Appointment to get braces off after first failed attempt...

[Stuckinlife164]

After over 3 years, the time has finally come to get my braces off. A little over a month ago I was scheduled to get them off, and took 2mg of Ativan which is the most I have ever taken, and managed to still get a panic attack before and had to cancel. Now on 22nd I have an appointment to get them off again. This time my psychiatrist prescribed me 1mg of Klonopin which is supposed to be stronger and last longer than Ativan. I've been instructed to take a half of one the night before to sleep, and a full 1mg pill a few hours before.

I'm still terrified, I really want to get these off but am scared because even my lifeline for dental appointments, Ativan, didn't even work for me for the first time ever, which usually rids me of my anxiety. The fact that I took double the dose of Ativan and still had a panic attacks terrifies me.

 

[Sassycass]

What I do is instead of fighting it, I ride the waves of the panic and anxiety. I take enough Xanax to still allow me to drive and be in control but enough to keep my heart rate from jumping high. For me when my heart rate is fast, that sets off most of my anxiety.

I tell my anxiety to hurry up and make me pass out or leave me alone because I don’t have time to waste today being an anxious mess. Or on my way there I say “I’m going to go to my appt and get my braces off today, because I have worked hard for this beautiful smile. And if you want to give me a panic attack you better do it right now or you will have to wait until tomorrow because I have things to do”

If you run from it or avoid it, it will be worse in the long run (I lived for years running and hiding away from my panic disorder) .

Just tell yourself that you have an hour long appointment out of your 24 hour day. That’s it. That when your appt is over, you will have a beautiful smile you have been looking forward to. I always reward myself after the dentist. Either with a special coffee or taking a stroll around the thrift store.

Instead of asking yourself what could go wrong ask yourself, what if it all works out.

Sending you positive vibes! I get my permanent crown early tomorrow morning. They told me no numbing before so they can get my bite correct. I’m looking forward to my permanent crown so I can eat on both sides of my mouth.