The Details.....12 Days to Go!

So I saw my oral surgeon on Monday this past week. It was yet another appointment getting that really gross goop stuck to my teeth to create the models of my teeth and bite. After that, I bit on some wax to create another bite model. After only about 10 minutes of this, my jaw was killing already! I'm am SO ready for this pain to end!

It's been a little while since I've stated the details of what I'm actually having done on my jaw. In 2005/2006 I started experiencing a lot of ear pain, so much it would wake me up at night. I had no idea this was being caused because I clench my teeth and my bite was beginning to change. Throughout the next year, my upper jaw actually started shifting forward and my lower jaw started shifting back. It's odd this didn't start happening when I was a lot younger as it does for most people who need jaw surgery, but mine just started in my early 20's. Because of this shift happening, I started getting daily headaches, jaw pain, singing made me exhausted and talking all day at work of course, didn't help! So, I think I've posted all these details before in an earlier post, the last couple years have been preparation for this upcoming surgery.

My surgery includes upper and lower orthognathic (jaw) surgery and a possible chin implant. My upper jaw is going to be moved up a little closer to my nose, and back farther. My lower jaw is going to be moved up as well and moved forward to match up together nicely.  Then I may get a little implant placed in my chin so it naturally fits my new jaw line etc.

The surgery itself takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I'll be in the hospital for sure for one night, possibly two. No talking for 4 weeks. On a liquid diet for 6 to 8 weeks. Soft food for a few months, and in about 1 to 2 years, I should be completely healed. There's still a long road ahead, but this is the beginning of getting to where I need to be so I'm ready for it! 

I am starting to feel a little nervous for the surgery, it's coming up quick. My surgeon said there is a chance he made need to wire my jaw shut. He said once he goes in, he anticipates my jaw bones are going to be quite thin because of my size, so if it's needed he may need to wire it shut to be sure it heals correctly. This would mean 6 weeks wired shut, which also means I can't talk at all so I am of course praying that isn't necessary!

My biggest challenge right now is making sure I really have everything done at work before I go! I think once I feel I've finished what I need to do, I'll feel a bit less overwhelmed right now. It's having enough energy to get it done with so much to do! But God is definitely giving me strength and the ability to have some restful sleeps (that is once I can turn my mind off and fall  asleep haha).

20 Days To Go!

Well, the time is definitely going fast! I'm getting so excited for my upcoming jaw surgery on June 23rd. Hard to believe I have been waiting two years for this one day and now it's so soon! This has definitely been something that has been on my mind almost non-stop for past two years. Talk about a long journey, lots of frustrating pain, adapting to talking and singing differently, and not feeling so good all around! I know I still have a long way to go until I feel 'normal' but at least the time is coming! 

I feel pretty well prepared for this surgery, I am anticipating learning to be more patient, quiet and restful for a LONG time as I recover. This is certainly a challenge for me most days. Most of you know I do enjoy talking, obviously singing, and eating, of course eating. lol I feel God will be teaching me some good things while I'm off work and recovering, I'm sure He will...I'm interested to see what I learn!

I am so thankful for my amazing sister Jaelyn who is going to take over my job for me while I'm off!

I know you will do an amazing job Jaelyn! You will love the patients, they are so fun and never a dull moment, it's gonna be fun training you! My parents are also coming up from Sask to stay for two weeks. I'm super excited and thankful they are able to come up for this.

I'm taking some time off from leading in worship at Centre Street as well.  My last weekend is June 19/20th. At this point I'm anticipating a minimum of six months off. I really don't know what to expect as far as singing goes. We'll see what happens! That will be a true test for me, but I know God is always faithful and I'll be singing when it's the right time!

I'll be updating this as often as I can...I'm not the most disciplined blogger but once I have my surgery I'm sure I'll have lots of time to blog. I'll be updating the site with pictures for anyone who wants to check in!

Chat with ya soon!

I have a date!

God is always so good!!

December 18th, I head into work, preparing for a crazy non-stop day of mounds of paper work piled up from the previous four days of patients in the office. I only have 6 1/2 hours to get this done so I can be on Christmas holidays! My mind is already done due to the crazy four days prior, this is a normal result after so many days of talking non stop and thinking too much haha.

The first phone call I get is a referral for a patient to come to our office, referred by my oral surgeon's clinic. The second phone call is from the same oral surgeon's office, but different receptionist. This time she's asking for 'Ora-Lee'. I know when ever I receive a call from someone who doesn't say 'Ora' it's usually regarding an appointment for me. So this means nothing to me, although a little funny to have two phone calls back to back from the same office for two totally different things and neither of those ladies realizing they just called the same person.

But, the next thing I hear is,
'We've had a day open up for surgery, it's Wednesday June 23, 2010 and you're booked!'
Oh my goodness!!! This is for real!

Thank you God!!

I was totally prepared for the long haul of waiting and suffering for at least another full year at the minimum, but God is always so good to me, and He knows what I need and I am SO thankful I now have a date, the future is no longer 'on hold' per say, so this is my news!!

I think back to last year at this time, I received the most AMAZING gift from my family at Centre Street. I was overwhelmed by the enormous generosity and love given from all of the beautiful people who gave and helped to support me through this journey! That was the most incredible Christmas gift I have ever received.

This year, my new Christmas gift is this surgery date! It's neat to me how things work out in a certain timing. I know every good gift is from God and I am continually grateful for His love for me and can't wait for this journey to be over!

****Here I go, six more months and recovery begins!

Update!

Wow! Blogging is certainly not one of my strengths. Here is a little summary of what's been going on regarding 'The Jaw' the past few months.

- Wisdom teeth out in April 2009.
- Braces on one week later (I highly recommend waiting longer to have the braces put on once wisdom teeth are out, especially if you get a dry socket and have to sing for a few hours the next day...)
- 8 months of braces, my teeth are nice and straight. After enduring days of throbbing teeth, months (and still continuing) of rips and pain on my cheek gums, things are starting to look up! haha
- Dec 2/09 I had another wire tightening. My orthodontist stated I should be ready to have surgery in about six months. I then contacted the oral surgeon's office and was told I am slated on the waiting list for surgery in the fall of 2010. However, I would be lucky to have surgery that soon with the bookings almost completely filled up. So I was told sometime in 2011 is a lot more likely.

***Continuing to wait...and wait and wait! Patience can always use practice...so I hear.

Wisom Teeth are Out!

I had my wisdom teeth taken out on Friday April 17th.
Everything went simple and smooth as I thought it would. I wasn't too nervous. I went under general anesthetic and didn't experience any sickness after either. I don't usually get too sick from meds so I wasn't anticipating anything other than the usual pain.

It's now Monday and I'm really tired of soft foods. Hard to imagine I'll have to be on a liquid/soft diet for much much longer once I have jaw surgery. But I get to practice being really patient...haha. I'm still in a lot of pain, especially in the morning! My jaw aches a ton but I'm just taking it easy and continuing with medication. I'm quite bored already, I'm not so good at sitting and doing nothing for more than a day. But this is good for me, it was much needed after my crazy schedule the past month.

I'm getting my braces put on this Friday April 24th. I'm hoping it's not too painful since I've got to sing on Saturday (I'm sure I'll pay for that!). But I'm happy the time has finally come so I can get this going! Surgery is still a long way away. At least a year I'm sure. But I'll keep you all updated!