I had my appointment with the maxillofacial surgeon today, expecting to set an appointment for surgery number two. I was wrong. Good? Maybe.

I'm thrilled with the success of the previous surgery. I'm able to open my mouth all the way, which is fabulous. However.... now that I'm able to chew, I've noticed that my teeth do not touch on the right side of my mouth. He looked in my mouth and said that it looks like my jaw is misaligned due to the fractures not healing properly. Two choices:

1. Re-break my jaw and realign
2. Orthodontics

He highly suggested orthodontics, rather than re-breaking my jaw and gave me a referral to an orthodontist. As in braces.

He said that surgery number two has a less than 25% chance of fixing things so I'm not in pain. Not worth it. I agree with him.

I've decided to go ahead and see the orthodontist and ask if only chewing on one side of my face will cause long-term problems. If not, then I'm just going to let it go. If so, then I have no choice, but to wear braces for however long. Bleh.

As for the pain? I'm out of luck. I don't expect this surgeon to be my 'drug dealer' since he's done with me. He's suggesting a new non-narcotic drug, but I need to run it by my neurologist first. I can't get in to see her until December 2nd. Like I said, out of luck.

I'll be honest..... I'm feeling depressed about the idea of leaving my face the way it is and being in pain. I'm more angry than depressed. I really hate this phrase but, IT'S NOT FAIR.

:: stomps my feet ::

Being in pain every day is hard to deal with. Even for Pollyanna.