Saw Dr. Quaroni today (oral surgeon) to talk about the
procedure for the palate expander.
*Side note about him - when you first meet him, he's very soft spoken and gives the impression that "I'm the greatest thing to happen to the maxillofacial world," but he's absolutely opposite of that! His demeanor is very calming and he takes great care to get to know his patients!
He
was great - he discussed pros/cons/concerns on how and where the procedure
would be done, which of course, while he was talking I wanted to gag and pass out (I'm not the greatest with most medical procedures!), but I listened very intently and asked what I needed to. In short, the surgery entails him making three incisions in my mouth. Two will be on the top part of my gums and the third will be down the center of my palate (OMG!). The incisions will allow the palate expander to actually "expand" each time the key is turned. The key turned by...ME (OMG!), twice a day for at least two weeks. Dr. Quaroni will do the first two turns during the surgery when I'm out like a light!
So, although it's less expensive to have the surgery done in his
office, there are far too many risks in doing it there. Although he's done it in his office, he prefers that his patients have his utmost care since this is an extremely sensitive part of the body, so having it in the
hospital would ensure better care and outcome. Also, he's hopeful that I would
only need the expander and not any other operation.
A few things to expect with the surgery:
1. I will be on a liquid diet at least 2 weeks after surgery until Dr. Q gives the ok to move into a soft-foods diet (soft foods = baby food)
Hey, why not? I could afford to lose a few pounds!
2. Since we're expanding the upper jaw, I'm going to have a larger-than-life gap develop between my two front teeth. It will close on its own, but there WILL be a gap.
So I'll look a little funny, what's new?
3. I'll experience some pressure when the key is turned - like a bad sinus headache, but only lasting about 5-10 minutes.
Uh...this is Austin so sinus issues are normal!
4. I won't be able to sing for several months
This stinks! Maybe it's a "sign" that I should practice playing (organ) more
5. I won't be able to run or do strenuous exercise for several months
ARGH!
6. There's a possibility of some changes to my facial features
Hmm...
I couldn't help but leave his office that day thinking "Holy crap!!"
Most of these are temporary...I have to remind myself of that. And I have to remind myself that although the first few months will most likely be the roughest, the outcome will be good and worth every minute.
