How About "Because I Said So" - Does That Work For You?

Okay, so I just had my appointment with the oral surgeon and for no good reason that I could ascertain, he has determined that I should have the lower jaw surgery instead of the upper. Let me explain why this makes me nervous:

1. Overnight stay at hospital instead of outpatient
2. One variation of the surgery requires meddling with a nerve that could, if damaged, leave me with an intermittent tingling sensation in my lower lip, which he swears has "never been a problem" for other patients who experience it (hello, I'm a singer, let's not test this theory)
3. The other variation of the surgery requires me to have my jaw wired shut for four to six weeks instead of the few days the Nerve Damage Option offers

And again, no real reason for the "no" to the upper jaw, other than "Well, I want to consider your point of view, but it's not really a decision I can let the patient make."

The coordinator spoke to me about having the person who will be caring for me attend the pre-surgical appointment with me. She didn't seem to fully grasp the concept of the revolving door in my life - "Yeah, I don't really have anyone to claim responsibility for me for two full weeks." Even the actual in-hospital stay will probably require one person for drop-off and one for pick-up. How depressing to wake up in the hospital surrounded by...no one. Now, again, this would be my own fault, as my mother has offered and nearly insisted on coming down for the duration, but I just really kind of don't want that. Don't know why. Just want to see how I do on my own, I suppose.

But I do worry that I'm going to find out that there really aren't that many people in my life I can or should rely on after all. If I have to scrap a night at the theatre because of a short-notice cancellation, how can a two-week surgical recovery fare much better? And is it fair to expect that? I mean, I feel like I should be able to ask that of people, just a drop-by "how ya doin', can I make you a smoothie?" visit here and there, but am I setting myself up? I expect too much of people, and always have, so I never have any idea when I'm being unreasonable.

I will look at this as an adventure! Because after all, when it's all said and done, wires or no wires, nerve damage or no nerve damage, I'm still going to be much better off. Much more functional. And prettier. And isn't that what it's all about?