Wow

So, I had another person contact me today through Facebook regarding jaw surgery after finding my blog. I thought, dang, how are so many people finding this blog? So, I Googled "jaw surgery blog" and this one comes up first on the list! I know it sounds lame, but I thought it was AWESOME!

Comparison

My new driver's license finally came in. I think the top picture was taken at least seven years ago (definitely prior to all the jaw surgery/braces). I still can't believe the difference (or the hairdo I was sporting back then...ugh)!

Confusion at the driver's license office

So, this year I could have renewed my driver's license online but my picture is at least 7 years old. I needed a new pic with my new face on it! I forgot how much I loathe the DPS office. No matter what time of day, what day of the week it is, it is packed. It took an hour (which was suprisingly fast) to get mine done. First off, I didn't see the last numbers on the vision test. The guy passed me anyway since they were close (I said 6 and it was a 8). However, it was a lot blurrier than I admitted to so I REALLY need to get my eyes checked. Then, he asked my all my documents (my insurance, my social security card, and my old driver's license). He looked at my old license, looked at me, looked at the license, and looked at me with a really puzzled face. I asked if something was wrong and he said, "you look totally different, what did you do to your face?" He quickly said he wasn't being rude but that it looked like a completely different person in my license. I smiled and just told him a got a new one. I guess I forget sometimes what a big change my surgery made...for the better of course!

p.s. in addition to my post about my hair falling out awhile ago, its finally coming back. I just wanted to reassure anyone that reads this with the same problem. My hairdresser said it was tons better than the last time I saw him six weeks ago.

One more update

I know I keep saying that every post is my last. But, I also said I'd have to post when big things happen. Well, it did. After five years of dating, Clay proposed last Thursday. I had my doubts it would ever happen and was completely caught off guard. I can't wait to get the setting we picked out done and couldn't be happier.

Update

After seeing my dermotologist, she agreed that it was the stress on my body from the surgery that caused my hair to fall out. Dude, they should really put that in the pre-op notes! She told me that the Nioxin wasn't that effective and it would just take time. She thinks it will take a whole year for my hair to recover. Ugh. So, I think I'm going to chop it off the next time I get my hair cut just to make it lighter. I might even get some hi-lights again. This natural hair color thing is BORING!
So, for now I just keep taking all my vitamins and fish/flax oil. I can see new growth so I'm too freaked out. It is pretty scary for someone with thick hair have it come out by the handfuls...especially a girl! The falling out has slowed, so its just a matter of it growing back.

On another note...I suggest anyone who has any exposure to the sun to get a mole check. She found one mole that I have to get removed and two others that she's going to watch. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Hair today, gone tmmw

I know my last post was the "farewell" but I have something else to share. The past couple of months, I've noticed my hair falling out A LOT more than normal. It didn't really bother me at first, but it hasn't stopped. I went to my hairdresser last night (who I haven't seen in three months) and he noticed a big change. He mentioned this and I've read it on several websites that patients might experience a dramatic change in hair loss 3-6 months after a major surgery. WHAT?! So, I'm not bald, but it is a lot thinner than I'm used to. He did say that he could see new growth, so it wasn't anything permanent. He suggested doing two 60 day cycles of Nioxin and to schedule an appointment with a dermotologist just to make sure it isn't anything like a thyroid problem or anemia. Just when I thought all this surgery stuff was over! I've also stopped using shampoos with sodium laurel sulfate (which is in most shampoos) since it is really harsh on hair. I also had him color my hair back to my natural color for the first time since I was in seventh grade! No more blonde for now. I think a rest from hi-lights will do some good too. Just thought some of you might have had this happen to you.

It's coming to an end

Well, after my little bit of bonding on Wednesday, that's it. I'm finally done. I've had my braces off for almost two weeks and I couldn't be happier with the results. For all you fellow bloggers, thank you for always answering my questions and being so supportive. For those of you that have just stumbled upon this blog, I hope you find answers to any questions as well as a positive outlook on this surgery. It has truly changed my life. I no longer have to worry about not showing too much gum in pictures or having my face look twice as long as everyone else. I can smile and feel so much more confident than before. My sister even jokes that we finally look related. The best advice I can give is to find an orthodonist and surgeon that you trust and that communicate well not only with you, but with each other. If you don't feel good about the first surgeon you see, go see another one! I knew after meeting Dr. Q (who was actually and great referral from Dr. Kunik) that he was the right surgeon. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Dr. Kunik and his staff were always so caring and they never had me leave after an adjustment wishing that my braces were tighter. They were able to move my bottom teeth enough that I got out of lower jaw surgery and my teeth were in place for surgery after only nine months. Dr. Q is the best at what he does. We went over the surgery over and over until all my questions were answered. He explained everything to my boyfriend and mom so they felt at ease (or close to it). Every surgery is different, every recovery is different. Mine was easy and not all are, but the results are life changing and worth every penny. If you are worried about the surgery, the recovery, the diet...keep in mind that this is only a flash time of your life and when it's over, you'll be so glad you did it. Plus, smoothies are pretty good and post-surgery weight loss isn't too bad either. So, I hope to stay in touch with all the bloggers. If any of you newbies have questions, please feel free to email or message me on Facebook. Good luck to all of you!