Okay, for some reason I was so excited to get to the orthodontist on Tuesday, expecting a great progress report, red carpet and an announcement that everything is moving ahead of schedule. NOT! When I got there, no red carpet (okay no big deal on that) but when the actual orthodontist came over to see me he was surprised that I would actually have questions. ( or at least that’s the way I experienced it) So, here it goes:
Q: Hi so can you tell me what I can expect in terms of movement in my upper and lower jaw…
A: hmm, that is a good question.
Q: Are you the person that would answer this or is it my surgeon?
A: Well, I could give you an approximation, it appears that you would probably be moving the upper jaw approximately 1 to 2 mm forward, the lower jaw approximately 4 to 6mm back.
Q: Okay great, do you think that I will be having any of this surgery done this year? If so, I would like to accommodate my work and sick leave appropriately.
A: Hmmm, good question, chances are less than 40% of being ready this year…if so it would be closer to the end of the year and you could just roll into next years leave.
Am I the only one doing this procedure that would ask for reasonable answers to reasonable questions? I know I am not, but it is a weird experience, to me, for the professionals being aloof about questions I have. If I were in their shoes, I would be more expressive about answering my questions. When people come into my shop and ask hard questions about my industry, I handle their question and answer it as if they were my grandmother… but, I know that everyone in this world is scared to death of being sued because they misrepresented.
My next appointment is in August and the way time ticks by so fast, the next thing I’ll know I will be freaking out about surgery feeling like it’s right around the corner. It kind of makes me sweat just typing it… I got lots of tasks I need to get accomplished, I still have not got the insurance crap figured out and with work being so busy it is hard for me to find the time to dedicate to it. My company does offer an EAP program and I did get time to call them, but that was an experience very similar to Steve Martin’s help line in the movie “Mixed Nuts.” A very compassionate man answers the phone and I ask ”Can you help me appeal my insurance denial?”… to which he answers, as politely as possible…NO - but if I am depressed or need counseling to feel free to call any time. I said no thanks, and I could only think that they could not ring the bell for me as someone they saved for the day…
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I am sorry you are not getting any answers from your ortho surgeon... It is a common problem, but it definitely shouldn't be! I mean they are going to cut your face open! Come on... you are probably better off just demanding answers otherwise they will never answer you. You're the boss, you are paying, so you deserve the best service. If he isn't doing his job you might as well find another surgeon...
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for all that ranting, but that just frustrates me... beating around the bush like that.
By the way, I have a bite just like you. I am 16, and will be getting surgery in 10 days. You should check out, and even follow my blog:
www.makaysjawjourney.blogspot.com
Hope I can help. :)
-Makay
Hi Makay -
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologize, your point is well taken. It does seem very odd that the answer are a struggle to get to, but I will pursue them until I am satisfied with their answer. 10 day until surgery, wow how exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. I will follow your blog, and I wish you a perfect surgery and speedy recovery!
Brent
Bubba,
ReplyDeleteWe need to make sure we find out about that shot that they gave to Makay! Anything that will help you recvover quicker is worth every penny!!!
hi brent, unfortunately I had this type of problem (and it appears most everyone in the world does) right up until the surgery point.
ReplyDeletei have had braces and have been on the surgery waiting list for over three years and was assured that the date could change due to emergencies up until i had reached the operating theatre. it has been exceptionally frustrating. one thing to remember is that you will get the answers eventually and just hold on to a little patience.
when it comes to the movements, don't believe a word they say, haha. basically i was given a whole variety of "assured" movements the whole time i was waiting and then was told by my surgeon at my appointment two weeks beforehand that the top jaw movement (4mm) was one hundred percent certain and then the bottom jaw was going to just fit into that. projections included 2mm, 4mm, 4.5mm. it ended up being 7.
good luck though! x
hey brent,
ReplyDeletetrust me this year will go by fast, exactly how i felt last year. i was so anxious and kept telln myself "its takin forever". but, hopefully everything goes smoothly for you
& those measurements that your ortho gave you will change because as the braces start to make your teeth move around your bite actually gets worse, i had to learn that the hard way
anyways good luck with everything =)
-maya