New Supplements to Aid in Recovery

Recovery from jaw surgery is tough.  Your diet is limited, your overall nutrition is lacking, and the frustration of trying to get well can be a little on the challenging side.  I found a new line of supplements that I wish were around when I was in the healing stage!  These are perfect for patients that are banded/wired shut and need a good way to make sure they are getting optimum nutrition.  Smoothies and shakes are great, but the Bio Source Essentials liquid vitamin is a complete and pharmaceutical grade supplement that gives you everything you need.  I'm also in love with the Super Greens!  Berry is my favorite flavor, but it is also available in Strawberry Kiwi and Chocolate.  Just add a scoop to a glass of water or mix it in your smoothie.  You'll get the amount of antioxidants found in 45 servings of fruit and vegetables.  It will aid in repair, recovery, digestion (which can be a difficult when you start back on solid foods), and much more.  If you are having difficulty sleeping, having anxiety during the recovery process, or just need a little help relaxing, give the Calming Cream a try.  It will settle you right down and let you rest. 
All of these products can be found on the MaxTotalHealth site here

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!

I'm free!

So, I got my braces off on Tuesday morning. It feels great!! I got to throw out all my bands, wax, food picks, super floss, and floss threaders. I have a feeling I'll be finding the bands in random places for awhile. I always seem to have at least a couple floating around somewhere. They are so sweet at Dr. Kunik's office. I was surprised with a cake, flowers, coffee/coffee thermos, and another cool t-shirt. It was like I won the orthodontic lottery or something! From there I went on to Dr. McCarty's office for my gum recontouring. I wasn't expecting to have so many shots in my gums! It took about an hour and made a huge difference. I'll take a close up this weekend when they aren't so red. I still have to go back on the 17th to get a little bonding on one of my front teeth. I also got to see my x-ray today with all my hardware. Here are before and after shots:


BEFORE:















AFTER:














I couldn't believe how much that tooth on the top right of the x-ray came down and how deep the anchor for that implant is!! I'll post more pics after my night out on the town with some friends this weekend.

So close, yet so far

I went in for my last check before de-bracing just to make sure it all looked okay. I had almost convinced myself that he would look and say, yup they are great and take them off. That didn't happen. This will be the longest week ever! Only about six days to go. I also scheduled my gum recontouring for the same day so I'll have big, naked teeth in no time!

I wish you all and your families I happy Thanksgiving. May you all have a safe holiday.

Almost a brace free Turkey Day

I was really hoping that my braces would be off in time to rip through some corn on the cob for Thanksgiving, but its not going to happen. No biggie, there is one tooth that needs to come down just a bit more to close the bite all the way. I did get my permanent retainer put in on the bottom so my teeth are double wired. I've got a new band on the left and hopefully that will do it. I go back in two weeks for a quick check and then I get my braces off on December 2!! Only three weeks to go! At least I'll have them off in time for the office Christmas party.

Other good news

I have finally gotten all my bills straigtened out with the insurance company! I will be getting a reimbursement from Dr. Quaroni's office that will be used to pay the anesthesiologist and the hospital. Dr. Q's office was so quick to issue the payment once we talked it over with one of the ladies at my insurance company. I feel so much better. That is a huge relief!

On a side note: According to my representative at United Healthcare, none of the providers are supposed to collect the deductible or out of pocket maximum prior to submitting their claim to the insurance company if they are "in network". That way, claims get paid as they are submitted and you don't have to worry about getting a reimbursement to pay providers whose claims were processed first. I'm sure all insurance companies are different, but it would be a good question to ask your insurance or human resources contact before you make any kind of payment!

Still getting there...

I was so excited to go to the orthodontist this morning with hopes of making molds for my retainers. However, I was shot down. My midlines are still off so I got a band on the right side this time that I'll wear 24 hrs a day to see if that does the trick. The bottoms are great and the mold was done for permanent retainer. These dang top teeth are just being boogers. So, I go back in three short weeks and will try again. Keep your fingers crossed. If all goes well then, it looks like a brace free Thanksgiving.

Getting there!

I saw Dr. Kunik today. It seems as though that really awesome band that I've had to wear across the front for the last five weeks worked. My midlines are lined up perfectly. So, now I just have to wear it at night to keep things that way. I'll have to go back to wearing it during the day if I notice that its slipping. Other than that, I just have one heavy band on the left side in triangle formation to get my teeth to touch a little more. I go back on October 20. If things look good, then they will take molds for my retainer and I'll get these things off two weeks after that. That would put me right at four months post op. Not too shabby. Just in time for the holiday parties!! So, I'm back to the countdown clock. Tentative de-bracing...t-minus six weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that my teeth comply with that!

Back to Dr. McCarty

I saw my general/cosmetic dentist Dr. McCarty yesterday. I haven't seen him since my first appt when I asked the question that started the downward spiral..."do you think you could do something to reduce my gums?". Oh, if I only knew how loaded that question would be. He told me that he strongly recommended braces because of my crossbite and narrow mouth. That's when I went to see my ortho Dr. Kunik who informed me that I needed jaw surgery. Ha, all because I hated how much gumminess I saw when I smiled. Anyway, yesterday's appt was meant to be for taking the mold for my crown/implant. However, it wasn't so easy to do since I still have my braces on. After some consideration, he decided to put in a temporary crown and then have me come back when the braces are off so he can do a proper mold and get one made with a perfect fit. The temporary is great and its nice to have that gap finally filled in. He also wanted me to wait since I will definitely need some whitening done after de-bracing and wants the crown color to match the new whiteness. There is also the issue with my tooth that sits between my front big tooth and canine on the right side (#7). It is really small from being squished for so long. Anyway, there is quite a bit of space around it right now since it where its supposed to be but not big enough to fill the space. Dr. McCarty told me that if he put a veneer on it the way it was, it would like a Chiclet stuck to my tooth. Even though I had 6mm removed from the top during surgery, I still have quite a bit of gum covering up my teeth. He suggested that I have laser contouring done to remove more of the gum to show more teeth. The teeth would then be elongated and would balance out the wide space. I'm so ready for all this to be over, but I think that would really be the icing on the cake. I don't think it hurts that bad and it definitely couldn't be worse than anything else I've had done, so I'm all for it. Here's an example of it:

Also, I have to apologize for my lack of blogging. Things aren't very interesting once you get past the hard part of surgery and recovery. It's basically a waiting game for the feeling to come back in your gums and for your braces to come off. Life has been pretty quiet except for the new puppy. Ruby is a handful but her and Bruiser are best of friends now. Bruiser didn't win the Austin Boston Terrier contest but thank you to all that voted for him. I must say that winner was ugly, but oh well! We are all bracing for Hurricane Ike here in Texas. Austin isn't going to get that much weather out of it but we are being flooded with evacuees. Please keep all those near the coast in your prayers. I can't imagine what those families are going through. I hope you all have a great weekend and I promise to take new pics!

Bruiser got a sister!

Here is Bruiser's new sister, Ruby Tuesday. She is an 8 week old brindle French Bulldog with ears that look like she can receive radio waves. I think she'll grow in them. Bruiser's not too sure about sharing his momma's attention, but they already love playing together. Hopefully, they'll wear each other out. Oh the puppy phase again, time to hide the shoes!
p.s. Bruiser is doing pretty well on the Boston Terrier contest. If you ever have time, you can vote more than once. Thanks for all of you that have already voted for him. We'll keep our fingers (and paws) crossed.

Vote for Bruiser!!

Hey All,
This month is Boston Terrier month on the Austin American Statesman dog contest. As of right now, Bruiser’s pics start around number 109 and go to around #116. That may change as more people upload pictures of their dogs. He is way cuter than those other Bostons! (I might be a little biased). Please give him your vote!

The link is below...

http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/interactive/hotnot_best_boston_terrier/index.html

Thank you!!
Rachel

One woman, two faces

This is the first time I put a before and after pic side by side to really see the difference. Wow! Its so weird! My face is so much shorter and my teeth and smile are so much WIDER! The picture on the left is not very gummy because over the years, I got really good at keeping it under control. The pic on the right is me smiling as wide as I can and you can't see them at all! I saw Dr. Kunik (ortho) today and got a quite interesting band configuration. I've been really worried that my midlines haven't been lining up. I guess that's the OCD in me. I want them to be spot on. So now I have a really sweet band that goes diagonally across the front. I asked him the question he knew was coming. So...how much longer will I have these babies on? He said he would like to do another adjustment next month and see how things are going. He thinks that I can do one adjustment in September, one in October, and then get them off completely in November!! Yeah! Just in time for holiday parties, Christmas, and New Years Eve!! That would be FANTASTIC. I'm going to wear these stinking bands all day unless I'm eating. No pain, no gain and at this point it means the difference between taking pics at the office Christmas party with a blinding gleam coming from my teeth or to be feeling great with my new smile in a cute party dress. I'm going to call the dentist and see how long he thinks I need to heal in order to have my implant done. I would love to have a day of teeth that includes getting my braces off, having my implant done, and doing any bonding/veneering on my two small front teeth (and whitening at this point). My teeth look so dingy to me, but I can't really do anything about it except keep brushing. Normally, I would bust out the Crest White Strips, but those aren't quite made for braces. Someone should definitely invent whitening for us metal mouths! So, hopefully I only have three months or less left to go.

A little help from Uncle Sam

I did a little searching after my last post. All medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income can be written off on your taxes. This includes all dental procedures, braces, your portion of surgical expenses, and even mileage to and from doctor's appointments. Here is the link to the IRS website section regarding these deductions. Just thought it might be a good piece of info for you guys:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf
It looks like this will be my first year to actually use an accountant!

In my next life...

So, I'm not as lucky as Michelle V. No big check from my insurance is coming this way. After a nice weekend in Arkansas, I came home to my first collection of bills from various medical offices. I have decided that in my next life, I'll own a surgical center. You wouldn't have to worry about the emergency room woes, everything is pre-approved before the patient arrives, and its privately owned. I guess that's why they can charge so much to my insurance. The hospital alone was over $33K! I know its difficult for them to show that I've already paid my deductible and my max out of pocket, but that was over a month ago that I made that payment to my oral surgeon's office. I freaked out when I received another bill from my anthesiologist's office that said I owed another $1400. I checked my insurance carrier's website and it stated that the claim had been processed and that it was owed. However, is also showed that I hadn't made any payments yet. Go figure, they are behind on showing the money you've shelled out, but they're very quick to tell you that you owe more money. I called my insurance and the anthesiologist. I got a statement from the surgeon to show that I made a payment large enough to cover my part. Thank goodness that all my doctors have really nice and helpful office staff. Even though I hate the hoops that insurance makes you jump through, I'm sure glad I have it. There is no way I could ever afford to have this done without it. I still haven't seen all the charges, but so far, my insurance has had close to $58,000 submitted to them in claims! I also found out that I can write off my portion of medical expenses on next year's taxes. I believe braces can be written off too as a deduction. That should be a huge help on next year's tax return!

p.s. lots of new pics will be taken this week with my co-workers b-day bash tomorrow and the dog party that Bruiser and I will be attending this weekend. Sorry I've been behind with the pics, its just been a little nuts lately.