Hello.
Before, we dive in to the gory stuff - for many of the photos to follow on this blog will most likely feature my bloodied up face - let me introduce myself.
My name is Fiona, I'm 21 years old and I have been waiting to undergo Jaw Surgery for 10 years.
I'm currently studying Journalism and English Literature in my final year at university and will be graduating in July!
I wouldn't say I have loads of friends by any stretch of the imagination, but I've done pretty well at surrounding myself with positive people, who have all made a significant difference in my life. (Please ignore the cheesiness - it'll be rare here)
During my school years I was bullied by people who saw my 'messed up' jaw as the root of all my flaws. I've had every name in the book - Jaws, Chin, Bulldog, Ironing Board - you name it... But hearing these insults only led to me having a thicker skin about it, and now it's at the sad point, where I'm the only one that mentions or acknowledges it.
My jaw is the first thing I see when I look in the mirror, it's the reason for my poor self-confidence, it's the reason I grew up in school as the 'weird' one, it's the reason I don't smile in photos, it's the reason I don't like photos at all! Whichever way you swing it, to say my underbite has been a nightmare and a burden is a massive understatement.
For multiple reasons, which will be explained in the near future, I
have gotten my hopes up many times that surgery will be happening soon and shortly after, had them shattered by the orthodontist who stated that my braces hadn't done their work yet, my jaw wasn't fully expanded, my uni work would cause delays, etc...
However, it's finally at the stage where I've had the go ahead and now have a solid date for my operation. June 2nd 2016 will be a landmark date in my life from now on. It's officially up there with my birthday, Christmas and family occasions!
Needless to say, it's been a long 10 years, and so this blog will act as my personal documentation of my jaw surgery as well as a place where anyone else in this situation can find some solace that it will get better and that this procedure will ultimately change their life.
I hope you will continue to follow on this journey with me. I will be posting whenever I can to update you on my surgery proceedings and I will hopefully share weekly updates post-surgery, regarding my recovery and feelings towards the experience as a whole.
Until next time
Fiona
