I am scheduled for upper jaw surgery to correct for an underbite caused by an underdeveloped upper jaw. I had been having issues with my bite forever, but didn't realize that it was anything other than an unfortunate situation that was an inconvenience. As I got older though, I started to notice that I was wearing down my teeth a lot and started asking questions. Next thing I knew I was having a consultation with a surgeon who explained what was wrong and what would happen if it wasn't corrected, as well as all the benefits of getting it done. I was floored. All the breathing issues I'd had forever, such as being barely able to breathe through my noise, and waking up in the middle of the night because I'd stopped breathing could be fixed. I would stop biting my tongue with my molars, and I'd be able to properly chew. I had braces as a kid, and had been told that when I got older I would likely need surgery, but it never happened and I never really gave it a second thought. I assumed it was a purely cosmetic thing and was in no way worth it. I wish I had been properly informed about what it was for way back then, rather than going my entire adult life with these issues that supposedly will now be resolved. I am 38 years old now. I had to get braces on first, which I did in September of 2014. It was a difficult decision to make as a 37 year old husband and father with a full time job that required me to talk to people all day. I almost cried when they got put on. I hate them so much! Having braces has been a serious hardship that has caused me to be extremely self conscious and uncomfortable talking to people. However, I seldom bite my tongue anymore, so that's a huge positive.
So now, after nine months of braces, I am scheduled for my surgery on June 5, and I am afraid. I was put under only once before, and it was o only a few months ago to remove my top teeth. It went well, but I'm still afraid. I'm scared I might die and never be able to say goodbye to my two little girls and my wife. I'm afraid of the recovery. I'm afraid of complications. I'm afraid that I will come out looking awful. I'm afraid of everything. I'm not religious, but I pray to God that everything goes okay and that I haven't made a horrible mistake.
I will take some pics and post them tomorrow (it's 3:10am right now).
