RE: New and VERY Intimidated

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I HAD the same problem you do. Huge overbite with a gummy smile. I

am four weeks post op.

My pictures are on site two which you can link to from the " links "

section of this site.

I had a Lefort I (moved upper up), BSSO (moved lower forward), and

genioplasty (sliced the chin, slid it forward and repositioned it so

I had a chin).

For most people the recovery is not too bad. The first three days

seem unbearable but most people say they turn the corner at 5 days.

Don't worry about the tube. Most people, 99.999999% will go to sleep

with no tube and wake up with no tube.

> Hello, I'm a soon-to-be orthognathic patient. I have lots of

> questions and I'm hoping to find some answers and maybe a few

people

> to help me not be so nervous! If you'll bear with me, I'll tell

you

> a little about who I am. I had braces at 12 (for the better part

of

> 3 years) and was told then that my teeth would never fit together

> perfectly without having my jaw broken. As I got older, I went to

a

> few other orthodontists, most of which had the same opinion. A

> couple months ago, however, I took my 10 year old daughter to my

> niece's orthodontist and, just for hoots-and-giggles, I had him

> examine my teeth as well. He was very nice and actually took the

> time to explain to me that the reason my jaws needed moving was

> because I had a medical - not a simply cosmetic - condition. I

can't

> tell you how shocked I was to find out that the operation was

covered

> by medical insurance! I was so excited to go talk to the oral

> surgeon! Then reality set in. My orthodontist doesn't think that

I

> need lower surgery - he thinks perhaps he can move my lower jaw

with

> a Herpst(??) appliance. His plan of action is to have my upper jaw

> moved upwards. That just sounds so, well, scary! So, I talked to

> the oral surgeon and he was very nice and honest. He made it sound

> like the surgery that I would be having wasn't too much of a big

> deal. (He also told me that the majority of his patients are

> teenagers and here I am at 36!) So, I started surfing the web to

> find out more and obviously, I ended up here. I haven't noticed

too

> many people here (yes, I browsed the photos - first thing!) that

seem

> to have the same trouble that I do. I have an overbite. A BIG

> overbite. My lower jaw is receeded and I also have a gummy smile.

I

> was hoping to find others who have had the same type of surgery

that

> I'm going to be having. I have all sorts of questions! I've read

> some of the postings here and some are encouraging, but some are

> really giving me cause to pause. If there's anyone out there who

> doesn't mind responding, I would really appreciate it. Here are my

> biggest questions (/fears):

> 1. I am so worried about anesthesia! I have a heart murmur (my

> surgeon knows) and my husband told me that I need to tell him that

I

> have scoliosis, too (although I can't imagine why). I know its

> paranoia, but please tell me people haven't died from this type of

> surgery...

> 2. I'm really not fond of the thought of having a breathing tube,

> either. I guess it has to go in through the nose - is it there

when

> you're awake or just while you're in surgery?

> 3. Speaking of breathing, just how hard IS it after surgery? Does

> it give you any reason to freak out or is it just a nuisance?

> 4. Does anyone know if it's more difficult/painful for lower than

> upper surgery? I feel fortunate that (hopefully) I won't have to

> have the lower surgery and I was led to believe that the upper jaw

is

> a less intrusive and not such a difficult procedure. Is that

really

> so?

> 5. Last, and I know this may sound vain, but what about your

looks?

> In the photos posted, everybody looked great after surgery. But I

> didn't really see many people that looked like they had the same

kind

> of things done that I will (and they didn't say what work they had

> had done). I have a long face (of course, it goes with the

> condition) and I'd love to see it shortened, but at what cost?

I've

> never been a beauty queen, but I can generally pass for

attractive.

> Will I still basically look like me? I've lived with this face for

> 36 years - it would feel so weird looking in the mirror and seeing

a

> stranger!!

> I know that I must sound like a complete idiot, but I'm looking for

> some sort of assurance that I'm not crazy for considering doing

> this. I guess I kind of want someone to tell me that I'm not a

great

> big egomaniac for wanting a better smile at the price of surgery,

> too. I've lived with this face for 36 years and I can eat, talk

and

> get along okay. I feel so vain for wanting to go through all this

> just so (basically) I can look like everyone else. I have been

told

> that my lower jaw can keep recessing, which could make it difficult

> for me to talk and eat (I have a few small problems now), but

there's

> no guarantee that it will get worse. Am I awful for wanting to go

> through surgery to make myself look (and feel) better? I hope

> someone out there will be kind enough to talk with me about this!

> Thanks for listening (well, reading). :-)

[Guest guest]

Hi,

i am now 3 1/2 weeks post op from lower advancement and genio. and

from what i've heard it that lower is actually easier to get up and

about than having upper or both upper and lower.

1. i was also really worried about anesthesia, but just talk to your

surgeon about it and when you get into the operating room the first

thing they did was have the anestesiologist come talk to me and then

give me a sedative and then i basically woke up. i have never heard

of anyone dying of this but??????? but there is always a chance with

anything when you go under the knife.

2. i still had my breathing tube in when i woke up. i had it in all

that night and the next day. i didnt use it but it was there in case

something happened and i couldnt breathe. just a precautionary i

guess. and it doesnt hurt when they take it out. it takes like 5 sec

for the doc to pull it out and thats all. besides your all doped up

anyway.

3. i didnt have any problems but like i said i only had lower done

and i've heard people who get upper done have alot of congestion but

its tolerable with medication.

4. and my looks i think do look better and i dont think your being

all that vain at all. i would have a perfect smile if i had done the

upper with the lower but decided not to do that. not sure if my

insurance would have payed for that anyway. i only got approved for

lower only. but i'm still satisfied and probably a big majority of

the people who got this done would say they would do it again. and i

would also. i hope this helps a little and whatever i left out

someone else will fill in

tonja

[Guest guest]

Hi there:

Hey don't worry, plenty of gummy smiles here. My pics are under

ga_1962. (Please don't mistake me with my photo neighbor- Georgia.

My name is Georgia & sometimes people will go to the wrong one) I am

40. Had braces for almost 3 years when I was 12 to 15. I was never

told anything about surgery. It wasn't until I went to an ortho to

see about correcting a couple of teeth that had gone crooked that I

was told that my gummy smile was the root of my problem. I was

thrilled. Got my braces on last year. I was told only upper too but

that changed a week before surgery after he did surgery on my molds.

I had upper & lower on June 6th this year. I had only a slight

overbite. (There are plenty of ones here who had the big overbite)

1. I have a mitro valve prolapse so don't worry they really watch

for things like that. Please be sure to tell them anything medical

about yourself, even if you think it won't matter. I once asked

someone at my surgeon's office if they ever had anything go wrong.

She said yes, but only once, but it wasn't in surgery it was after-

car wreck soon after surgery.

2. I don't remember the tube so I guess it came out before they woke

me totally up.

3. Some people experience congestion after surgery. I had little to

none for maybe a day & a half. I'm not used to breathing through my

nose so for me it was a near miracle to be breathing like a normal

person. I loved it. (It was kind of scary at night. Kept waking up

out of fear when I realized I wasn't breathing through my mouth.)

4. My ortho said he's been told by people that upper is less

painful. I'd say upper would be more annoying if you have congestion

& more so at the beginning. I've found the lower jaw more annoying

later with joint pain & a nagging pain near my chin. But nothing

major, just really annoying.

5. Yes, it is very weird to look different. I am pretty pleased

now. I promise to put up a new pic tonight so you can see. I had a

long face too. One of my pics is named that. But my 35 day pic, the

last one I put up, is not a good one of me. I feel I look so much

different from that. Please click on the link to the left that says

database then click on surgery. It tells what people have had. I

never knew how bad off my joints were or how bad my teeth didn't

touch until all of this. Now my teeth fit together & click just

perfectly. And when this all started I found out my joints were

really bad off. One was triangular & one was flat on two sides.

They are supposed to be round. My mouth used to lock open all the

time when I yawned. It was also locked shut once. And the popping I

used to have in my ears is now gone. It's a big decision & not to be

jumped into. But I don't regret having it done. It takes a while

for all the swelling on the outside & also the inside to go down but

when it does it looks great. I'm not a patient person so it has been

hard on me with all the waiting & wondering how I will look but

everything's turning out good.

Good luck & let us know how everything goes.

Georgia (ga_1962)

> Hello, I'm a soon-to-be orthognathic patient. I have lots of

> questions and I'm hoping to find some answers and maybe a few

people

> to help me not be so nervous! If you'll bear with me, I'll tell

you

> a little about who I am. I had braces at 12 (for the better part

of

> 3 years) and was told then that my teeth would never fit together

> perfectly without having my jaw broken. As I got older, I went to

a

> few other orthodontists, most of which had the same opinion. A

> couple months ago, however, I took my 10 year old daughter to my

> niece's orthodontist and, just for hoots-and-giggles, I had him

> examine my teeth as well. He was very nice and actually took the

> time to explain to me that the reason my jaws needed moving was

> because I had a medical - not a simply cosmetic - condition. I

can't

> tell you how shocked I was to find out that the operation was

covered

> by medical insurance! I was so excited to go talk to the oral

> surgeon! Then reality set in. My orthodontist doesn't think that

I

> need lower surgery - he thinks perhaps he can move my lower jaw

with

> a Herpst(??) appliance. His plan of action is to have my upper jaw

> moved upwards. That just sounds so, well, scary! So, I talked to

> the oral surgeon and he was very nice and honest. He made it sound

> like the surgery that I would be having wasn't too much of a big

> deal. (He also told me that the majority of his patients are

> teenagers and here I am at 36!) So, I started surfing the web to

> find out more and obviously, I ended up here. I haven't noticed

too

> many people here (yes, I browsed the photos - first thing!) that

seem

> to have the same trouble that I do. I have an overbite. A BIG

> overbite. My lower jaw is receeded and I also have a gummy smile.

I

> was hoping to find others who have had the same type of surgery

that

> I'm going to be having. I have all sorts of questions! I've read

> some of the postings here and some are encouraging, but some are

> really giving me cause to pause. If there's anyone out there who

> doesn't mind responding, I would really appreciate it. Here are my

> biggest questions (/fears):

> 1. I am so worried about anesthesia! I have a heart murmur (my

> surgeon knows) and my husband told me that I need to tell him that

I

> have scoliosis, too (although I can't imagine why). I know its

> paranoia, but please tell me people haven't died from this type of

> surgery...

> 2. I'm really not fond of the thought of having a breathing tube,

> either. I guess it has to go in through the nose - is it there

when

> you're awake or just while you're in surgery?

> 3. Speaking of breathing, just how hard IS it after surgery? Does

> it give you any reason to freak out or is it just a nuisance?

> 4. Does anyone know if it's more difficult/painful for lower than

> upper surgery? I feel fortunate that (hopefully) I won't have to

> have the lower surgery and I was led to believe that the upper jaw

is

> a less intrusive and not such a difficult procedure. Is that

really

> so?

> 5. Last, and I know this may sound vain, but what about your

looks?

> In the photos posted, everybody looked great after surgery. But I

> didn't really see many people that looked like they had the same

kind

> of things done that I will (and they didn't say what work they had

> had done). I have a long face (of course, it goes with the

> condition) and I'd love to see it shortened, but at what cost?

I've

> never been a beauty queen, but I can generally pass for

attractive.

> Will I still basically look like me? I've lived with this face for

> 36 years - it would feel so weird looking in the mirror and seeing

a

> stranger!!

> I know that I must sound like a complete idiot, but I'm looking for

> some sort of assurance that I'm not crazy for considering doing

> this. I guess I kind of want someone to tell me that I'm not a

great

> big egomaniac for wanting a better smile at the price of surgery,

> too. I've lived with this face for 36 years and I can eat, talk

and

> get along okay. I feel so vain for wanting to go through all this

> just so (basically) I can look like everyone else. I have been

told

> that my lower jaw can keep recessing, which could make it difficult

> for me to talk and eat (I have a few small problems now), but

there's

> no guarantee that it will get worse. Am I awful for wanting to go

> through surgery to make myself look (and feel) better? I hope

> someone out there will be kind enough to talk with me about this!

> Thanks for listening (well, reading). :-)

[Guest guest]

Hi I don’t think I have heard you mention your name, but I thought that

I could be of help.

My name is kat or Kat_uk on this site. I am 17 yrs old. I have had

braces for the better part of 5 years and 4wks ago today I had my

surgery. I had a under bite, of what occlusion I don’t know. But I

knew it was quite bad. In surgery I had bsso on the lower jaw and it

was moved back about 5mm. The upper was lefort 1 (includes the braking

of the palette) and was moved forward about 6mm. I also had a surgical

expansion on the upper jaw and also work on my sinuses to help my

breathing.

At 1st I wasn’t going to have the surgery when I was told I needed it at

13 it’s quite a scary shock, but obviously it had grown on me and even

though the 1st week was tough I have no regrets what so ever and would

have it done again if it was necessary.

My ortho also told me that my condition could get worse and I would have

difficulty chewing etc, which over the past 4/5 years has noticeably

become true. I had the same questions and fears about my surgery, but

joining this site really helped me. The people are so caring and

helpful. They are the nicest people I have known and it’s a pleasure to

feel part of this worthy group. I can assure you that you will have no

trouble finding the answers to your questions, support or just general

advice through this group.

Answer to your question 2. My breathing tube was put in whilst I was

asleep through the nose. However was awake when it was removed, but I

don’t think it was that bad, it just made u gag for about 2 seconds.

Question 3. When I came round from surgery I was totally relaxed and

all I wanted to do was drink. I did have a breathing mask, but I don’t

recall having any troubles breathing.

Question 4. I wouldn’t know about the pain for just lower or just upper

post oppers. But I can say that I didn’t really feel much pain after my

surgery. I was on a morphine drip for two days and stopped taking the

pain killers 5 days post op. However at 4 wks I am feeling a little

pain in my joint on my right hand side of my face and both my ears. But

I am guessing it’s all part of the healing process.

Question 5. My surgeon told me and I think Cammie had mentioned it on

this site that the biggest differences can be seen in the younger

patients, especially young teenage girls. I have my before and after

photos on site one under Katerina, if you would like to take a look and

judge for your self, if you haven’t done so already? However my surgeon

did say that it takes up to at least 3 months to see the real change, so

my face could progressively alter in that time.

Lastly I don’t think that you’re an idiot I was just like you are now

when I joined this site and my questions had a never ending list (or

seemed to). Feel free to ask away.

Kind regards and well wishes,

Kat_uk

New and VERY Intimidated

Hello, I'm a soon-to-be orthognathic patient. I have lots of

questions and I'm hoping to find some answers and maybe a few people

to help me not be so nervous! If you'll bear with me, I'll tell you

a little about who I am. I had braces at 12 (for the better part of

3 years) and was told then that my teeth would never fit together

perfectly without having my jaw broken. As I got older, I went to a

few other orthodontists, most of which had the same opinion. A

couple months ago, however, I took my 10 year old daughter to my

niece's orthodontist and, just for hoots-and-giggles, I had him

examine my teeth as well. He was very nice and actually took the

time to explain to me that the reason my jaws needed moving was

because I had a medical - not a simply cosmetic - condition. I can't

tell you how shocked I was to find out that the operation was covered

by medical insurance! I was so excited to go talk to the oral

surgeon! Then reality set in. My orthodontist doesn't think that I

need lower surgery - he thinks perhaps he can move my lower jaw with

a Herpst(??) appliance. His plan of action is to have my upper jaw

moved upwards. That just sounds so, well, scary! So, I talked to

the oral surgeon and he was very nice and honest. He made it sound

like the surgery that I would be having wasn't too much of a big

deal. (He also told me that the majority of his patients are

teenagers and here I am at 36!) So, I started surfing the web to

find out more and obviously, I ended up here. I haven't noticed too

many people here (yes, I browsed the photos - first thing!) that seem

to have the same trouble that I do. I have an overbite. A BIG

overbite. My lower jaw is receeded and I also have a gummy smile. I

was hoping to find others who have had the same type of surgery that

I'm going to be having. I have all sorts of questions! I've read

some of the postings here and some are encouraging, but some are

really giving me cause to pause. If there's anyone out there who

doesn't mind responding, I would really appreciate it. Here are my

biggest questions (/fears):

1. I am so worried about anesthesia! I have a heart murmur (my

surgeon knows) and my husband told me that I need to tell him that I

have scoliosis, too (although I can't imagine why). I know its

paranoia, but please tell me people haven't died from this type of

surgery...

2. I'm really not fond of the thought of having a breathing tube,

either. I guess it has to go in through the nose - is it there when

you're awake or just while you're in surgery?

3. Speaking of breathing, just how hard IS it after surgery? Does

it give you any reason to freak out or is it just a nuisance?

4. Does anyone know if it's more difficult/painful for lower than

upper surgery? I feel fortunate that (hopefully) I won't have to

have the lower surgery and I was led to believe that the upper jaw is

a less intrusive and not such a difficult procedure. Is that really

so?

5. Last, and I know this may sound vain, but what about your looks?

In the photos posted, everybody looked great after surgery. But I

didn't really see many people that looked like they had the same kind

of things done that I will (and they didn't say what work they had

had done). I have a long face (of course, it goes with the

condition) and I'd love to see it shortened, but at what cost? I've

never been a beauty queen, but I can generally pass for attractive.

Will I still basically look like me? I've lived with this face for

36 years - it would feel so weird looking in the mirror and seeing a

stranger!!

I know that I must sound like a complete idiot, but I'm looking for

some sort of assurance that I'm not crazy for considering doing

this. I guess I kind of want someone to tell me that I'm not a great

big egomaniac for wanting a better smile at the price of surgery,

too. I've lived with this face for 36 years and I can eat, talk and

get along okay. I feel so vain for wanting to go through all this

just so (basically) I can look like everyone else. I have been told

that my lower jaw can keep recessing, which could make it difficult

for me to talk and eat (I have a few small problems now), but there's

no guarantee that it will get worse. Am I awful for wanting to go

through surgery to make myself look (and feel) better? I hope

someone out there will be kind enough to talk with me about this!

Thanks for listening (well, reading). :-)

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I'm in the process of getting braces (2nd time around for me) and

possible lower jaw surgery. I just had my records taken yesterday, so

I won't know about the surgery part until next week. I know this is

scary but, don't feel intimidated - you have come to the right place.

Although I am not even in braces yet, just reading the board has

given me so much information about the surgery and the folks here

seem very nice.

Anyway, something you mentioned in your last post caught my

attention: your ortho said that you can wear Invisalign. My ortho

also told me that, however he also mentioned that if I go ahead with

the surgery, I will need to get regular braces put on beforehand. As

such, I have decided against Invisilign, since I'll end up in braces

anyway (not to mention the cost savings). Did you your ortho tell

you the same thing? If not, you might want to ask him about that.

Deb

> Thanks for the info and support! I just had to check back today to

> see if anyone had answered my post yet - I was pleasantly surprised

> when I found your answers! I had an appointment with my

orthodontist

> today and he said that I can wear the Invisalign braces. That made

> me a happy camper! Now I just gotta get the surgeon to call me

back

> and schedule the surgery. Nothing like the waiting... I just want

> to have it all over and done with so I don't have to be so darn

> nervous anymore. Thanks again you guys (gals!) for the

> encouragement. I really appreciate it!

[Guest guest]

You may be able to use the Invisalign, however, they will need to put

something in your mouth to anchor your jaws together after the

surgery. Most of the people around here have braces, but you do have

the option of getting something called arch bars that they put on

during your surgery. I personally would not recommend the arch bars,

as I had them for 2 months about 3 years ago when I broke my jaw and

they are in a word, evil. They look sort of like braces, but they

loop around your teeth at the gum line. They are uncomfortable, hard

to keep clean, and many people who wear them come away with some type

of damage to their gums or teeth (mine cut into my gums, I had to go

under twilight to get them off). I haven't heard of anyone on here

getting them though, because most of us have pretty crooked teeth.

J.

> > Thanks for the info and support! I just had to check back today

to

> > see if anyone had answered my post yet - I was pleasantly

surprised

> > when I found your answers! I had an appointment with my

> orthodontist

> > today and he said that I can wear the Invisalign braces. That

made

> > me a happy camper! Now I just gotta get the surgeon to call me

> back

> > and schedule the surgery. Nothing like the waiting... I just

want

> > to have it all over and done with so I don't have to be so darn

> > nervous anymore. Thanks again you guys (gals!) for the

> > encouragement. I really appreciate it!

[Guest guest]

> > Hello, I'm a soon-to-be orthognathic patient. I have lots of

> > questions and I'm hoping to find some answers and maybe a few

> people

> > to help me not be so nervous! If you'll bear with me, I'll tell

> you

> > a little about who I am. I had braces at 12 (for the better part

> of

> > 3 years) and was told then that my teeth would never fit together

> > perfectly without having my jaw broken. As I got older, I went

to

> a

> > few other orthodontists, most of which had the same opinion. A

> > couple months ago, however, I took my 10 year old daughter to my

> > niece's orthodontist and, just for hoots-and-giggles, I had him

> > examine my teeth as well. He was very nice and actually took the

> > time to explain to me that the reason my jaws needed moving was

> > because I had a medical - not a simply cosmetic - condition. I

> can't

> > tell you how shocked I was to find out that the operation was

> covered

> > by medical insurance! I was so excited to go talk to the oral

> > surgeon! Then reality set in. My orthodontist doesn't think

that

> I

> > need lower surgery - he thinks perhaps he can move my lower jaw

> with

> > a Herpst(??) appliance. His plan of action is to have my upper

jaw

> > moved upwards. That just sounds so, well, scary! So, I talked

to

> > the oral surgeon and he was very nice and honest. He made it

sound

> > like the surgery that I would be having wasn't too much of a big

> > deal. (He also told me that the majority of his patients are

> > teenagers and here I am at 36!) So, I started surfing the web to

> > find out more and obviously, I ended up here. I haven't noticed

> too

> > many people here (yes, I browsed the photos - first thing!) that

> seem

> > to have the same trouble that I do. I have an overbite. A BIG

> > overbite. My lower jaw is receeded and I also have a gummy

smile.

> I

> > was hoping to find others who have had the same type of surgery

> that

> > I'm going to be having. I have all sorts of questions! I've

read

> > some of the postings here and some are encouraging, but some are

> > really giving me cause to pause. If there's anyone out there who

> > doesn't mind responding, I would really appreciate it. Here are

my

> > biggest questions (/fears):

> > 1. I am so worried about anesthesia! I have a heart murmur (my

> > surgeon knows) and my husband told me that I need to tell him

that

> I

> > have scoliosis, too (although I can't imagine why). I know its

> > paranoia, but please tell me people haven't died from this type

of

> > surgery...

> > 2. I'm really not fond of the thought of having a breathing

tube,

> > either. I guess it has to go in through the nose - is it there

> when

> > you're awake or just while you're in surgery?

> > 3. Speaking of breathing, just how hard IS it after surgery?

Does

> > it give you any reason to freak out or is it just a nuisance?

> > 4. Does anyone know if it's more difficult/painful for lower

than

> > upper surgery? I feel fortunate that (hopefully) I won't have to

> > have the lower surgery and I was led to believe that the upper

jaw

> is

> > a less intrusive and not such a difficult procedure. Is that

> really

> > so?

> > 5. Last, and I know this may sound vain, but what about your

> looks?

> > In the photos posted, everybody looked great after surgery. But

I

> > didn't really see many people that looked like they had the same

> kind

> > of things done that I will (and they didn't say what work they

had

> > had done). I have a long face (of course, it goes with the

> > condition) and I'd love to see it shortened, but at what cost?

> I've

> > never been a beauty queen, but I can generally pass for

> attractive.

> > Will I still basically look like me? I've lived with this face

for

> > 36 years - it would feel so weird looking in the mirror and

seeing

> a

> > stranger!!

> > I know that I must sound like a complete idiot, but I'm looking

for

> > some sort of assurance that I'm not crazy for considering doing

> > this. I guess I kind of want someone to tell me that I'm not a

> great

> > big egomaniac for wanting a better smile at the price of surgery,

> > too. I've lived with this face for 36 years and I can eat, talk

> and

> > get along okay. I feel so vain for wanting to go through all

this

> > just so (basically) I can look like everyone else. I have been

> told

> > that my lower jaw can keep recessing, which could make it

difficult

> > for me to talk and eat (I have a few small problems now), but

> there's

> > no guarantee that it will get worse. Am I awful for wanting to

go

> > through surgery to make myself look (and feel) better? I hope

> > someone out there will be kind enough to talk with me about

this!

> > Thanks for listening (well, reading). :-)

[Guest guest]

My ortho didn't say anything about the regular braces to go along

with the surgery, although I do remember the oral surgeon mentioning

that he could do the surgery pre-braces (depending on what my ortho

wanted) and he (the surgeon) would use some sort of mouth piece to

show my lower jaw where its new home was. Thanks for the thought -

I'll be sure to ask my ortho (and surgeon) about it the next time I

see them.

-Elaine

> > Thanks for the info and support! I just had to check back today

to

> > see if anyone had answered my post yet - I was pleasantly

surprised

> > when I found your answers! I had an appointment with my

> orthodontist

> > today and he said that I can wear the Invisalign braces. That

made

> > me a happy camper! Now I just gotta get the surgeon to call me

> back

> > and schedule the surgery. Nothing like the waiting... I just

want

> > to have it all over and done with so I don't have to be so darn

> > nervous anymore. Thanks again you guys (gals!) for the

> > encouragement. I really appreciate it!

[Guest guest]

I think my surgeon may have something in mind, but I'm not sure what

it is. I don't remember him using the term " arch bar " , but I was

pretty overwhelmed at that first visit. I will do my best to steer

clear of them. I guess you could say that I'm fortunate in the fact

that my teeth are fairly straight (thanks to 3 years of braces as a

pre-teen). If only I could say the same for my jaws...

Elaine

> > > Thanks for the info and support! I just had to check back

today

> to

> > > see if anyone had answered my post yet - I was pleasantly

> surprised

> > > when I found your answers! I had an appointment with my

> > orthodontist

> > > today and he said that I can wear the Invisalign braces. That

> made

> > > me a happy camper! Now I just gotta get the surgeon to call me

> > back

> > > and schedule the surgery. Nothing like the waiting... I just

> want

> > > to have it all over and done with so I don't have to be so darn

> > > nervous anymore. Thanks again you guys (gals!) for the

> > > encouragement. I really appreciate it!

[Guest guest]

Hi Kat! Sorry about the name thing - I've never been a part of an

online group before and it never occurred to me that my name wasn't

visible. My name is Elaine. I've started putting it at the end of

my posts now (oh yeah, I plan on being a regular to get me through

this stuff). Your pictures are great! Wow, look at that new

profile - I hope mine will look as good! I had checked out all the

pictures but its nice to be able to put names and posts with actual

faces. After I get more comfortable with using the site, I'll try to

put up some pre-op pics of myself. Then everyone can see my lovely

overbite... But that's why we're here, right?? I just love the

before and after pics. They help you to see what you're in for. And

major kudos to everyone who puts up the surgery pictures. I know its

not easy to look at yourself when you're not at your best and its

even harder to let others see you that way - I am SO inspired by all

of your alls willingness to help each other. When I get to that

part, I hope that I'm brave enough to post those pics, too. I know

that they (believe it or not) make me feel better to see.

Thanks for telling me you don't think I'm an idiot. When I made that

post yesterday, I was really sort of freaking out. The ortho had

just called me Wednesday and we had " put the ball in motion " and

that's when it kind of sunk in that, hey, I'm REALLY going to go

through with this. Its so scary to think that they're literally

going to rearrange your face. I've had a long time to get used to

this one! :-) Anyway, I truly appreciate everyone who's taken the

time to respond to my outburst. I look forward to getting to know

everyone better and to getting through this thing with my sanity

(well, what there is of it...)

Elaine

> Hi I don't think I have heard you mention your name, but I thought

that

> I could be of help.

>

> My name is kat or Kat_uk on this site. I am 17 yrs old. I have had

> braces for the better part of 5 years and 4wks ago today I had my

> surgery. I had a under bite, of what occlusion I don't know. But I

> knew it was quite bad. In surgery I had bsso on the lower jaw and

it

> was moved back about 5mm. The upper was lefort 1 (includes the

braking

> of the palette) and was moved forward about 6mm. I also had a

surgical

> expansion on the upper jaw and also work on my sinuses to help my

> breathing.

>

> At 1st I wasn't going to have the surgery when I was told I needed

it at

> 13 it's quite a scary shock, but obviously it had grown on me and

even

> though the 1st week was tough I have no regrets what so ever and

would

> have it done again if it was necessary.

>

> My ortho also told me that my condition could get worse and I would

have

> difficulty chewing etc, which over the past 4/5 years has noticeably

> become true. I had the same questions and fears about my surgery,

but

> joining this site really helped me. The people are so caring and

> helpful. They are the nicest people I have known and it's a

pleasure to

> feel part of this worthy group. I can assure you that you will

have no

> trouble finding the answers to your questions, support or just

general

> advice through this group.

>

> Answer to your question 2. My breathing tube was put in whilst I

was

> asleep through the nose. However was awake when it was removed,

but I

> don't think it was that bad, it just made u gag for about 2 seconds.

>

> Question 3. When I came round from surgery I was totally relaxed

and

> all I wanted to do was drink. I did have a breathing mask, but I

don't

> recall having any troubles breathing.

>

> Question 4. I wouldn't know about the pain for just lower or just

upper

> post oppers. But I can say that I didn't really feel much pain

after my

> surgery. I was on a morphine drip for two days and stopped taking

the

> pain killers 5 days post op. However at 4 wks I am feeling a little

> pain in my joint on my right hand side of my face and both my

ears. But

> I am guessing it's all part of the healing process.

>

> Question 5. My surgeon told me and I think Cammie had mentioned it

on

> this site that the biggest differences can be seen in the younger

> patients, especially young teenage girls. I have my before and

after

> photos on site one under Katerina, if you would like to take a look

and

> judge for your self, if you haven't done so already? However my

surgeon

> did say that it takes up to at least 3 months to see the real

change, so

> my face could progressively alter in that time.

>

> Lastly I don't think that you're an idiot I was just like you are

now

> when I joined this site and my questions had a never ending list (or

> seemed to). Feel free to ask away.

>

> Kind regards and well wishes,

>

> Kat_uk

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> New and VERY Intimidated

>

> Hello, I'm a soon-to-be orthognathic patient. I have lots of

> questions and I'm hoping to find some answers and maybe a few

people

> to help me not be so nervous! If you'll bear with me, I'll tell

you

> a little about who I am. I had braces at 12 (for the better part

of

> 3 years) and was told then that my teeth would never fit together

> perfectly without having my jaw broken. As I got older, I went to

a

> few other orthodontists, most of which had the same opinion. A

> couple months ago, however, I took my 10 year old daughter to my

> niece's orthodontist and, just for hoots-and-giggles, I had him

> examine my teeth as well. He was very nice and actually took the

> time to explain to me that the reason my jaws needed moving was

> because I had a medical - not a simply cosmetic - condition. I

can't

> tell you how shocked I was to find out that the operation was

covered

> by medical insurance! I was so excited to go talk to the oral

> surgeon! Then reality set in. My orthodontist doesn't think that

I

> need lower surgery - he thinks perhaps he can move my lower jaw

with

> a Herpst(??) appliance. His plan of action is to have my upper jaw

> moved upwards. That just sounds so, well, scary! So, I talked to

> the oral surgeon and he was very nice and honest. He made it sound

> like the surgery that I would be having wasn't too much of a big

> deal. (He also told me that the majority of his patients are

> teenagers and here I am at 36!) So, I started surfing the web to

> find out more and obviously, I ended up here. I haven't noticed

too

> many people here (yes, I browsed the photos - first thing!) that

seem

> to have the same trouble that I do. I have an overbite. A BIG

> overbite. My lower jaw is receeded and I also have a gummy smile.

I

> was hoping to find others who have had the same type of surgery

that

> I'm going to be having. I have all sorts of questions! I've read

> some of the postings here and some are encouraging, but some are

> really giving me cause to pause. If there's anyone out there who

> doesn't mind responding, I would really appreciate it. Here are my

> biggest questions (/fears):

> 1. I am so worried about anesthesia! I have a heart murmur (my

> surgeon knows) and my husband told me that I need to tell him that

I

> have scoliosis, too (although I can't imagine why). I know its

> paranoia, but please tell me people haven't died from this type of

> surgery...

> 2. I'm really not fond of the thought of having a breathing tube,

> either. I guess it has to go in through the nose - is it there

when

> you're awake or just while you're in surgery?

> 3. Speaking of breathing, just how hard IS it after surgery? Does

> it give you any reason to freak out or is it just a nuisance?

> 4. Does anyone know if it's more difficult/painful for lower than

> upper surgery? I feel fortunate that (hopefully) I won't have to

> have the lower surgery and I was led to believe that the upper jaw

is

> a less intrusive and not such a difficult procedure. Is that

really

> so?

> 5. Last, and I know this may sound vain, but what about your

looks?

> In the photos posted, everybody looked great after surgery. But I

> didn't really see many people that looked like they had the same

kind

> of things done that I will (and they didn't say what work they had

> had done). I have a long face (of course, it goes with the

> condition) and I'd love to see it shortened, but at what cost?

I've

> never been a beauty queen, but I can generally pass for

attractive.

> Will I still basically look like me? I've lived with this face for

> 36 years - it would feel so weird looking in the mirror and seeing

a

> stranger!!

> I know that I must sound like a complete idiot, but I'm looking for

> some sort of assurance that I'm not crazy for considering doing

> this. I guess I kind of want someone to tell me that I'm not a

great

> big egomaniac for wanting a better smile at the price of surgery,

> too. I've lived with this face for 36 years and I can eat, talk

and

> get along okay. I feel so vain for wanting to go through all this

> just so (basically) I can look like everyone else. I have been

told

> that my lower jaw can keep recessing, which could make it difficult

> for me to talk and eat (I have a few small problems now), but

there's

> no guarantee that it will get worse. Am I awful for wanting to go

> through surgery to make myself look (and feel) better? I hope

> someone out there will be kind enough to talk with me about this!

> Thanks for listening (well, reading). :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>