Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Nothing new

I really have nothing to report recently.  Just waiting for my next ortho appointment and started to get super nervous.  I'm extremely worried about work and finances.  I told my boss I would need two weeks off.  My gut tells me I'll need much more than that, but I hope I'm wrong.  I've only been at this job for 4 months so I'm not elegible for short term disability or FMLA.  With the separation being final, (Keir moved out on the 8th(woot woot)) money is a bit of an issue.  I have very little savings and very little PTO accrued.  So, I'm just praying it will all work out. 
UHG, it would have been soooo much less stressful if I did this as a teen.  No job to loose, no bills to worry about, no daughter to need help with.  And, I am a firm believer that ignorance is bliss because I know way more than I can calmly handle about this surgery and all its possible complications.  I'm starting to second guess if it's worth the risk.  There's a chance with any surgery that one could die, have a stroke, yadda yadda.  Mara needs a healthy, capable mother...what if I end up gorked out from a blood clot, or die?!  "SIGH"  okay,  I really think I'm ready for that Xanax now.
On a brighter note, I've lost 5 lbs on my Nutrisystem diet.  Only 60 more to go!!!!!  Think positive people

6 comments:

  1. Hey there sweet girl,
    (didn't see your name) This is a journey that can only be fully understood as you go through it wearing your own shoes. I was concerned about the surgery, but found that as the day got closer, the only thing I could do would be to surrender. You will get through it I promise. My advice to you now is to make sure you have round the clock help with your little one. You will not be able to deal with her needs and I suggest at least 2 weeks worth of help. You also need someone who can assist you with your needs those first 2 weeks. I hope my daily entries can offer Ideas and encouragement. I will follow you and your progress and will keep you and your little girl in my prayers. Feel free to ask any questions and I will do what I can to help. Im finally getting to the place where I can see the real benefit in this procedure and know it will make a world of difference in my life going forward.

    Cheers
    Tresa

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  2. Nichole,

    I had my first surgery (rapid palate expansion) done in January and just got the green light to schedule my second surgery which will be top and bottom to correct my open bite. Everyone is different and I am extremely nervous about my upcoming surgery but my first surgery went really well and the recovery was much less than I originally feared so I'm hoping the same for the second. Hopefully your recovery will go smoothly as well! Who are your orthodontist and surgeon? I ask since I noticed we are both in the Pittsburgh area.

    M

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  3. Hi M,

    My orthodontist is Dr. Earl King in Wexford, PA. Dr. Harkins in Beaver, PA did all my work as a kid. My surgeon is Dr. Mark Ochs out of Pittsburgh. Glad to hear the first round of love wasn't too hard on you! I hope the second goes just as well. I understand the nerves. I actually broke down in tears the other day at work when a co-worker was asking me some questions about it. OH THE NERVES. Who do you see?

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  4. Sorry! I forgot to bookmark your blog when I posted and I finally found it again. Dr. Ochs is amazing! My 2nd surgery is now scheduled for Oct. 20th and I'm really excited.

    I was sorry to hear that your surgery is delayed but I'm sure it is for the best. I know Dr. Ochs wants the best possible outcome for all of his patients.

    The idea of the surgery is overwhelming but trust me, you'll be fine. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to!

    M

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  5. Hi M,

    I hope he is amazing, I'm kinda banking on it ;) I did a ton of research and he was one of the top three in the Pittsburgh area. I had a consultation with another surgeon but ultimately chose Dr. Ochs, so I hope I made the right choice.

    Do you just know of him or is he your surgeon too? Funny thing is, I've only seen him once and talked on the phone with him once, so it seems a bit odd. But that is probably normal for this process.

    October 20th is right around the bend! Hopefully, you'll be healed up in time for Holiday treats! I had my tonsils out a few years ago, two weeks before Christmas. I was sooo sad that I couldn't enjoy any of the food around me.

    Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. It is very helpful to commiserate sometimes :) Best of luck to you!

    Smiles,
    Nichole

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  6. Nichole,

    Dr. Ochs is my surgeon as well. You can really tell he is passionate about what he does and cares about doing the best job possible. My orthodonist is Dr. Grady who is also in Wexford.

    It does seem a bit strange that you don't need to see the surgeon very often. I don't go back until Oct 11th and I keep thinking I have a million questions to ask (apparently going through this once already doesn't lessen the nervousness or the amount of information I still feel like I need).

    I'm hoping to be recovered for the holidays but I'm okay if Thanksgiving dinner goes in the blender and I'm sure a year without Christmas cookies won't hurt! My husband loves to cook and made a beautiful steak dinner this past year for Valentines day. He was so sad when after a few bites I gave up and put it in the blender. It still tasted wonderful but its a bit depressing when your dinner looks like cat food.

    I know your date go pushed back, do you have any ideas when they might reschedule or at least when they plan to do the next set of models?

    It is nice to know that there is someone nearby going through the same thing. I'm sure I'll be stopping by your blog to check on things and share my story as well.

    Thanks!
    Meredith

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