So Glad I Put all my Hope in Dr Pontell - Media, PA

Well - I have suffered almost an entire year since my first nose surgery. It has been the harshest year of my life - no exaggeration - and I really appreciate all of the supportive and awesome people on Realself who have given me support, hope and a place to vent. Thank you all so very much!
I have taken the leap - and booked my revision surgery with Dr. Pontell for March 4th. It is coming so close and as the day approaches I am filled with mixed emotions. I get surges of hope and excitement and then overwhelming flashbacks of the horrors from my initial surgery. It is definitely scary - but I want so badly to get back to my life and feel confident again - I want to put last year behind me and move forward and enjoy life! I've been such a recluse this past year.
I first met with Pontell in November. He seemed really nice and I liked the simulations we did. I then met with another doctor and also scheduled and cancelled consults with other doctors over the months - I was lucky to have friends here on realself also consulting and sharing their experiences with me about certain doctors and so was able to have even more insight and info. I met with one particular doctor several times and was leaning towards him - but I just had a nagging feeling that he would be too aggressive. He didn't really do simulations very well which I understand doesn't really mean anything as far as his actual surgical skills but the things he kept saying about what he would recommend doing didn't make sense to me. He was going to use rib for sure to rebuild my nose and that freaked me out a bit. But the main thing was - I just didn't feel he was the right fit. I felt I wanted to meet with Pontell again - I did like him when I first consulted with him and also I was impressed with the positive results that others have posted here on realself.
My second consult in January with Pontell went well. He was able to show me photos of people who had similar issues as mine and what he was able to accomplish was really amazing. He said he wouldn't use rib, but would likely use ear cartilage. (In fact he told me that using rib would have been crazy.)
I have a pre-op appointment on Feb 6th. I want to bring photos of noses I definitely don't like to show him just in case - and also want to just review again what I want and make sure we are on the same page. I only have this chance to make things right and that's a lot of pressure and stress! ugh!
I am mustering the courage to post a few pix - stay tuned. I will likely post them and not keep them up long. But, if my nose turns out really great I will definitely post tons of happy pix!
Only 33 days away now!!!! Yikes and yay!

So, I ended up not being able to bring in pix of noses I didn't like because we lost power in the big ice storm. I could have showed him on my phone but really we were talking about other stuff and signing papers and such I didn't even get my phone out. But no matter, he seems to really understand my issues and I feel like we are on the same page.
I am excited - almost euphoric at moments yet, also on edge. I know first hand how devastating it is when things don't go well and it makes the risk feel even more monumental. I have a good feeling about it this time though - something that was lacking last time so - I am taking comfort in that.
Anyway - this time I have a much better idea of what to expect after the surgery. I know I will likely be very nauseated and will want ginger ale and crackers once I can eat.
Here's my basic list of necessities immediately post op day one and two.
ginger ale
straws
saltine crackers
juice - probably something with pineapple in it
lip balm (my lips get so dry from mouth breathing)
stool softener (don't learn this the hard way - no pun intended hahaha)
soup
pain meds
pre-moistened facial cleansing cloths
big head rest pillow with arms and a contoured travel pillow for my neck

My next steps are getting my blood work done and PAYING. Gaaah!! So crazy to be spending such a huge chunk of change again but it must be done. Last time I had all the money upfront and this time I am having to finance it and pay off over time. I guess I am just grateful that my revision isn't as expensive as my first surgery (I am still processing and mourning the loss of all that hard earned money my first surgeon gouged me for.)
OK now I am rambling hahaha long story short: EXCITED SCARED HAPPY NERVOUS :)

thanks for all your support guys!!!!

This is so hard to believe!! I am down to single digits now - 8 days to go.. It doesn't feel real because I have spent this last year just trying to get by - pass the time - get through all of the life events and social obligations I couldn't avoid. Just survive. Just breathe. That's literally all I could do at certain times during the last year. The only thing that kept me hanging on was the belief that I had another chance - that my nose could and WOULD be fixed. Now that time is almost here - just around the corner. I have a second chance to set things right and I am so grateful for that - and also so torn because what if things don't work out? I know first hand the devastation and I wouldn't wish it on ANYONE. My second chance is so close at hand and so I don't know if I will end up with great results and be FINALLY able to move forward with my life in peace, or..not. It is certainly stressful.
I do have a good feeling about this and want to just stay positive - most times I am positive that things will be great. And so I try to focus on that. I believe Dr. Pontell will do a fabulous job!
I am so fortunate and blessed - and I have learned and grown so much this past year. I have to believe it has all been a necessary "mistake" that has made me even stronger.
Anyway, my blood work is done. Everyone is paid. Now all I have to do is gather my supplies and pick up my meds and then surgery. :) only 8 more dayzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!! :)