Well here I am, age 50+ (a girl never gives her age!) and getting ready for my second major jaw surgery!  The first was back in 1984 when orthagnathic surgery was in its infancy, so to speak.  At least compared to today's standards.  Back then I was in braces for over 4 years... not the relatively comfy ones I am wearing today, but the big wire, big bracket, big PAIN ones of yesteryear!  I remember having monthly adjustments and taking Percocet for pain - after each!! My surgery was both top and bottom jaw along with palatial expansion.  I was diagnoses with "long face syndrome".  my surgery was 8 1/2 hours long, 3 days ICU, 2 more days regular room, wired shut with a plate for 6 weeks!  The good news was that it was relatively pain free (except for the staff infection I contracted in the hospital!!)

I changed dentists 2 years ago to a wonderful woman who's office is not far from my house.  On the first visit she bluntly stated, "I don't like your bite."  To which I replied, "are you kidding?!  This bite cost about $30,000!!"  After my second visit with her she told me she still didn't like my bite (not that I had done anything to change it) and strongly suggested that I see a highly recommended orthodontist for an evaluation.  You see, all of my molars have crowns except 1 as a result of an open bite - only contact being my back 2 teeth.  I also had a recent episode where I dislocated one side of my jaw (almost 2 years ago now).  So - her concern was that things were getting worse, not better. 

Fast forward - OD said treatment would be 18-24 months and surgery would be required.  It seems as though my jaws, teeth, etc had decided that it wanted to try and work its way back to where it was 25 years ago (don't we all want to do that!!).  They don't know if it was failed surgery or just slow relapse.... we will leave it at that! Had a consultation with the surgeon last March and he agreed with the OD.   The exciting news was (a) 1 night hospital stay - usually, (b) not wired shut - only rubber bands, (c) eating soft foods ASAP! - usually.  The only thing he kept saying (over and over) was "at your age"... REALLY?  At your age healing is slower, at your age you may have to stay an extra night, at your age there may be more complications!  OK - enough!!  I called him on it, and he almost seemed slightly embarrassed - but upfront non the less!  Now my turn:  At my age:  I have hiked the Grand Canyon twice since my appointment with him last year - once rim-to-rim, and this may Havasu Falls.  I have walked the Breast Cancer 3 day walk several times and still walk a zilliion miles!  I eat healthy and am in GREAT shape - for my age!!!!

To anyone who may follow my "new" blog... Let me apologize in advance.  I have never written a blog but I have seen Julie and Julia, and I have read many!  So here goes!  I will try and post regularly with the procedures and progress in hopes that it will help someone else out there!  I have found so much info and help with some of your blogs, that I almost felt obligated to give back.  What I did not find much of was info on people going through this AT MY AGE!  Will it be different?  I don't know.  We will find out....

My next appointment with the OD is on August 7th for molds, August 14th for an adjustment.  i am waiting for the OS orthagnathic coordinator (who knew?) to contact me to begin the process of doing whatever they need to get done.  I was preapproved with the insurance company last year, but because of the time that has passed I am sure they have to resubmit an update and do all of their presurgical stuff: molds, x-rays, measurements, etc....

So - when I know something new - you will too!