing

> > > > that

> > > > > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a

> > friend

> > > > asked

> > > > > > me

> > > > > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope

with

> > all

> > > > > this

> > > > > > on

> > > > > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone

in

> > > this

> > > > > > group

> > > > > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life

will

> > > > > stabilize

> > > > > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr.

(my

> > OMS)

> > > > > until

> > > > > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing

him

> > in

> > > > April

> > > > > > or

> > > > > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if

my

> > teeth

> > > > > move

> > > > > > as

> > > > > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may

> > happen

> > > > > sooner

> > > > > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as

> anxious

> > to

> > > > get

> > > > > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm

stressed

> > out

> > > > > about

> > > > > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the

stress

> by

> > > > making

> > > > > > up

> > > > > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND

> > LeFort

> > > > on

> > > > > me.

> > > > > > I

> > > > > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the

LeFort

> > some

> > > > > more.

> > > > > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about

> > compartmentalizing

> > > > as

> > > > > > well,

> > > > > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

I brought my mom along to an appt. with the OS (I'll be having lower jaw

advancement). She made it only a few minutes into his description of the

surgery before bursting into tears and tuned the rest out. She still

doesn't understand it all, or want to -- it just overwhelms her. One

coworker asked me to explain it to her a bunch of times and finally said " so

it's like a curtain rod " meaning they would pull the jaw apart to expand it.

I've used that analogy to other people and it seems to really work, helps

them visualize -- feel free to try that one....

-

>

>Reply-To: orthognathicsurgerysupport

>To: orthognathicsurgerysupport

>Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: The long wait til Surgery

>Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 06:10:33 -0000

>

>Your poor mother, she will be in for a shock. Once she sees you

>after surgery I think she will change her mind. She sounds funny

>(lol). Might be a good idea to show her some pictures of post of

>healing to prepare her. I intend to show my mom and family a few

>pictures before the surgery. My mother has a habit of telling

>everyone we run into about my surgery, possibly to explain the

>braces at my age. She comes in with me for some of my ortho

>appointments and they get a kick out of her. The young ones really

>wonder why she is there.

>I think its great that you are having the Lasik done after surgery.

>I am always amazed when I watch the surgery on tv, and the patients

>can actually see immediately after. Now you are going to have me

>really thinking of Lasik. I am legally blind without my glasses. I

>would happy to just improve my eye sight. My worst fear is breaking

>my glasses at a terrible moment (driving, the lenses have been known

>to pop out). I have worn glasses almost my entire life. They are my

>lifeline. I can have a panic attack just thinking of being without

>them.

>Anyway I think its great about the Lasik. Good for you!

>Cathy

>

>

>

>

>

> > > > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest

>thing

> > > that

> > > > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a

>friend

> > > asked

> > > > > me

> > > > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope with

>all

> > > > this

> > > > > on

> > > > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone in

> > this

> > > > > group

> > > > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life will

> > > > stabilize

> > > > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr. (my

>OMS)

> > > > until

> > > > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing him

>in

> > > April

> > > > > or

> > > > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my

>teeth

> > > > move

> > > > > as

> > > > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may

>happen

> > > > sooner

> > > > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as anxious

>to

> > > get

> > > > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm stressed

>out

> > > > about

> > > > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the stress by

> > > making

> > > > > up

> > > > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND

>LeFort

> > > on

> > > > me.

> > > > > I

> > > > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort

>some

> > > > more.

> > > > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about

>compartmentalizing

> > > as

> > > > > well,

> > > > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , what a great way to describe it. Your poor mom. It is

probably more traumatic for her hearing all the details. Think

borrowing your description will come in handy for many of us.

Thanks.

Cathy

> > > > > > > Joanne - Thank you for the advice. This is the biggest

> >thing

> > > > that

> > > > > > > I've contemplated doing in a really long time, and a

> >friend

> > > > asked

> > > > > > me

> > > > > > > today while we were at lunch how was I going to cope

with

> >all

> > > > > this

> > > > > > on

> > > > > > > a daily basis. She had no suggestions but felt someone

in

> > > this

> > > > > > group

> > > > > > > would know what had worked for them. I think my life

will

> > > > > stabilize

> > > > > > > once I'm in braces, and I won't be seeing Dr.

(my

> >OMS)

> > > > > until

> > > > > > > Spring. He has already told me that I will be seeing

him

> >in

> > > > April

> > > > > > or

> > > > > > > May, so he can see my progress for himself. Also, if my

> >teeth

> > > > > move

> > > > > > as

> > > > > > > quickly as he thinks they will, then the surgery may

> >happen

> > > > > sooner

> > > > > > > than the projected months of June or July. He's as

anxious

> >to

> > > > get

> > > > > > > this done as I am! Right now, though, I feel I'm

stressed

> >out

> > > > > about

> > > > > > > all this; I just need to get a handle on all the

stress by

> > > > making

> > > > > > up

> > > > > > > my mind about letting Dr. do both the BSSO AND

> >LeFort

> > > > on

> > > > > me.

> > > > > > I

> > > > > > > hope I can get in to see him soon to discuss the LeFort

> >some

> > > > > more.

> > > > > > > Maybe he will have some suggestions about

> >compartmentalizing

> > > > as

> > > > > > well,

> > > > > > > so we'll see. ~~ Thanks again! ~~ Diane

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

My father died last year, and while my coworkers and friends are

supportive, they probably don't fully understand why I'm getting this

done. Part of me is scared, yes, but I'm also excited. I don't really

talk to anyone in my extended family. I'm also an only child.

It can be difficult when things pile up like that. Just wanted to

mention the possibility of counseling for you to keep in mind in case

you ever feel ready for it.

~Joanne

> Joanne - Right now I have alot of other things on my plate, so-to-

> speak, including the recent loss of my Dad, a VERY stressful job,

and

> getting my finances in order for my surgery next year. Add to that

> list: my family's inability to comprehend my surgery and therefore

> not being supportive at all. The only supportive people in my life,

> besides you guys, are my friends and co-workers. I think last week

> was the worst of all this, and once I give Dr. the go-ahead

> for the LeFort I think everything will be just fine. I need to call

> his office tomorrow so I can talk to him about the LeFort

procedure.

> I'm not comfortable going to counseling, but thanks for the

> suggestion anyway. ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Joanne - Thanks for thinking of me. Today was a GREAT day; I think I

am over the worst of it all. Counseling is NOT for me - some people

like it but I never have. THanks again. ~~ Diane

> > Joanne - Right now I have alot of other things on my plate, so-to-

> > speak, including the recent loss of my Dad, a VERY stressful job,

> and

> > getting my finances in order for my surgery next year. Add to

that

> > list: my family's inability to comprehend my surgery and

therefore

> > not being supportive at all. The only supportive people in my

life,

> > besides you guys, are my friends and co-workers. I think last

week

> > was the worst of all this, and once I give Dr. the go-

ahead

> > for the LeFort I think everything will be just fine. I need to

call

> > his office tomorrow so I can talk to him about the LeFort

> procedure.

> > I'm not comfortable going to counseling, but thanks for the

> > suggestion anyway. ~~ Diane

[Guest guest]

Joanne - I finally posted those pictures of me! They are the worst

pictures I have ever had taken of me, but at least you'll get to see

my awesome underbite! Your pix were really great, by the way! ~~

Diane

> > > Joanne - Right now I have alot of other things on my plate, so-

to-

> > > speak, including the recent loss of my Dad, a VERY stressful

job,

> > and

> > > getting my finances in order for my surgery next year. Add to

> that

> > > list: my family's inability to comprehend my surgery and

> therefore

> > > not being supportive at all. The only supportive people in my

> life,

> > > besides you guys, are my friends and co-workers. I think last

> week

> > > was the worst of all this, and once I give Dr. the go-

> ahead

> > > for the LeFort I think everything will be just fine. I need to

> call

> > > his office tomorrow so I can talk to him about the LeFort

> > procedure.

> > > I'm not comfortable going to counseling, but thanks for the

> > > suggestion anyway. ~~ Diane