Re: HOLLA! Just got my surgery date!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

That's great that you're sooo up for this, and it bodes an easier and

more successful recovery for you.

Those of us who get easy approval and easy care tend to forget that

some folks have to fight so hard to get what they need.

I hope your trip will be quick, painless and gratifying.

It can be scary, for those who are young, (or feel themselves old)

questioning the need, or frightened of the pain. They can't imagine

that it (the pain) is generally so minimal, or the reward so great.

I hope you will have a quick and easy trip! 'Tisn't always grueling!

Cammie

> I'll be going in for upper/lower to correct my underbite on the

> morning of the 12th at Washington Hospital in DC.

>

> I don't understand the anxiety and nervousness of some of you; all I

> feel right now is pure joy and excitement. I've been waiting for this

> surgery for not only its functional benefits, but its aesthetic ones

> since the beginning of high school and it brings a tear to my eye to

> know that I will finally be done with this, and done with braces

> shortly after. (I am 22 years old and have worn braces for 9 years...

> =/ )

>

> I am not naieve and totally understand the grueling recovery process

> but that is in the back of my mind right now.

>

> Cheers to all the August surgeries! (ben, Austria and others)

>

> see ya on the flip side +)

[Guest guest]

> I'll be going in for upper/lower to correct my underbite on the

> morning of the 12th at Washington Hospital in DC.

>

> I don't understand the anxiety and nervousness of some of you; all

I

> feel right now is pure joy and excitement. I've been waiting for

this

> surgery for not only its functional benefits, but its aesthetic

ones

> since the beginning of high school and it brings a tear to my eye

to

> know that I will finally be done with this, and done with braces

> shortly after. (I am 22 years old and have worn braces for 9

years...

> =/ )

>

> I am not naieve and totally understand the grueling recovery

process

> but that is in the back of my mind right now.

>

> Cheers to all the August surgeries! (ben, Austria and others)

>

> see ya on the flip side +)

I had upper/lower to correct an underbite July 14th. It's hard to

believe I've already been post-op for three weeks. I'll be very

honest with you. It isn't going to be a very fun experience to say

the least. I'm not sure about your exact situation but mine was

pretty severe. Both my upper and lower were moved 11mm and the upper

had to be broken in three places during the procedure. In any event,

I'm in real good shape. I was unwired this past Monday and the

splint will HOPEFULLY be removed this coming Monday. Anyways, enough

about me. My best advice to you is to just eat like no tomorrow up

until your surgery. Believe me, having to live on liquids for weeks

on end isn't going to be very pleasing at all. As far as the pain

goes, it honestly shouldn't be THAT bad. I was very comfortable

after I was taken to my room after the procedure. You'll definitely

sleep a lot which is a plus. The swelling is by far the worst part.

Keep ice packs on each side of your face off and on for the first

few days. After those first few days fill the packs with warm water.

It really relieves a lot of the discomfort and will help you sleep

better at night. When it comes to sleeping...all I can say is good

luck. I still haven't been able to sleep well at all. That's

probably because I hate having to lay on my back all the time. I

want to sleep on my side but obviously that can't happen. You're

going to have a lot of aches and pains since you'll be in the same

position for such long periods. Try walking around every now and

then. Also, don't be stingy with the pain medicine. That's what it's

there for. When you get unwired after a few weeks it's going to

HURT. So far that's been the most painful thing for me. Trying to

open your mouth is so hard and so painful. I'm having a real hard

time with it but hopefully as the days go on it will get easier. All

in all, it's just a VERY VERY unpleasant experience. Without

question it's for the better. I know how you feel with the

whole underbite thing. Not being able to breathe too good and

especially not being able to really smile. These surgeries are

definitely worth it. I'm only three weeks in so hopefully I'm half

way there to 100%. Good luck with everything. Just take it one day

at a time and don't worry about it too much. It's just something

that's going to happen anyways. I hope everythings turns out well!