advice needed

[Bounce]

given the info you provided in the first 2 posts, iiwm (and it's not) i'd not take the risk of surgery. it seems he's committed you to the hope of change and then dumped the risks at the last minute so that you'll stay committed to the procedure while indemnifying him of legal action.

i'd back out so fast you'd think it was the roadrunner making an exit left (just a little poof of dust left where i had been). i'd also continue the less intrusive remediation you're currently doing since it seems to be helping.

but then i'm not you, nor a doctor nor a lawyer. if you have questions and are uncertain seek a second opinion from a professional.

 

[dcarver]

Maybe if you were 19 again and wanting to be a beauty queen or something..

But at 50, darling, we all have scars/tats/issues.

Trust me, a man in your/our age group is just FINE with you the way you ARE - so don't even consider this if from a 'looks' perspective.

From a functioning perspective - eating, chewing, swallowing, sensitivity, then it's a different story and yes, some type of remediation may be needed.

But to break the jaw with all the possible negative side effects?

I'd take the less invasive path for now, consult with other docs and perform research - then, and, only then decide.

Your beautiful the way you are Barb, inside and out - jes sayin'

 

[FJRay]

Lots of good info here. Tell the doc to keep his knife in his pocket or you will break his jaw. Get as many opinions as you can and then choose you path. You are still young so if the current method is having positive results then stay with it. the surgery route sounds risky at best and we are happy with your good looks the way you are.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Barb,

I have a similar problem. I had braces when I was younger, beginning in 4th grade or so. When the bands came off, everything looked pretty good. Unfortunately, I didn't know that wearing a retainer was required for the rest of my life. After a while, I quit wearing the thing and my upper teeth have been gradually migrating toward the center of the roof of my mouth.

It affects my speech a little, crowding my tongue. I've gotta bit of an under bite now and uneven wear on my teeth. I want to get this corrected, but I haven't found an acceptable solution.

The solution you've been offered would make my unacceptable list.

 

[fjrchooser]

Your main issue (communication) doesn't seem as compromising as this surgery could possibly be. If it were me I'd do whatever it takes to avoid it as long as health wasn't affected.

The temporary appliances and possibly even speech therapy seem a far more desirable course of action. If they don't solve your issue to your satisfaction there is always the more invasive ( and no going back !) procedure, right ?

 

[Neil San Diego]

From your description of the procedure and side effects, it sounds like something to skip in the first place. But add in the ultimatum from the doctor...?! Never heard of such a thing before. I would personally dump the whole shootin' match due to that little gem alone.

 

[Crash Cash]

I have to join the chorus saying "skip the surgery" - I've had some bad experiences with dentists. My mother lost all her teeth at 38 when the dentist screwed up fluoride treatments and took all the enamel off. It's not fun holding your mother's hand while she cries in pain and spits out splinters of teeth.

I've had a dentist numb the teeth on the left side, then try to pull two teeth on the RIGHT side, then wonder why I came out of the chair like a hooked swordfish, yelling like a banshee.

Doctors are not much different than dealer mechanics... there's some good ones, but they're few and hard to find.

Your gut feeling "this ain't right" is something you need to listen to.

 

[Patriot]

I have a medical dilemma:

suddenly everything is being presented to me in a different light and I am quite honestly, freaking out

when riding into a storm, one's inner voice screaming it's not safe and bad consequences are a coming, then it's time to take a break and check into a Motel 6

the chance of an "undesireable outcome" is not only likely, but to be expected and embraced before consenting.

stay away from the Bates Motel

HUH?

very good chance it will cause further head/sinus/dental pain than I am currently experiencing. Yesterday it came to light that there is also a good chance I will experience some level of permanent facial paralysis as well.

stay off the race track

I am the only functional parent my kids have (they are 18 and 20),

risk management...don't go riding in the snow, without gear, or on worn tires...do it for your family if that's what it takes

The surgeon has given me until Friday to decide if I am going through with this or not.

If ya not comfortable, prepared, or ready to take a trip...then it's best not to go

I truly don't know what to do.....

yes you do

luv ya Barbie Doll

 

[DonRed7]

Barb,

Is it just your dental structure that is the problem or partly your top palet? Just throwing this out there,...but have you considered having all of your troublesome top dents removed and fitted for a Plate/Denture that would create the proper room and function balance in your mouth. Having had 11 of my tops pulled in one session(no,... that wasn't any fun) and then waiting for 4 months of healing to fit a plate and then stop the pain of constant fillings and maintenance for "soft" enamel. I would do it again in a instant and should have sooner. Find a good surgeon and Dent clinic that will take the time for a good fit. It would be so much less invasive and if your not happy with the fit you can change it without being under the knife....

It's also a bloody riot when you set your top plate on someone's shoulder and wait for them to turn and notice it sitting there.

Cheers

Don

 

[wheatonFJR]

...It's also a bloody riot when you set your top plate on someone's shoulder and wait for them to turn and notice it sitting there.

Cheers

Don

Definitely do this barb...you would be quite the hit at the FJR gatherings! :clapping:

 

[DonRed7]

...It's also a bloody riot when you set your top plate on someone's shoulder and wait for them to turn and notice it sitting there.

Cheers

Don

Definitely do this barb...you would be quite the hit at the FJR gatherings! :clapping:

The ladies in Nova Scotia also seem to be quite a hit @ parties with this ability........Not Sure Why??

Don

 

[FJRay]

Hell, If all you need is a top plate I have a spare one you can have.

 

[madmike2]

Maybe if you were 19 again and wanting to be a beauty queen or something..

But at 50, darling, we all have scars/tats/issues.

Trust me, a man in your/our age group is just FINE with you the way you ARE - so don't even consider this if from a 'looks' perspective.

From a functioning perspective - eating, chewing, swallowing, sensitivity, then it's a different story and yes, some type of remediation may be needed.

But to break the jaw with all the possible negative side effects?

I'd take the less invasive path for now, consult with other docs and perform research - then, and, only then decide.

Your beautiful the way you are Barb, inside and out - jes sayin'

Just what I was thinking and Don beat me by putting it to words first.

Since the risk factor has just been increased 10-fold, it sounds to me that is the last course of action you want to take.

The surgeon says the current treatment is working, even if you use a retainer from now until forever, without surgery the percentage of bad outcome has just disappeared.

Barbi-luscious, I think you may be focused on fear as the major factor rather than backing up a step or two and getting a larger picture. Fear of ujnknown possibile damage is one thing, when the surgeon tells you to be mentally prepared for likely permanent damage, that is NOT unfounded terror.

It sounds like he has given you time to rethink the necessity of the surgery. And for a second opinion. If you are getting relief/results from the curent course of treatment, why risk the ability to smile, swallow, chew, etc......oh yeah..,maybe as important, to kiss and feel kisses, Exactly where does THAT line form?

 

[Jay H]

Hi Barb,

I think I would pass on the procedure and see how your current program comes along. The dentist told me 25 years ago to have my wisdom teeth pulled and mentioned the possibility of the jaw bone breaking and I basically told him "they have been there 25 years and can stay another 25" and guess what they are still in there somewhere....I know this is pretty tame in comparison, but is an example of maybe the Dr. is not always correct.

See ya again soon,

J

 

[wheatonFJR]

I agree with MadMike....

...where does that line form??

 

[madmike2]

I agree with MadMike....

...where does that line form??

Welllll, I was thinking, regarding Miss Barb's facial problems, I could "kiss it and make it better", no matter how long it takes. :yahoo:

Uhm....Wheatie....I guess you could call "seconds". Of course you'd have to wait for the results of my efforts and there's no telling how long that might be.

Er...I'll be slow, methodical and thorough.

 

[rushes]

I agree with MadMike....

...where does that line form??

Welllll, I was thinking, regarding Miss Barb's facial problems, I could "kiss it and make it better", no matter how long it takes. :yahoo:

Uhm....Wheatie....I guess you could call "seconds". Of course you'd have to wait for the results of my efforts and there's no telling how long that might be.

Er...I'll be slow, methodical and thorough.

That's nasty....

 

[user 6393]

Patriot is right, I do know what to do. Thanks Mikey

My gut tells me this is wrong, but my stubborn side is still chewing on "what if". My life up til now has been chock full of bad decisions and stupid regrets, I am just hoping this decision will not make it to either of those lists down the road for me.

I gotta silence my stubborn, prove I am tough at all costs side and do the smart thing.

The braces have made the room possible to have normal function again, even though only 1/2 way thru treatment. The surgery is recommended to keep the teeth where they are now without the need of ongoing retainers etc. Both my upper and lower jaws are apparently too small to keep the teeth where they need to be over the long term. The surgery seems to be purely a convenience thing and as such, given the risk of excessive complication, is totally unacceptable.

Again, this was never about how I look or feel, it has been about having a normal functioning life. THAT is what I want in all aspects. How will a possibly paralyzed face, or even just 1/2 a face, help me achieve that?

Easy....it won't/can't. How would I be able to work? How would I meet someone new? I need to work to take care of me and my kids, and one day I'd be thrilled if I ended up in a committed relationship again; both tough if battling a basic preventable disability.

I meet with my GP tomorrow to talk about it. When I mentioned it to him a few months ago he was less than positive about it. I am just hoping he can give me an idea of percentage-wise what my risks are. I asked the surgeon directly to give me even a slight idea of likelyhood and he flatly declined to do so. He was in total CYA mode. For him it was, "decide if you can live happily if you end up disfigured, or don't bother showing up for surgery". Since he refuses to give me any pertinent input from which to make an informed decision, then I have to say "no".

Thank you one and all for your opinions and your real life stories. What some of you have been through has truly hit home in a significant way. Thank you as well to those that PM'd and emailed insights and information.

You guys rawk, no matter what anyone says......

Now, those of you fantasizing about a possible gummer? ................get TF over it.

:lol:

 

[escapefjrtist]

Get a second opinion Barb. As many have said, if the current treatment is providing some relief and working then why rush into (what sounds like) major surgery.

Sending good thoughts your way!

--G

 

[Patriot]

Patriot is right, I do know what to do. Thanks Mikey

oo oo reward ??? <inflate>

My gut tells me this is wrong

you go girl !!!

Now, those of you fantasizing about a possible gummer? ................get TF over it.

awe damn !!! <deflate>

:lol: