The first step . . .

So, finally after what seems like ages of waiting I finally had my first appointment at the hospital who will be doing the operation.

I get to the hospital in plenty of time but there is a delay,  one of my surgeons has been called on an emergency on a ward.  Finally after another 40 minuets  I get called into a room that looks just like my dentists room.  The only difference is the amount of people - four consultants, an Orthodontist and a nurse.  So I take a seat and they all start measuring, taking notes, speaking in a strange medical language and firing questions.  At one point I was having measurements taken of inside my mouth and being asked questions - an impossible situation !!

Everybody explained their role in the operation and what they would be doing - in graphic detail.  Thankfully I had already read up on the process and was ready for what was being said.  In short, I need races for 18 months to move my teeth to make the surgery easier, then my jaw needs to be broken in 4 places.  My lower jaw needs bringing up and out and my upper jaw needs moving back and down.  I will be put to sleep and they will then make the breaks, realign my jaw, and fasten in place with screws and titanium plates.  My jaw will then be held in place with a series of elastic bands and the set of braces for 6 weeks.  The bands will then come off and the braces will remain in place for another 12 month and then I will have a night time retainer for another 6 months.  We have a long way to go . . . . .

Because I will be having a Bimaxillary Osteotomy, where both jaws are broken, I need more Consultants and more after care then the usual operation where one jaw would be broken.  At the moment the list of people I need to rely on over the next 3 years are :- my Dentist, my Hygienist, an Orthodontist, 3 Consultants, a Dietitian, a Physiotherapist and a Speech Therapist.  Those are just the people to date who will need to be involved in the run up to the operation and who will be involved in the aftercare.

Currently there is a delay in the treatment starting - I need to call the hospital monthly to see where I am on the list but hopefully by March I should have the braces and be at the start of the 18 months of teeth moving.  till can't wait - I have been looking at before and after images of people who have had the same operation, the differences are amazing - to have your look changed and the pain eased . . . well, I just cannot wait.

Images are here http://www.northcoastjawcenter.com/photogallery/photogallery.html and here http://www.engbanobagi.com/face/twojaw/two_7-4aso.asp?jsMenu=9