I'M BRACE FREE AND SOO FRACKING HAPPY!

So here we are, it's over, finally! I almost can't believe it. I'm just so so happy...

I'll shake off the euphoria just so I can tell you how de-bracing went.

 I was still terrified, expecting the worst which would be being told I can't have them removed that day. I wore my elastics in the car and took them off last minute so that my teeth would be in the right position for sure, and when Dr  Shaarh said 'Shall we take them off then?' I almost cried as I nodded a reply as his hand was still in my mouth.

DE-BRACING HURTS

I wasn't expecting this to be honest, I thought, they would use that solution which disolves the glue, they used it to clean up my mouth when they first fitted the braces to removed excess glue, but no, they just PULLED.

My god it hurt. and then came the scrapping of the glue! very painful on sensitive teeth but I just screwed up my eyes and grasped my hands together in my lap and it was eventually over. Felt like hours but honestly took about an hour and that was with impressions made too.

RETAINER 

As soon as they'd scraped the glue off and I'd had a quick look in the mirror, they took 4 impressions of my teeth - two top two bottom. Then it was off home, until half 4 when I#d go back to retrieve my retainers. 

I was praying I would have the hard plastic type that you only have to wear at night.

Everything had gone my way that day :P

These are clear plastic, and just to worn at night every night for the first year, then every other day after that. I have to remember to buy some retainer brite to clean them with, otherwise soapy COLD water is fine (not hot as they will melt and they're only going to replace them within the first year, after that I have to pay at a dentist!) I got to chose this nice pink box too :)

I'm all moved in to my new place for uni now, living with Tom and 3 others, I'll take some photos soon and show you my room. I'm so so grateful that my braces were removed just in time for freshers' week to start! I haev the choice to tell people I meet from here on out that I had my surgery or not. Cause theres no way to know, and I like that, I look normal. 

This was the last photo taken with braces, and as happy as I was in that photo, I'm certainly more complete, more content with myself in the next few :)

So there you go, I'm pretty much done here, I'll be having a check up in 3 months, and then this time next year a meeting with my surgeon to see how I'm getting on and then I'm not going to see them again - I bought them a thank you card lol.

I'll post relevant things soon and let you know about numbness and other jaw related things, and I'm always looking at your progress - it makes me happy to see everyone getting on so well.

But for now, I'm gonna focus on smiling and going out and building back some of that confidence I've been missing all these years!

See you soon 

x

Day 25 - BRACES ARE COMING OFF IN 27 DAYS!?!

Just a quick post - I start back at work tomorrow morning and I'm stressing like crazy at how I'm gonna manage to afford to move in to my house in 3 weeks for uni as I've been denied sick pay! I know it's ridiculous after they told me weeks ago I was eligable. Now I gotta try and claim it from the Job Center. Effort.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

I got a phone call from the hospital as a reminder about my appointment. ''I said, yeah the 13th? I know''. They said ''No no, on the 5th of September in the Dental department!!!''

So I think this is it! I will (not to tempt fate) be brace free in 27 days!!!

I hope everything goes to plan, I need to start wearing my elastics better - I've been leaving them off for hours at a time after I've eaten...tut tut!

It's so great to see bloggers finally having a surgery count down - I'm so excited for all of you!

Right, time for bed, my next post will be my first before and after pics, as I feel I'm looking alright with the swelling! 

Night Night x

Day 19...I missed like, 7 whole days!

Woahhh it seems I've missed a few days huh!

Well, I went to Peterborough For a few days for Toms Birthday, and didn't have my laptop so I couldn't blog and it's useless using the app on my phone. But I'm here now! with a bunch of pictures and some awesome news!

I'm getting my braces off in less than a month!!!

I had my appointment yesterday, to see how my teeth are coming along with using the elastics. They're so annoying - they snap when I'm eating and fly off in all directions so I started just taking them off to eat and clean my teeth, otherwise the two are very difficult tasks.

I honestly thought I wouldn't have done a very good job with them, considering how many I broke and how many hours I spent with out them in! But it's good all round really, he says there's just one small gap on my right back teeth that needs closing so I can bite better, but they all keep saying they can't believe how well I've recovered, and that they'd have never guessed I'd had surgery 18 days ago. He says he told me originally I'd have my braces off in 9 months minimum cause he honestly thought it would take that long, but he says they're ready so it's the best news ever - I'll be moving to my new shared house, and starting my 1st year of uni with no metal in my face besides my piercings!

All my bruising has gone, and I have next to no tenderness to touch, and no pain at all in the mornings - I've been off pain killers for a week now, just took a few when I first started wearing my elastics as they hurt so bad - like when we first start braces treatment and have to wear spacers, that kind of claustrophobic pain. But that's gone now, and I only have to wear my elastics a little longer as I have an appointment on the 13th August with my ortho and my surgeon - probably to discuss getting my braces off and to make plans for a retainer and such. I also had some Xrays taken but I'm assuming all is fine and nothing has moved or broken in my face as I feel fine and they hadn't contacted me.

I still have some swelling as you'll see in the photos, but I feel great and have started being able to chew other foods - still no luck with vegetables as they don't seem to grind up lol but its going well! And I've tried to be good and stick to my diet as I'd lost over a stone in the first few weeks, which has managed to stay off - I'm gonna start exercising as soon as I can.

Numbness is still there - feeling is coming back very gradually. I can feel all of one side of my bottom lip, and next to nothing of the other, and my chin is still pretty numb - not numb enough that my spots don't hurt though!

My stitches were driving me crazy as they were really long and got in the way when I ate, so I trimmed them down, and now they're falling out anyway which means I'm almost healed inside. My gums at the back feel pretty gross and lumpy but hey, I'm not complaining as they're not hurting me!

All in all, I'll still say it - It's been no where near as bad as I thought it would be!

But I know that everyone is different, and everyone recovers at different rates, and I also know that only having one jaw done as opposed to the double jaw surgery I was originally going to have makes a huge difference in terms of swelling and bruising etc.

So there you go, not a lot has happened - unlike Natasha! with your new house! That's brilliant! xxx

Keep blogging - I love reading about how you're all getting on! 

Swelling on my left is still very annoying as it doesn't help my face look symmetrical! But I know that it is now cause I can feel it :)

Still so so happy, and still believe it's all been worth it!

14 days to go!!!

So this time tomorrow, surgery will be over with- or maybe I'll still be under the knife, I'm not really sure how long its gonna take, but I have one last appointment come though with my surgeon for this Thursday 4th July where he will make any final adjustments and answer any last questions  I have, like how long will it take etc.

So, this is pretty trivial, but if any of you have seen my previous irrelevant posts, you'll know I love piercings. I have 19 of them, and worry about a few which I feel will heal up fast if left out - I have to practically re-pierce my nose if I forget to put it back in after work! I might be stating the obvious, but I don't think they'll even let me keep in plastic retainers whilst I'm in surgery - I know its for my own safety, and I'm sure I'll have better things to worry about, but when I come to, the first thing I'll wanna do is put my piercings back in!

I'm getting pretty nervous right now...I'm probably driving my family and friends crazy as I'm always talking about it. My boyfriend is being great about it too - he wants to come down immediately after I'm out of surgery, but I hate feeling vulnerable and I'm gonna look and feel like shiiiite so I don't know about that yet.

Bottom line is, I can't wait!

I'll post on thursday and tell you all what my surgeon has to say :)

Have a good week!

x

It's Very Very Real Now!!

I love getting mail, especially when it consists of letters telling me the time of my surgery!

First letter was titled notification of pre-admission, and is a pre-operative assessment for 9th July.

My actual surgery letter is 15th July at 7am. I'm instructed not to eat anything after midnight and drink only water up to 7am.

Both the assessment and the surgery are performed at my local hospital which is a 10 minute walk so I won't be travelling miles to the Manor Hospital where I've been treated so far, until after surgery where hes requested I see him every Friday for at least 6 weeks.

I'm so excited I just want to get on with it. I'm really scared I'll have terrible luck and get sick before hand! I can't afford to have this postponed so I'm gonna really look after myself!

It's so close I finally feel relief :)

Surgery prep begins!!! :D

Good Afternoon, you beautiful braced-bloggers!

I'm in a significantly amazing mood as I came home yesterday to find a letter containing my next appointment which will consist of a bunch of pre-op preperations!

I think I am getting my surgical braces on (YAY) I just wish I could still have my pink rubber bands on!

I know for sure that I'm getting more X-rays and impressions made to create a 3D 'Wafer' or whatever that is.

And I will find out for SURE if July 15th is my date :)

I see you're all coming along so well! post opps- you're healing nicely and looking great! and those of you like me know its not too far away now! 

So, Friday 31st May I will update you as soon as I leave the hospital!


Speak to you soon!

Coming out of Hibernation

[ Corrinne! I hope you're alright, your braces look awesome btw. We gotta catch up when your hectic-ness has settled :) ]

Wow, seriously, I've been away from you guys so long, you've all come such a long way in a few months - I'm extremely jealous by the way!

So, as you know, I've been absent for a while, mainly because I was literally waiting for my meeting with my surgeon which was so far away, and I didn't want to bore you guys with my day-to-day life.

But, at last! It's here! I have a meeting with my surgeon tomorrow, and I swear to god, if he doesn't give me a damn good reason why I've not been seen since January, I'm gonna punch him in the throat.

Hopefully I will get a surgery date, but I've learnt not to be too optimistic - but I'm gonna tell him how it is, how disappointed and miserable I've been, having to wait so damn long.

So, as soon as I leave his office I will update you all immediately :)

In other news, I have a new boyfriend ^_^ I'm very very happy. And he's so understanding with my surgery - he even wants to come look after me when I'm post op - I said hell no - let me recover in peace and then come out with my shiny new face when I'm all healed up :)

So wish me luck! You've all been so busy with your braces - I gotta catch up!

Night guys!  

So, I've been laying-low for a while...

I didn't write anything about this cause I just didn't want to post another depressing, moaning story and bum you guys all out!

But yeah, literally straight after I told you guys how I was gonna get an earlier appointment and that my surgeon wanted to see me soon, I got a call from his secretary saying he can't. So I must stick to my original joint-clinic appointment which isn't until May.

I felt so low, I cried on the way home on the train. And for the first time ever, I thought,

'I wish I'd never began this whole process.'

But of course, as soon as I thought it, I removed it from my mind because this is what I wanted, and I have to accept that it comes with is downsides.
But, its been over a week now, and I'm just accepting it as there's nothing else I can do!

Except wait and wait.....

You're all cheering me up with your amazing progress though... 

I'm not at all resentful and bitter at all.... haha! No really I love the vibes that come from a positive post. We seem to bounce of each other and it feels good. So here's a happier post. ish.

So I'm not gonna be in recovery as soon as I though. Big deal. the main thing is, it's gonna happen. and I've decided to stop waiting around for it - I can't put my life on hold!! I've booked tickets for a bunch of gigs which I was hesitant about incase it fell on my surgery lol! So I'm seeing Ill Nino this week, and Killswitch Engage in a few and I'm gona head of to a few theme parks and.....

Anyway you get the point :)

Hope you're all having a good Easter, And don't tell your ortho's you're munchin' on all that chocolate!!! x

Things are coming together

First off, congratulations, Esmerelda on your surgery! All our love with you, and hope you feel okay! xx

Finally some good news! 
So after being concerned at how far away the appointment for the joint clinic was (May 2nd!) I called my surgeons secretary at the hospital where I will be having surgery and explained to her that no one was giving me any information and I didn't know what to do. 

She was a lovely lady, and told me she'd go find my surgeon and find out whats going on and get back to me Monday. She then called back after just an hour and told me that my surgeon said he has no idea why my orthodontic hospital would set an appointment so late, and that he's told them to send over my files and he will see me before the end of the month with a bit of luck!

This is just the bit of positivity I needed to get through this week. 
I hate to be 'that' patient who calls every week, but hell, it worked!

Good night guys!

Goodbye, blonde! Needed a change to celebrate my good news 

Could it be...?

Good evening, or, if you're here in the UK with me, good (early) morning! I've just finished work and thought I'd let you know how my appointment went.

[SOS brace appointment to sort out the gap which had formed]

So I had my 'favorite' locum orthodontist, and okay, I will actually admit he was nice to me last week, and I think there's a mutual agreement to surrender any grudges and misconceptions which we may have had for each other - or maybe its cause we both know we'll never have to see each other again! aha!

But on an amazing note, after he sorted the gap, by adding 2 elastics either side of my bottom teeth, my mom asked him if he had any idea when my surgery would be (she wants to book a holiday....) and he looked surprised and said, 'oh, haven't you received your joint clinic date yet? because your surgery is all planned here (gestures to my file)' 

I was like, No. Fracking. Way.

This means, that my surgeon has put in to writing/drawing/whatever, what I am having done! I don't know what this plan is yet, but its real! and its there! and its going to happen! I'm litterally just waiting for a meeting with him, so he can share this with me - I have a good feeling that it has been posted to me and I will receive this next week. so...

I could be having surgery this month?!?

I'm feeling good about this - I'm confident, and optimistic and I just know it won't be much longer, I mean, my teeth are done now, so they can't keep them in this limbo of not moving much longer! This is such a better feeling than last week, and I promise, even if I get let down again, I'll stay positive cause you guys really know how to help keep me going - I need to get my ass in to gear and do the same for you!

So for all you Brace bloggers, who, like me, are quickly approaching the 2 year mark...

Hang in there, it's gonna get better, I promise!

(I Was so happy, I went for a walk and smiled to myself whilst listening to some very positive music :) )

FYI - I never did find out what was causing the blood/metallic taste, and Google says a common cause is pregnancy, but I'm ruling that one out as I appear to be missing one key act for this to be a possibility... >.<

Pessimism/ Tasting Blood?

For the past few days now I can taste that distinctive metallic taste of blood, specifically to the one side of my mouth, the left. I have no cuts, sores, and I feel fine, I haven't had a nose bleed, nor do I feel I'm going to have one, so I really have no idea why this is - its very annoying!

Unrelated (I think) I may have chipped one of my molars which has the bracket around it, coincidentally also on the left, as the middle of my tooth feels rough since I was munching on some sherbet pips (totally worth it!) - but there is no pain, no sensitivity, so I'm writing this off to not being connected to the blood-taste.

I'm still borderline concerned about the taste...I will mention it on Thursday at my SOS brace appointment with Mr Clumsy-Hands-Locum (joy!). I'm also prepared for him to tell me there is no gap and that I've wasted an appointment slot, but I know I'm doing the right thing.

So here's a few photos, just to show I'm not seeing things - there IS a gap which has decided to squeeze its way in, which hasn't been there for a long time, from early last year to now. 

Enjoy!

27th April 2012 - GAP (and when I still had hope for surgery in 2012)

24th January 2013 - NO GAP (Surgery in February??)

Tonight - GAP (All hope is gone...)

General Face Update

I'm not even sure which is my 'good side' today..

(It's meant to be this one btw) 

          

What would I do without you guys? :)

 [Corrinne & Cassie, Thank you both for your words, you've snapped me out of my selfish mind set that day!] 

Hey! sorry for the late reply (but not really cause I had the best night ever, but that's for another time ;p)

As you know by my recent rant that I'm not happy with the speed in which things are going at the moment and feel I'm being strung along!

I called up and explained to them what the problem is and why I'm concerned. They then got the locum doctor to call me back, and he said he's happy to NOT see me (you and me both, pal) but I insisted that the gap I had before was less than this when they told me it had postponed my surgery! so I'm scheduled another SOS brace appointment for next Thursday at 9.10am.

Apparently I'm still on the waiting list for the joint clinic to see my surgeon, and they don't have an answer for how long this could take. But in the mean time, I'm just gonna keep holding on to all of your kind words of encouragement and just know that I'm not alone!!!

I seriously don't know where I'd be without this blog, without you guys, and I know we're all doing this for our own reasons, but we're all going through pretty much the same crap each day in the hope to achieve this. When I look on the bright side, yes, these past 2 years have gone quickly in some respect, but there's still a damn long road ahead.

Be well! 

I'm ready? Lets go then!

Right, lets blast through this!

Appointment today:

• 1pm - Impressions - I didn't choke this time (yay) but my ortho (another locum) had the stupidest idea of taking my impressions BEFORE removing my wires which meant I then had to lie there, gagging on the bits of rubber which fell from wires as he removed them... I was not a happy bunny.

Waiting 

• 4pm - Impression review - They have told me that my teeth are done, I repeat DONE needing any adjustments and that I won't need any more orthodontic treatment. The casts of my teeth fit perfectly into the predicted post-surgery position and for now, I have been fitted with some thin wiring to prevent any further movement.

Waiting

• 4.35pm - Xrays - I had 2 xrays taken and then was called back to compare them with my original xrays - I'm told that everything is fine and I'm still just having my lower jaw operated on, as opposed to double - this again was offered to me today, but I just want to finish this - it would take another years worth of orthodontics to get my upper teeth ready for surgery!!!
• 5pm - Photographs - I had my photographs taken at very specific angles (45* 90* etc) and then profiles before I had to have those horrible plastic things in my mouth, stretching out my lips for some up close photography.

SUMMERY!!!

I am done with the ortho department - I am now waiting for my appointment to come through at the Joint clinic where I will once again meet my surgeon and discuss the plans for my face.

Although I'm feeling positive now, I was devastated at first, as this appointment could reach me as late as March - a month after my last surgery date 'prediction' (I wish they wouldn't give me any more estimates as its too heartbreaking when the date passes and it doesn't happen!!) But it could also be a lot earlier. 

I don't know. 

What I do know is that there will be no more wondering if my teeth are going to be ready this time - that parts over. I will know a surgery date soon enough, and until then I'm gonna try try try to focus on anything but surgery.... yeah like that will happen right?

I'll do some nice toothy-photo updates tomorrow - I just attempted to eat a bonbon and its not a pretty sight!

Good night, my bracey-bloggers! :)

'SOS' Brace Appointment

Hey so after being unable to get in at the emergency dentist over the weekend to get the wire which had slipped in to my gum cut down, I spent 2 days in agony. 

I finally managed to get in at the hospital to see a locum orthodontist at 12.20pm yesterday. I already had a hospital appointment at a different hospital at 10.15am to see a consultant about the tinitis in my ear.

They are miles apart so it was a push to make them both. I waited over 2 hours at the tinitis appointment and still hadn't been seen, so I had to leave and ask to be rescheduled. what a waste of time.

I made it to my SOS brace appointment just in time, and was seen by the same nice ortho/surgeon as last time. he changed my braces and also let me know that .....

THERE'S NO MORE ADJUSTMENTS TO MAKE!!!

I have a double appointment booked for the 16th!! 1.30pm for my impressions to be taken, then back at 4pm to get the results and decision from my surgeon!!! I'm so excited, its given me that little boost to stay positive, and I really hope its still ready for February like they said.

Happy New Year, Guys! :)

Face update - 1 year 10 months with braces

In march I will have had these braces for 2 years, and lately, my tolerance for them is wearing thin.

Its the little things that annoy me now, silly things which aren't a big deal. Its the way people treat me, and don't understand - I do explain why they're necessary to the surgery, but most of the time I get 'Oh when I had braces it was a piece of cake...they were off within 6 months...' I'm like, yes well this is different... but they don't get my frustration!

[In the convenience store]

Shop assistant - 'Do you have any ID for that?'

Me - 'Yes, I'm 21, and this is a scratch card...'

[At work on break]

Me - 'can I have a knife and fork, please?'

Manager - 'why? you're eating a sandwich.'

Me - 'I know but its easier on account of my braces..'

Manager - 'Lol, You're so weird, haven't you had those braces for like, forever?'

Me - '....forget it.'

[My local pub]

Me - 'Hey, I'll have half a cider please'

Bartender - 'Okay can I see some ID?'

Me - *Shows ID* 'I'm 21, and you went to school with me!!!'

Bartender - 'Oh well its cause of the braces...'

[Flirting with hot guy]

Hot guy - 'Erm...I really like you Sophie, but I think you're a little young for me, maybe if you were a little older..'

Me - 'I'm 21!!!'

Hot guy - 'Oh really? You know I wouldn't have guessed, you don't expect someone your age to still have braces!'

Me - 'I don't still have braces, I - ...never mind.'

I know I'm being excessive here, but I think I'm just bitter from being postponed.

END OF RANT - Back to braces!

With my hair straight you can really see the shape of my face.

My teeth alignment hasn't really changed much, I think thats why I'm getting so wound up - nothing is changing!

This, again, is my good side... I'm smiling, but you really can't tell

This is my bad side, which actually isn't much different from my good side, except I try to steer clear of photographs this side. Hate that downwards line by my mouth - makes me look sad I think.

I really want my appointment to come through soon! It's been over 6 weeks for sure! I called and they said I'm waiting cause I don't have a set orthodontist, as mines gone of to have a baby, so its just whoever is around and available for me.

The waiting game - a pre-op's worst nightmare

The Ortho-Store!

I've always suffered with ulcers, and having braces only exacerbated the problem! Here's what I do!

• For pain relief I use Anbesol - great numbing liquid, I find it works faster and longer than bonjela. You can get it in most drug stores here and US for about £1-4 depending on size. 

• As you all know, wax is the savoir when it comes to braces rubbing, but it might be cheap, but its not the best. I've even resorted to using chewing gum to cover my braces! Until Blogger Cathy told me about Gishy goo. Its a little more expensive than anything else, at £14, but its a crazy thing, it produces 2 substances which when rubbed together create a soft, but firm texture ( a bit like the stuff ortho dontists take moulds of teeth with) and it lasts a long long time. NOTE: for all you 'adults', like me, you might want to get the white colour - the green is very very green!

• Mouth guard - This I bought on a whim, but its the best investment by far. When looking for gishy goo, I found 'comfort covers' they are basically a light mouth guard used by people who perhaps play a brass instrument, or light activity. Its two plastic strips which you cut to size, they clip in to place around your braces, and VOILÀ, no more rubbing ANYWHERE on your mouth. I use them to sleep in and at just £5, they are amazing. Highly recommend. comes with a little case too!  

So there you have it! its only taken 2 years but I've finally found my 'brace survivor pack' 

I found out about these on www.orthostore.co.uk

go to 'Patient Comfort' and have a look. If they don't ship to your country/ area, look on Ebay and Amazon.

So glad I can share this with you guys! Natasha, I hope this helped! x

Bit of a Tight Fit!

As you know I had my appointment for adjustments and what-not on the 7th November.
Now, sure I expect my teeth to be sore, I even expect to not be able to eat particularly hard foods that week. But what I didn't expect is for it to have been 14 days later and still be struggling with a sandwich!!

Nice, sweet soft cupcake...ruined as my stupid teeth couldn't grind down those crispy sugary bits on top!

Still, I'd chose these overly-tight braces over the plastic chain-runners I had any day!

Hope everyone's having a more eventful week than I am!

Lipstick and Nervousness!

I still don't quite 'get' lipstick

 I love wearing it now, but I can't eat or drink anything without wondering if its moved from where I put it! I used to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention to my face at all costs, but now that I'm that close to fixing it, I just don't care - also, the braces are immediately in your line of vision so its not really worth trying is it!


I apologise for spamming you guys with pointless pictures, but I'm really restless tonight - I have my appointment at 11 tomorrow morning, and I neeeeed good news with this one!

Wish me luck, okay?

Nervous smile!  :/

Let's try this again, shall we?

Right! 2nd time lucky, maybe? After my dis-appointment (ha) I'm now feeling very optimistic about my next, and dare I say it, my last brace adjustment appointment.

7th November, 11:20am I will find out if my teeth are ready for my surgery-braces. I'm incredibly anxious, and really just don't want more bad news and delays.

I've come back on here to read about so many of you being able to not count down, but count up from surgery, and its so exciting to be able to see your journeys. You've all shared such useful information, I feel so prepared for the painful road ahead.

I want this to hurry up, but I really hope it fits around my new course at uni - I'm having such a good time!

Peace! x

There they are, still gleaming away!

Also, does anyone have Tinitus - ringing in their ear(s)? I have had it all my life - only just found out what it is, and have been told its connected to TMJD, and I've been recommended SSRI - anti-depressant(!) to help with my anxiety and somehow, the Tinitus?

Almost Two Years

On Christmas eve 2010, I received the best news of that year - I had been accepted on to the treatment program which would eventually lead up to my long-awaited jaw surgery.



I've had many ups and downs since then, but when I think about how close I am to the day my orthodontist tells me I'm ready for surgery... well, its all been worth it!
Every toothache from tightened braces, every ulcer caused by the wire, every embarrassing moment when I realise I've spent half my day with lunchtime's salad, woven between my metal-covered teeth....

You get the idea. The point is, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, knowing all this is contributing to fixing my lop-sided smile and my clicky, locking jaw.

So, as I was feeling down lately due to the delaying of my surgery date, I thought I'd remind myself how far I've came, and that whether its next week or next year, it will happen.

Stay positive!