Sueño de la Tensión

Well, I had my first surgery stress dream last night. It all started last week while I was at a friend's holiday party. Another one of my friends, who is absolutely wonderful, had the same surgery several years ago and was trying to prepare me for what it'll be like. I feel like I've prepared myself pretty well mentally by reading others' blogs, but I also realize I'm in a bit of denial about how serious of a procedure it is. She reminded me of the reality of what I'm about to do. So, that started the stress.

Then, I emailed my surgeon to make sure I had everything he needed for my pre-opp appointment next week. He responded last night by saying I shouldn't get my molds done until after my surgical hooks go on because it could cause serious problems (has anyone else heard this???). Ummm, really? Don't you think that is something that would have been important to include in the email I received awhile back telling me everything (supposedly) I needed to know for the pre-opp appointment (I've only met my surgeon once an all of our correspondence since then has been through email)??? I mean, really. I was told to get new molds and bring them to the appointment. I was told to get surgical hooks put on before the appointment. I went back and read the emails and there was NOTHING about having to have the molds done AFTER the surgical hooks were put on. I don't think it's that surprising that I'm waiting to put the surgical hooks on until the last possible moment (the day before my pre-opp appointment) -- especially in light of the holidays -- and that the molds take some time to prepare. Needless to say, that stressed me out a bit.

So, that brings me to last night. I had a dream that I woke up following surgery and I couldn't remember anything from the prior two weeks. It was like everything from today until the surgery date was blank. I didn't remember going to my pre-opp appointment and had no idea what I was supposed to do. It was all very weird. I remember thinking at one point that I was probably dreaming, but it all seemed so real.

Anyhow, the email and the dream triggered me to contact my orthodontist in addition to responding to my surgeon's email. The orthodontist's assistant sounded like she thought it would be fine and that this sort of question has come up in the past. I relayed to my surgeon what my orthodontist said about how they do the surgical hooks and he said it "should" be fine. Should?!?!?! It better!

So, that's where I'm at right now. A little stressed. I'm trying to hand it all up to God and over to the surgeon. They're the experts and I know I tend to be overly inquisitive . . . but know nothing about medicine. I'm trying to take a lesson from my clients who put their trust in me and let the experts do their job. Way easier said than done.

I'll keep you updated following the pre-opp appointment. Wish me luck!!!

I've Had Braces for 7 Months . . . How Did That Happen?!

In some ways, it feels like I've always had my braces. In most ways, though, it feels like I just got them yesterday. As I've gotten older, the idea of time passing by quickly gets a little more scary. BUT, when it comes to braces, time moving fast is a fabulous thing!!! As of last Friday, I have had braces for seven months. My surgery is in less than a month. It's exciting, scary, overwhelming and surreal all at the same time. I'm SO ready to move onto the next stage of this process and to be one step closer to getting these braces off. But, I will admit, I'm a little scared. Not so much about the surgery. I'm grateful doctors choose to go into anesthesia. But, I am nervous about the recovery. Reading other blogs has been a great way to prepare myself. But, it's also reinforced my understanding that the first week after surgery will be no fun at all and that there will be several moments of frustration in the weeks following surgery. BUT, the great thing about reading other blogs is that I'm able to see everyone get through the rough times and still be glad they went through the process and came out the other end much happier.

I'll do my best to keep everyone updated as I get closer to surgery and to follow up with posts as soon as possible after surgery. Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy, joy-filled holiday!