Merry F*ckin Christmas everyone,
Im scheduled for a root canal on Tuesday. I lost a filling last week and have been treating it with ibuprofen until I got up the nerve to see my dentist yesterday. I have extreme dental phobia. I know what thats about. Im an abuse survivor and there was a significant oral component to the abuse (sorry, probably TMI). I freak when my mouth is involved. Yesterday was the first time Ive been in a dentists office stone cold sober in five years.
Long story short. Im getting a scrip for valium from my shrink on Monday. It will be placed in my husbands hands pronto. I will take it before the procedure on Tuesday. If I need painkillers, they will also go into his care. I dont want to take them if at all possible not because Im a huge fan of pain but because Im even less of a fan of w/d. I have a feeling that no matter how short a time Im on any opiate, theres going to be fallout. I dont need that at this time. With luck, 800mg of advil should do the trick.
Great cosmic joke, both the DDS and the endodontist asked, Do you want anything for pain? Oi vey. Well, NO LOL. To reward myself, I filled my scrip for Nicotrol inhalers. Im sucking on one even as I type. God, I love nicotine.
How's everyone been?
Cheers,
Gina
I know how you feel--i just had my first root canal on monday and i go back this monday for the 2nd part of it. I have the worst fear of dds too. I freak when i have to get my teeth cleaned!! anyway, They numbed me out pretty good with the novacaine and it didnt take too long. when they finished it was really no big deal come to think of it. You will be fine. Im sure the valium will help. Good luck!!
Man Gina,
That's very tough. I'm sorry this opens so many memories for you. One thing I try to tell myself is that it's just part of one day. And that worrying about it changes nothing. It will come and go no matter how much you obsess over it. And believe me, you don't want that tooth going bad on you. There is no pain like tooth pain. Geez, scratch that. I'm not helping, am I?
I know you'll get through this in the best possible manner Gina. If you need the meds, take them. For me, it was no more then one day of real pain. And just ac achy, sore feeling. You're going to be fine, whether you think that now or not. Just hang on!!
Love, Beck
That's very tough. I'm sorry this opens so many memories for you. One thing I try to tell myself is that it's just part of one day. And that worrying about it changes nothing. It will come and go no matter how much you obsess over it. And believe me, you don't want that tooth going bad on you. There is no pain like tooth pain. Geez, scratch that. I'm not helping, am I?
I know you'll get through this in the best possible manner Gina. If you need the meds, take them. For me, it was no more then one day of real pain. And just ac achy, sore feeling. You're going to be fine, whether you think that now or not. Just hang on!!
Love, Beck
Dear Gina
You would be surprised how many abuse/moslestation survivors have a problem with going to the dentist.
The dentist should be aware of your concerns; not "plunk" instruments on your chest as he works...not put the daisy chain/bib too tight around your neck etc.....
We had one patient once whom had a terrible past...was choked and then raped, and could not have anything near her neckwithout going into panic mode.
Most dentists that are aware of your past, can do things to lower your anxiety.
The actual PAIN should not be bad honey...very few root canals HURT, as a matter of fact once the nerve is out of the tooth, and the pulp medicated, it is only the surrounding tissues that canbe a bit sore....but the TOOTH itself will not have the main nerve any more so will not hurt......(honest!)
Make sure that you are properly anesthetized, and if at any time you "think" you start to feel something...just raise your hand slowly and tell him/heryou want more anesthetic.....
Let me know if i can help you in any way..it wont be as bad as you think..
Hugs to you Gina,
Ali
I
You would be surprised how many abuse/moslestation survivors have a problem with going to the dentist.
The dentist should be aware of your concerns; not "plunk" instruments on your chest as he works...not put the daisy chain/bib too tight around your neck etc.....
We had one patient once whom had a terrible past...was choked and then raped, and could not have anything near her neckwithout going into panic mode.
Most dentists that are aware of your past, can do things to lower your anxiety.
The actual PAIN should not be bad honey...very few root canals HURT, as a matter of fact once the nerve is out of the tooth, and the pulp medicated, it is only the surrounding tissues that canbe a bit sore....but the TOOTH itself will not have the main nerve any more so will not hurt......(honest!)
Make sure that you are properly anesthetized, and if at any time you "think" you start to feel something...just raise your hand slowly and tell him/heryou want more anesthetic.....
Let me know if i can help you in any way..it wont be as bad as you think..
Hugs to you Gina,
Ali
I
Thanks Beck, Firesign,
They said it would only take an hour. I can deal with anything for an hour, right? Compared to two weeks of w/ds, how bad can this be?
Fire, I'm glad you got through your root canal okay. Dental work is the pits as far as I'm concerned. I'll take 20 hours of labor any day of the week.
Love,
Gina
They said it would only take an hour. I can deal with anything for an hour, right? Compared to two weeks of w/ds, how bad can this be?
Fire, I'm glad you got through your root canal okay. Dental work is the pits as far as I'm concerned. I'll take 20 hours of labor any day of the week.
Love,
Gina
Gina,
You should not need pain meds for a root canal. I had 4 of them a few years ago without any. (I was pissed at the time that I didnt get them). But, honestly, I never needed them. Your looking at 2-3 seconds of pain (the local anestetic) then the nerve gets cut, bye bye pain, hello two more trips to the dentist for the crown and stuff. Try not ot project..ok.
Regards,
Tom
You should not need pain meds for a root canal. I had 4 of them a few years ago without any. (I was pissed at the time that I didnt get them). But, honestly, I never needed them. Your looking at 2-3 seconds of pain (the local anestetic) then the nerve gets cut, bye bye pain, hello two more trips to the dentist for the crown and stuff. Try not ot project..ok.
Regards,
Tom
Gina,
For the love of god, please change your avatar. It reminds me of one of the most frightening movies I have ever seen, "the grudge" have you seen it?
Regards,
Tom
For the love of god, please change your avatar. It reminds me of one of the most frightening movies I have ever seen, "the grudge" have you seen it?
Regards,
Tom
Gina, Just wanted to say that when I go to the dentist I bring along my daughters walkman CD player and I have these mediatation tapes that i listen to. It really helps me when I need to go. I have had to have two teeth pulled since being in recovery. I hated the thought of having to go back. I hope I don't regret that decision down the line that I didnt have the root canals instead. Just wanted to share that and let you know I will be praying for you. Dawn
Ali,
My therapist friend sent me to this dentist three years ago -- he's got several patients who are abuse survivors. He's very respectful. Asks permission before doing anything, checks on me all the time, tells me I can bail at any point. I have total control. It's a very important perception to hold. Thanks for the support.
Tom,
That's comforting. I won't even accept a scrip for painkillers then. Goodness knows, I don't need the trigger. Anyway, I have a high tolerance for pain. I never took opiates for pain -- that would have been wasting them, lol.
Yes, I've seen that movie and Ringu. But sorry. Until after Tuesday, I'm feeling J-horror, so you'll have to live with it.
I'm off to the endo's office now for my desensitization session. They're going to hold my hand, speak softly to me and walk me around the instruments. LOL, how big a baby can I be? But hey, I'm a sober baby.
Cheers,
Gina
My therapist friend sent me to this dentist three years ago -- he's got several patients who are abuse survivors. He's very respectful. Asks permission before doing anything, checks on me all the time, tells me I can bail at any point. I have total control. It's a very important perception to hold. Thanks for the support.
Tom,
That's comforting. I won't even accept a scrip for painkillers then. Goodness knows, I don't need the trigger. Anyway, I have a high tolerance for pain. I never took opiates for pain -- that would have been wasting them, lol.
Yes, I've seen that movie and Ringu. But sorry. Until after Tuesday, I'm feeling J-horror, so you'll have to live with it.
I'm off to the endo's office now for my desensitization session. They're going to hold my hand, speak softly to me and walk me around the instruments. LOL, how big a baby can I be? But hey, I'm a sober baby.
Cheers,
Gina
Dawn,
The endo's receptionist told me they have noise reducing earphones and I should bring any CD's I like. They also have blankets, fuzzy slippers and teddy bears. LOL, I think it's a pediatric practice.
Yes, please. Pray for me. Or rather, pray for her, lol. I threw up and cried at the dentist's yesterday and all he did was take an x-ray. The endodontist is a woman. I think that will make it easier somehow.
Thanks so much. You're all such lovely people. (BTW, Dawn, I'm sure you did the right thing for you at the time, having the teeth pulled. Don't worry about it now.)
Love,
Gina
The endo's receptionist told me they have noise reducing earphones and I should bring any CD's I like. They also have blankets, fuzzy slippers and teddy bears. LOL, I think it's a pediatric practice.
Yes, please. Pray for me. Or rather, pray for her, lol. I threw up and cried at the dentist's yesterday and all he did was take an x-ray. The endodontist is a woman. I think that will make it easier somehow.
Thanks so much. You're all such lovely people. (BTW, Dawn, I'm sure you did the right thing for you at the time, having the teeth pulled. Don't worry about it now.)
Love,
Gina
Gina'
Your seeing a female ENDODONTIST?????
Girl youve got it made in the shade...
Thats all they do is RCT's.......it will be a walk in the park...NO PAIN..guarantee you!!!!!
Always wise to see the specialists...
Hugs to you
white light and prayersto surround you
Ali
Your seeing a female ENDODONTIST?????
Girl youve got it made in the shade...
Thats all they do is RCT's.......it will be a walk in the park...NO PAIN..guarantee you!!!!!
Always wise to see the specialists...
Hugs to you
white light and prayersto surround you
Ali
i only took a pain killer before i had the root canal done because i was dieing in pain. after the root canal it did not hurt at all. i kept thinking "when is it supposed to hurt"? Its nothing-- you will be fine!!--
Im sorry i cant relate to the abuse issues---im sure thats another whole ballpark
but i know you will be just fine!!!
Im sorry i cant relate to the abuse issues---im sure thats another whole ballpark
but i know you will be just fine!!!
Well folks,
I had a major meltdown at the endo's. She has a practice over at the dental school and works with an anesthesiologist. She and Dr. M think it better if I'm sedated for the procedure and I'm all for it. It's not the idea of pain, it's something else altogether.
Upside is, I don't have to worry about valium now, lol.
Love, Gina
I had a major meltdown at the endo's. She has a practice over at the dental school and works with an anesthesiologist. She and Dr. M think it better if I'm sedated for the procedure and I'm all for it. It's not the idea of pain, it's something else altogether.
Upside is, I don't have to worry about valium now, lol.
Love, Gina
Merry Fu**in Christmas to you!!!! I'm so sorry about the dentist..I am terrified of the dentist..had a lot of work done last year when I was still using...after that I almost passed out (sober) from fear. I have to be pre-medicated due to a heart murmur so that also scares me.You are doung the right thing by giving the rx to your husband...No one should suffer dental pain..it's horrible.When do you go?
Oh, Sharon, I knew you would understand. I feel like such an idiot. All she did was show me a rubber mouth dam (?) and I nearly passed out. Had to call Dr. M from her office.
So much for deep breathing. I think I forgot how to count to four. I don't know when this will be done now. She's trying to get ahold of the anesthesiologist. I'm pretty relieved (or maybe it's just post-catharsis). Dr. M talked to her about my wee addiction problem. I won't need painkillers and now I won't need the valium either. It's all good.
How've you been? Any word from Dottie?
Love, Gina
So much for deep breathing. I think I forgot how to count to four. I don't know when this will be done now. She's trying to get ahold of the anesthesiologist. I'm pretty relieved (or maybe it's just post-catharsis). Dr. M talked to her about my wee addiction problem. I won't need painkillers and now I won't need the valium either. It's all good.
How've you been? Any word from Dottie?
Love, Gina
oh honey.....the dreaded rubber damn!!!!!
That is a TOTALLY normal reaction to you..many survivors of abuse find it too constricted and suffocating...im kinda surprised she wanted to use it...
It does keep the area isolated and away from tongue, saliva and bacteria...but in odd cases and in emerg. it doesnt HAVE to be used..depends on the dentistof course...perfectionist tend to need them...
Sedation might be best for you luv...
Sorry you had such a bad time....but its understandable..believe me..
Hugs
Ali
That is a TOTALLY normal reaction to you..many survivors of abuse find it too constricted and suffocating...im kinda surprised she wanted to use it...
It does keep the area isolated and away from tongue, saliva and bacteria...but in odd cases and in emerg. it doesnt HAVE to be used..depends on the dentistof course...perfectionist tend to need them...
Sedation might be best for you luv...
Sorry you had such a bad time....but its understandable..believe me..
Hugs
Ali
Oh Gina... i am sorry you have to have this done. Bless your heart.... i know how you are feeling... i absolutely HATE going to the dentist. I went to get my wisdom tooth extracted last month... and OMG it was the scariest thing i have done sober. They had to put me under because they had to cut it out... but what scared me most was the pain i thought i would have after the surgery. Luckily and surprisingly i survived with just 800mg ibuprofen. It seems like it hurt worse before i had it pulled. You will be okay... i will be praying for you. Love ya, Bri :)
I haven't heard from Dottie...I lost her # and am waiting for her to contact me....I am such a baby at the dentist...when I was 13 I had an very bad dentist perform a root canal w/o novacaine...then a few years later I saw "Marathon Man"......I cannot take the sound of the drill.Now mind you. last year I had 4 veneers put in ...2 done over. My dentist is a doll, but the fear. I was shaking in the chair...I asked him he gave IV valium and he laughed. I was serious. Best of luck my dear. BTW...did you see the movie(Geisha)? I'm dying to see it. Love, S aka Queen of Neurosis
Gina,
my neighbor just came over with her new baby...my laptop was open on the counter and when i held and kissed the baby...she started to cry LOUD
I quickly handed her back...and then we realized she was looking at the monitor...im not kidding you...your Geisha girl scared the bejeezuz out of her..lolol
reminds me of a mime...and Im still scared of them!!!!!
Hugs
Ali
my neighbor just came over with her new baby...my laptop was open on the counter and when i held and kissed the baby...she started to cry LOUD
I quickly handed her back...and then we realized she was looking at the monitor...im not kidding you...your Geisha girl scared the bejeezuz out of her..lolol
reminds me of a mime...and Im still scared of them!!!!!
Hugs
Ali

Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Mwah ha ha ha ha...