Friday, January 9, 2009

I'm a chicken

I admit it. Tonight, something awful happened. I'm in shock, I'm terrified, and in all truth, I'm feeling sick to my stomach.

Now, what on earth would provoke a reaction like this??? What is it that would upset me so???

I mean, really, I'm a mother. I've seen things that no human alive should have to see. I've administered the Heimlich maneuver on one particular child several times. I've been to the ER several times with this same child for many stitches. I've held instruments while a Dr. felt around in a puncture wound and stitched up said wound.

I've put in and taken out an NG tube in a premie. Held said premie down while eye retractors were used for an eye exam. I've watched an ENT use a scope to examine this same child's vocal chords.

I was a secondary caregiver for a friend's child who had a trach and had to learn trach care. Suctioning, emergency procedures, etc.

I've emptied drainage tubes from a rib resection on one child, watched a Dr. insert medication to break apart blood clots, slept in an ICU watching my son knowing at any moment a clot could break loose and cause severe even fatal consequences.

I've been lots of places, seen lots of terrifying things.....

But, tonight, as I sat with Dear Hubby feasting on a delicious home cooked meal, I cracked a tooth. Now, I know....everyone has had dental work done. But, here is my admission. When I was fifteen, I had some dental work done. For some reason, deadening the nerve was not easy. The dentist continued to administer the shots, one after another. I freaked....just a bit, but was finally deadened enough to finish the work. Then, afterwards, I stood up and promptly (in lady like, southern fashion) passed out.

So, let's see, I haven't been back to the dentist since then. Yes, I'm over 21.....and 31....and 41. I've lived in complete denial for years. My teeth are in great shape. No pain, no issues. My teeth are fine. Tonight, my illusions have been shattered. I need to see the dentist.

Panic!!! What do I do until Monday????? Dear Hubby, ever the level headed man, suggested that I call the dentist office and get the emergency number. I asked, "Yeah, it's an emergency in my opinion, but is the dentist going to think this is a genuine emergency????" So, I'll call the number, and his wife answers. Ah, he's sitting right here. He knows me, after all, my husband sees the dentist.....and we make quite a scene. (humongous wheel chair, lady lifting her husband, etc.....quite an impression)

I asked him, what do I do until I can see you on Monday? Actually, he'll be there tomorrow at 10, so I can come in then and we'll see what we need to do. Relief. Then.....

TERROR!!!! I have to go to the dentist....panic!!!! My kids are gone. Mom will need to stay with Dear Hubby. Who is going to go with me to the dentist????? My 12 year old volunteers, but somehow, that does little to comfort me. I'm thinking I need a driver.....

Light bulb moment....Dear Older Son is in town, at his fiancee's house, this weekend visiting the family (he's there every weekend!) So, I call him up. He and his gal have plans, but he agrees to meet me there with his fiancee. He will hold my hand, and he will drive me home if it's needed.

I feel better, but I'll admit, I'm a chicken. So, if you're a praying quilter, please pray for this chicken tomorrow!

14 comments:

Pat said...

Prayers are on the way. Candles will be lit in the morning. Good luck! Be strong, I know you can do it!!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!

Hopefully facing your fears of the dentist will be like my facing my fear of flying in 2008. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

I'm glad your son will be there to go with you. I'm sure you're going to be fine but please make sure to let us know how you do!

Hugs to you!

calicodaisy said...

I'll be thinking of you, Paula. It's hard to come out of denial, isn't it? I can't believe you gave up the dentist all these years. Healthy teeth, healthy mouth, healthy heart!
Take care, Michele

Millie said...

Dear Paula

You are not the only "chicken". I am so terrified of all doctors and hospitals. Just the smell and needles gives me the creeps. But for some reason dentists are the worst of all. I will pray for you and hope that your visit will be over before you know it!

From another "chicken"
Millie

Karen said...

Those Dentists!
They strike such fear in our hearts. I avoided them for several years. Now go every 6 months for cleaning(love the hygienist). Take an ipod and listen to your favorite music. It does help you relax. Will be praying for you, Paula!

Rhonda said...

Paula, I have more dental work in my mouth now than real teeth. The dentist said my teeth were damaged by the medicines I was given when I was burned at 1 yr.
I really get anxious going to the dentist as well....now I quote Scripture through the procedure and take a little lap quilt with me (sometimes) as I tend to get cold in the office. I wear socks to keep my feet warm... I also take a motrin before I go so I have some pain med in my system...
God is good and each visit gets a little easier...
Fear not....be of good courage.
I will pray for you.

Cathi said...

I think most dentists these days are much, much, much better than they were in the past. I'm hoping your experience tomorrow will go smoothly. Glad your son will be there with you.

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Dear! Kudos to your son. But really, you'll be amazed at how much dental practices have changed in 25 years. It's a kinder, gentler dentistry. ;-) Good Luck!

Wendy said...

Paula, I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I am a dental hygienist and can tell you that things have truely changed over the years you've been away. Dentistry is much more gentle and painless. Techniques, materials and training have come a long way. I hope your visit brings you much relief and no pain. I'll say a prayer for you. Be strong, dear, you CAN do this :)

WhiteStone said...

My dental work at age 16 was PAINful. Today's dental work is painLESS. Honest! The drilling part can be a bit un-nerving, but I tell myself..'You can handle 20 seconds of pain'...and I count silently to myself, 'hippopotamus one, hippopotamus two, etc.' ...and if the drilling is longer, I tell myself, 'You can handle 20 more seconds'. Really, you CAN DO!

WhiteStone said...

Actually, it's the sticker shock ($$$) that will cause you to faint. LOL

Diane said...

Poor you! Oh I am so srry! I know how you feel about the dentist. I can do many things and have seen many things, but the dentist just freaks me out.

Libby said...

Dentist are not my cuppa either. I have found that I do best with my iPod and some relaxing music . . . . turned up WAY loud so I can't hear anything that's going on around me. I'll be thinking of you.

Laurie said...

I have trouble with the pain shots; they just don't work well on me so I ask for the 'happy gas' don't like that either and it costs more but I handle the dds better with it. Crying at the dds at 40 got me asking for the gas.