Well, things have slowed down here a little bit and I will see if I can answer some of the questions that were raised......

My DH had this surgery to correct a number of things. Ideally, a mouth should have a bite where the top jaw overlaps the bottom jaw - an overbite. His didn't. His top and bottom jaw were in perfect alignment with one another, causing his teeth to bite flush. This caused all of his teeth to be the same length, the canines, and the top two front teeth. Because of an improper bite, his enamel was wearing off of his teeth and he was starting to have problems with his jaw popping and wearing of the connective tissue at the top of his jaw bone. Although the popping and the connective tissue problems weren't all that bad just yet, they would certainly get worse. This surgery was, in essence, to avoid repairing the tissue that connects the top and bottom of the jaw, by the temple - the part that "pops". That surgery is apparently more difficult, more painful, and more costly. Most people who have TMJ issues can have them corrected by wearing braces. Even as an adult. Unfortunately, his jaw structure required braces and surgery.

Another unfortunate, for us, was that at this stage in the game, the insurance company considers the surgery more of a cosmetic or elective surgery. Grrrrr. That's a whole other soap box. We fortunately, were able to scrap up the money to pay for the surgery out of pocket. Man, we could have bought a LOT of NICE bikes with that cashola. Oh well.

The surgeon went under the top lip and cut the tissue and nose away from the jaw- CRINGE - cut and broke the jaw away, put screws and pins in the jaw bone, did some fancy stitch work, and called it a day. The result is an overbite, and the front jaw brought down more. I am such a pansy when it comes to medical related stuff that you'd have to shoot me before you did this to me, however, I know that it will be worth it in the long run. I have more respect for my husband now than ever.

I think I got an extra measure of grace with medical related stuff- we have three kids. I had natural childbirth for two out of three. If I add all of my labor up with all three kids, it totals FOUR hours!! That is the extent of my experience with that. Now that's grace!

MrSilver - They didn't wire him shut, which absolutely amazes me. He has titanium screws and apparently they are strong enough to keep everything in place. He's a regular superhero now! Recovery is two weeks. He looks like a chipmunk right now. No public appearances for awhile!

Brandi - We have been together for 20 years, 15 of them married. We have had our ups and downs, just like anyone else, but we are committed to making it always work. We are best friends. I wouldn't have it any other way. Didn't you recently get engaged?

Solo, Teigry, Smilingcat and all, thanks!

I must go make a smoothie, fill some ice packs, deliver antibiotics and pain meds, or something. Man, I know for sure that I never want to be a nurse.