Traveling for Surgery

Los Angeles, CA to Keene, NH: 2,962 mi

I recently received a post comment from fellow blogger Laura noticing my surgeon is in New Hampshire and I'm in California asking about travel and follow up appointments. Yes indeedie, I am one of those unfortunate people who is traveling for surgery. My OD only sends patients to two surgeons: one in Dallas and one in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, the doc in Dallas (Dr. Wolford) isn't an 'in network' provider, so, I will be packing my bags and flying 3000 miles away to Keene, New Hampshire. I'll arrive a day or two before surgery for my pre-surgery appointment, will stay at least two weeks after and will probably need to fly back for a 6 month check up (barring any unforeseen issues, like having screws or plates removed).  It's not ideal, but it will work. My OD will do all follow up appointments after I arrive back home - including removing my splint. I've mapped out where I'm going to stay, I have the mileage it will take to get there coach and back first class (I'll deserve the upgrade) and have even started making a list of vegan friendly stores for juice, smoothies and soup. I've had a handful of family members and friends (and the man) offer to go with me... so we'll see who really likes me this summer. I'm hoping for August. I'll learn more at my next appointment in two weeks. Hopefully, I'll get my steel wires. 

In case you are interested, here are a couple of great blogs of people who have traveled for surgery:

http://mycrookedjaw.blogspot.com - from Texas, traveled to Baltimore, MD, she recently made an unplanned trip back to have metal removed.

http://www.thejawstory.org - we have the same OD, she went to Dallas to see Wolford. Braces are off. 

The Rally Beard

Let me start off by saying, no, I don't have a beard... but my boyfriend does! And yes, we are officially boyfriend and girlfriend... sigh. When I met him he was clean shaven. It was in the second week that he showed up with some stubble and was a little embarrassed about it. I showed such enthusiasm about said stubble that he kept it growing with my encouragement. That was 4 months ago. With my continued support and his continued trimming, he still has the beard.

It recently occurred to me that I didn't remember what he looked like without it. So, we (I) thought of the fantastic idea that he should keep his beard until I got my braces off... then we both won't recognize each other! So, here's to the rally beard! (if you are reading this babe, no pressure, feel free to shave any time!)

my mountain man

Braceface and Beardface

6 Months in Braces

I had an appointment with my OD last week. It was once again one of those appointments where he says, 'hmm, let's keep these wires, I need a little bit more movement here before we change to steel." But, that's the lesson we all learn right? Patience? Also, passing the 6 month mark in braces made me realize that this whole process will be over before I know it, time has really flown. My next appt is in three weeks. He is trying to straighten out my lower central crowded mess, then we can go to steel.

Here are some comparisons between month 4 and now. The biggest difference I can see is my bottom arch is definitely expanding.  My missing tooth space is almost double the size it was.

Mirror, mirror

I mentioned in an earlier post that I started a new job around the new year. My office is on the 17th floor... it's a good long ride...the elevator doors are HIGHLY reflective.

I realized today that every single time I get into the elevator and the doors shut, I step right up to them and examine my teeth. It also occurred to me that there are definitely cameras in the elevators. I just wonder what the security people must think?! "There goes that lunatic smiling at herself... again."

The photos below were hastily taken with the knowledge that there was someone at the video screen monitors, probably muttering "Now she's taking pictures of herself..."

(almost) 5 month update

Hi all! It's been a little crazy these last few months. I wrapped up a job at the end of the year that I was at for 12 years... It took much of my focus, so I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while.

i was proud of my bloody
sock after a run.

That was my last task in the "Great Amanda Changes of 2011." Here they are in order: went vegan, got braces, dumped boyfriend,  met amazing "braceface lovin" new boyfriend and quit job. Oh, and I started running! I took it slow with a "couch to 5k" iphone app. I proudly ran 3 miles twice last week. That is seriously the longest (distance and time) I've EVER run. I'm hoping the stamina will help me recover from surgery. Most people train for races, I'm training for surgery.

ok, back on topic...
I made an un-scheduled trip to my ortho today (my next appt. is on Feb 1st). I made the mistake of biting into a very hard baguette and popped one of my brackets loose. He fixed it and added a few coils onto my lower teeth to add more space and keep some teeth from rotating.

month 4 day 26

I found some original Braceface photos and I wanted to share. Especially, since it looks like I am posing for a blog... my brother and I would also refer to these as catalog pictures. And, of course, I couldn't help but dork out and recreate the modern version, almost 25 years later...

May 1987 (11)  vs.  Jan 2012 (35)

I had bands around every single tooth... no brackets:( 

I also had really awesome bangs. 

Anyway, hope you all are great. Here's to 2012!

-Amanda

Braceface: The Girlfriend

So, I'd like to happily share that I met a really amazing guy who actually really likes this braceface. Just proof that life doesn't stop with a metal mouth. It does, however, make life a little more interesting. So, who cares if people think he's my dad when we are out together because I look 14. (ok, I'm exaggerating, we are the same age). But I swear I got a bigger scoop of sorbet the other night because the girl behind the counter had braces. With a new guy comes meeting lots of new friends and family. And of course, those friends and family are all about sizing up the new girl.

Conversation in car on way to every new meeting...
me: You did tell them I have braces, right?
him: Ummm, I don't remember.
me: (panic) What do you mean?!
him: I don't remember, if I said anything. You know, your braces aren't a big deal.
me: (quiet panic)

I always think that whenever I meet these people they think "Oh... Poor guy, dating a girl with braces."   Yes, I know it's all in my head! (maybe)

Bottom line... I found a perfect guy even with all this hardware in my mouth.

Is it too soon to fantasize about these things coming off???

Progress Report

Hi kids,
It's been so long since I've posted, sorry! I had an appointment with my OD yesterday. He finally changed my arch wire! Yay and owchie!!! The real push is to expand my very narrow bite. He thinks the summer is a more likely time for surgery (I was hoping for spring). I am really noticing changes to the alignment of my teeth, which is really exciting. Here's a comparison of Day One and today. Progress!

Aug. 22, 2011 - Day One

Dec. 1, 2011 - Month 3, Day 9

They added a spring between my upper lateral incisor and cuspid on both sides. This is to add a small space so that my surgeon can make a proper chop... I also have the lovely power chain on my lower left to help straighten out my left central incisor.

Happy December!
Amanda