To Stacey from Fran

[Guest guest]

Hi Stacey. Yes it does make it easier to know we're not alone but it

does make it more " real " so to speak. I'm hesitant to post personal

information (and I encourage you not to as well), not because of

members who all seem great but just because we don't know who's

lurking so to speak.

This whole process started August 2002 for me (after about 8 months

of looking for the right doctor/surgeon team). One month getting set

for a palate expander, surgery for that in September 02, lower

braces in November and upper on Valentine's Day 2003. So just about

18 months as well.

I have my own company and have been out of school for longer than I

was in it so my biggest non-surgery prep has been getting my clients

ready for me not to be around.

I find that if I make jokes about it, they get more comfortable. I

have one that I threaten if he's not nice to me I'll schedule a

meeting while I'm still in the " scary to young children phase " .

Others have been taking me out for so-called last meals. It's

helpful to keep a light-hearted sense to it. I only get serious

and, frankly, nervous, when I face it which is what I do on this

site.

Keep in mind nothing can be as bad as we imagine and just give the

people in your life tasks and times to help and they'll come

through. Whether it's to have them cook, visit, rent videos,

entertain your mom (or caretaker)...partner them up and it should

help.

Do you know yet if you're being wired or banded?

Fran

PS: It's 11 am now. I think we're six hours apart.

> --- Hiya,

> Yeah that sounds really cool, its so nice to know im not

in

> this alone. how long have you had your braces on for? Ive had mine

> for 18 months. I will just be so glad to get this operation done

as i

> feel i need to do it now in order to move on with my life.

> Are you at college or do you work etc. I was studying at

university

> but unfortunately have had to withdraw from the course as they

told

> me if i missed more than 2 weeks of lectures then i would fail my

> first year so i figured it was best just to leave and concentrate

on

> making a full recovery.

>

> As for the time difference im not sure. it have two in the

afternoon

> here now.

>

> hope 2 hear from u soon

>

> stace