Pre-op Appt. / Surgical Wire Update

[Guest guest]

Thank you to those who emailed for my update. Sorry I didn't reply

sooner, but I've been a bit cranky with these surgical hooks and

busy with the activities of life and four kids...football and

softball are over for a while, so now it's time to focus on me!

Last Tuesday, I had ten surgical hooks put on my upper and lower

wires. It was a long process, with the OD assist. cutting off one of

my brackets, dropping the replacement bracket on the ground, etc.

The upper hooks aren't bothering me, but the lower hooks are killing

me. I've got a lot of canker sore like sores/cuts all along my lower

lip. I'm using some canker sore meds today. It stings like h#ll at

first, but then it feels better. I'm also using a lot of wax. I'm

practicing what it is like to have numb lips!

Once my new surgical wires were in place, my OD marked where the

surgical hooks were to be placed. He then took the wires out of my

mouth and went over to another table to place the hooks. When he

turned around, the " hooks " were gold-colored wires that were about

three inches tall. I about had a heart attack. It looked like

something Hannibal Hecter would wear! He laughed and said they would

be cut down and turned in toward my gums. They're now about 1/4 inch

tall. I think this is why my lower lip is so sore. Some of the hooks

weren't filed down very well after they were cut.

My three hour pre-op appointment last Wednesday went really well. I

only need my lower jaw done!! WHEW HEW! I will be double-banded in

the shape of an upside down V around my canines on each side for two

weeks and then single-banded for one week.

I asked why, if I was only going to be banded around the canines did

I have all of these extra surgical wires. My OS said it was because

my jaw would be wired shut during surgery and then unwired and

banded at the end.

After week three, my bands will come OFF and my splint will come

OUT! This is about three weeks earlier than I had thought. Another

WHEW HEW!!

The splint looks like a retainer on the front teeth and only molds

my teeth at the first two molars on each side. There is nothing

along my upper palate. I'm thinking other splint pictures I've seen

have it looking more like a retainer with something covering the

upper palate. I'm hoping this will allow me to talk, eat and clean

my teeth better.

Whoever asked about the wires just before surgery, my OD put a thick

(I think the number was 27 or 28?) somewhat flat wire on both jaws.

For a couple of teeth he is still working on, he molded the wire

along those teeth. I asked why and he said it was because he didn't

want them to go anywhere.

I will be given something like valium to calm my nerves before going

to the hospital. Whoever suggested asking for this, thank you!

I asked about the nasal tube to the stomach and he said I wouldn't

have one. He only uses it for upper jaw.

All in all, I'm doing well. If I could just toughen up with these

surgical wires. I've lost four pounds in four days! A heck of a way

to lose some weight.

I'll try to post some pictures of my bite and hooks next week.

Well, just 3.5 weeks to go! I can't believe I'm typing this...it

seemed so far away and now here I am. For those of you just

beginning your journey, it truly does come at you quick.

Regards,

Diane, Oregon

Lower surgery November 17 (Seattle, Wa)