....said the spider to the fly.
I went to the dentist today and I survived. Go me! I had no cavities (which has not been my problem in the last year or so), and no more cracked teeth, etc. The dentist said things are looking better, and there is only one area of the gums which is a concern, but not a big one. As silly as this may sound to those of you who don't understand my depth of fear (sheer terror) of visiting the dentist, the cleaning has never bothered me. It's the part where the dentist himself comes in and checks your teeth and tells you the bad news. Well, that's how it's been for me the last few visits.
I've had very little problems with my teeth for most of my life. I hit 40 and it was like I went downhill from there. I can handle having to replace a filling because of age, that's no bit deal. But in the last year or so, I've had cracked teeth, a crown, you name it.
When I try to explain it to people, they pretty much look at me as if I've grown ears larger than an elephant and that my brain has relocated somewhere between my chin and little toe. I cannot tell you where the paralyzing fear comes from, because I honestly don't know. I had a wonderful dentist out in California, and I have a great one here as well. I've not had any horrible experiences with dentists in my past.
I've often thought of going to the doctor to see if he can give me something to help calm my nerves, as alot of you have suggested. But if I do that, I worry that I'll start having to take the medicine for every single doctor's appointment or procedure in the future. If I can't handle it now, it's only going to get worse.
I know I have quite a bit of anxiety, and issues surrounding that. If I were completely honest with you, I would tell you that I bring in on myself. My imagination runs wild, and I constantly fight the battle of "backing the hearse up to the door." For as long as I remember, I've been like that, but in the last few years, it's gotten worse.
But I'm working on it. And as my best friend told me on the phone today, "that's the first step." And she has first hand knowledge of that, because she's known me all of my life.
Carry on.
Comments
I am glad your dental visit went well.
WTG Moogie!
" look at me as if I've grown ears larger than an elephant and that my brain has relocated somewhere between my chin and little toe" put me in stiches.
Have a wonderful day!
*^_^
(=':'=) hugs
(")_ (")Š from
the Cool Raggedy one
Posted by: Raggedy at February 5, 2007 8:16 PM
maybe you should, before your next appointment, write out a list of all of your fears. Beside each of them, write out a response to that fear - steps to take if it comes true, or - even better - why it won't come true. This could help you deal with your fears BEFORE you sit in the chair in that you've already confronted them and given yourself a tool - a plan - to combat them.
it's an idea, anyway. Congrats on the good dental report.
Posted by: bob at February 6, 2007 10:25 AM
Hi Moogie,
I certainly idenfity with what you say here; the very thought of being touched by a doctor, another person, or even having a cat rub against my shin, sends me into a panic. I know it's unreasonable but that's the way I feel.
I hope you can relax enough for the dentist to do whatever needs doing.
If not, bite the rascal's hand.
Posted by: john cowart at February 6, 2007 10:26 AM
you're very brave. i haven't been to the dentist in years. i'm surprised i have any teeth left.
Posted by: carli at February 11, 2007 10:01 AM
