what a long, strange week it’s been….
It started with me having a cap fall off… It would go easily back on, but wouldn’t stay. I also had a chipped tooth, and hadn’t been to the dentist in about 9 years (or so). So I googled dentists in the area, and made the call. I hate going to the dentist. The first time I ever went, I was in 3rd grade. My teacher had essentially shamed my parents into taking me, as I had never had dental care. (she also encouraged them to take me to the eye doctor’s… where it was discovered that I was essentially “legally blind’ and it was no wonder I couldn’t see the board in the classroom). But I digress. I think it was my grandparent’s who actually took me… and I remember it being what seemed to be a very long ride. The rest is sort of a blur… and I will spare the details, but I believe I was molested on that visit. I also was horrifically traumatized, as he had drilled and put caps on no less than 8 of my teeth… as he believed they “were soft” and would develop cavities. I remember having to bow and thank the doctor profusely, as directed by my grandfather. I was made to feel small and insignificant. The next time I went to a dentist, I was 17. I had to go, as it was a requirement to me studying abroad as an exchange student. I was beyond anxious, and didn’t really understand why. The dentist was appalled by the previous care, and had to take off all the previous work and caps; and do it all over again. It was an all-day event…. and I spent 3 days vomiting from the stress. In the past subsequent 40yrs… I’ve only been to see the dentist twice. I had one cavity after my daughter was born … and some minor work on those pesky caps. So I think you can understand why I was more than hesitant to go.
All that aside, it went fairly well. My new dentist (a female doctor), was both compassionate and understanding. She gave me “all the drugs”…. which I am profoundly grateful for. She explained everything, and took her time. But. I had/have several microscopic cavities — and one bigger cavity that needed taken care of, as well as a complete overhaul of yes, those same pesky caps. Apparently, they (for the most part) have shattered, chipped, and are causing problems. I also had some impacted wisdom teeth to search for (apparently they never came up… but grew out into my jaw and were absorbed by my jaw bones) …. and there was one that needed removed that was completely in the wrong space. Did I mention I have HUGE tori? These are bones that develop under your tongue (usually from grinding your teeth) that make it impossible to get x-rays. Apparently mine are the worst she’s ever seen, and photos were taken for reference and possible submission into publication.
And then there is my response to drugs. I usually have a fairly high pain tolerance, but once that pain hits…. my body full-on rebels, and won’t calm down unless it gets way more meds than anticipated. So in short, what may have required 4 shots for pain/numbing.. turned into twice that. And it wears off more quickly… which happened part way through some work. I then had bad headaches and itchy skin for a couple days while everything tried to get out of my system. —-All that said…. I am very grateful…. and happy that most of the work is now done. It took 2 visits, and I have a follow up in July to get the ‘permanent’ caps placed, and some minor additional work (and cleaning) done.
All this week, I have had some fairly intense PTSD flashbacks, and nightmares. I haven’t slept well, and am exhausted. But I did manage to enjoy some sunshine on our little balcony, and was able to commune with the Carolina Wrens that have made a nest in our Nasturtium planter box. And… they have babies! … at least 2; possibly more. It is wonderful to hear their songs, and watch them flit back and forth with freshly dug bugs for their brood.
— we also received a fabulous package in the mail. A friend designed and crocheted a little stuffed toy for Bugsy, created in his likeness! And he loves it. My hope is that you are all staying safe…
