Ok, I'm freaking out a bit. I was not expecting this! My oral surgeon's office called today and gave me a surgery date: Wednesday, May 2. It seems way too soon! Eeeek!
Apparently my orthodontist reviewed the models that were taken at my last appointment and sent a letter to my oral surgeon saying that I was ready for surgery, so they booked a date. Initially I had wanted the surgery to be in May, after the school term was finished and before summer was in full swing, but now that it's the end of March I wouldn't mind postponing it a little longer. I've suddenly become very attached to my face. :)
I have a whole host of appointments that I need to go to between now and the surgery. Some were already booked for me, and others I need to coordinate for myself. First I need to visit my general doctor and have her complete the presurgical forms which cover my current medical status (healthy!) and medical history. I'm hoping to get this done on Friday. Then I have my last presurgical appointment with my OD on April 3. Here I'll have more models and x-rays taken, and I'll get my surgical hooks on. This means I have to wear the hooks a little bit longer than usual before surgery, but at least my lips will be used to them before May. I think I'll stock up on the wax at the OD's. I was hoping to have my teeth cleaned before getting the surgical hooks on (the archwire is tied in with wires around the brackets instead of elastics, so there's no getting it off once it's on), but I called my dentist today and the office is closed until April 2, haha. I think I'm going to try to get an appointment at another dentist as a "new patient," but I'm not sure how possible this is on such short notice. Then, I meet with the surgeon on April 24 to discuss his final treatment plan and some pre-hospital stuff. This should be an interesting appointment. Hopefully he shows me some models of my bite! I also need to go to the hospital about a week before surgery for another appointment regarding the hospital stay, medication, what I can and can't do after surgery, etc. At least all of these appointments will keep me busy!
Although I'm still very apprehensive about surgery, part of me is looking forward to it. I've noticed that my molars have become more and more sensitive from grinding at night since I stopped wearing my splint. Certain teeth are also smoother and noticeably worn down (at least it's noticeable to me, maybe not anyone else). I'm sure that if I continued with my current bite, I'd have no molars by the time I was thirty. I'm also really looking forward to biting things with my front teeth again!
The initial shock has worn off now and it's been replaced by anticipation. There's no turning back now!
Congratulations on getting a surgery date! May 2 will be here before you know it, especially with all of the appointments you have to go to!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I can't wait til I'm posting that I've got a surgery date! Try to focus on the excitement rather than the nerves!
ReplyDeleteHuzzah! That's really exciting, Lindsay! Do you know how long it will take to recover once the surgery is over?
ReplyDeleteNaomi
Yay Linds! I'm so excited for you! It's great that its sooner rather then later! This way you get to enjoy the summer more :D You sure sound like your gonna have a busy April!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement everyone! I'm going to try to stay positive about this whole process.
ReplyDelete@Naomi: From what I've heard, I think it takes a couple of months to feel relatively "normal", but you can have swelling for several months, and the bones aren't fully healed for 1 year. I'm going to take a month off of work just to be sure I'm feeling better before returning, and because I can. :)