Constant anxiety and I've still got 3 weeks to go!

[Darkzoo]

Hi,

Anyone who's seen my journal (New Years Resolution) will know that I have finally got my date for my 12 extractions, 2 fillings, extensive cleaning and immediate denture.

The problem is, I've still got 3 weeks to go, but the anxiety is already building to the point that it's affecting my sleep and my work.

I have never suffered with anxiety before (no dental visits in 20 years) and it's wearing me out.

My GP has given me some Diazepam and sleeping tablets but these are supposed to be for the night before and the day of my appointment, both leave me too 'muzzy' to cope with work.

Does anyone have any good coping mechanisms or can recommend anything (I'm in the UK) that will deal with the anxiety without making me sleepy or muddled?

I'll be worn to a frazzle after 3 weeks of this!

DZ

 

[mikey]

There is nitrous oxide for the visit if thats what you are talking about it really helps me. I have the same thing happen to me about 1 to 2 weeks from visit and it lasts up untill.

The best way for me to deal with it is to stay busy by doing things.

 

[Okira]

If it's truly that bad maybe you can visit your doctor and get some Xanax. That will certainly help you, but I would just try Mikey's advice. Stay busy, busy, busy. What is it your anxious about? I know that sounds silly in light of all the work you need done, but maybe there is something in particular that you can discuss with the dentist. He/She may be able to alleviate some of the anxiety. In the meantime, I'll pray for your peace.
Peace,
Susan

 

[Darkzoo]

Thanks Guys,

Mikey, I'm having IV sedation for the visit itself, it's the anticipation that's wearing me down.

Okira, I have been trying to keep busy, but every time I stop what I'm doing it hits me again.

I have been trying to work out the cause of the anxiety and I think I'm afraid that I'll feel pain while under the sedation but not be able to say anything. Before everyone starts telling me that's not the case , I've read everyone's posts on here, and I know how wonderful it is, but I'm still worried that it will be different for me. I know that's irrational, but hey, that's phobias for you.

I visited my GP yesterday and he has given me Half-Inderal 80mg. These are one-a-day beta-blockers and remove the physical symptoms of the anxiety. They seem to be doing the job, I'm still anxious, but no sweats, no waves of stomachy panic, no fast heart rate, much better! He's also suggested halving the dose of my sleeping tablets so they still help me sleep but don't leave me so groggy the next day.

Hopefully my new medication will make the next 3 weeks (well, 2 weeks and 5 days actually) more comfortable.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

DZ

 

[vixi]

Hi Darkzoo

Do you do any form of regular excersise ? only I have found excersise very good for my panic /anxiety it also physicly tires you so you may find sleeping easier

Other things I do to calm myself is get into bed and play some relaxing music , have a small cup of camomile tea ( you dont have to like it make a very smalll cup and leave the bag in but i find this works very well) and a warm bath

I had sedation last friday and I was out for the count within seconds of the injection, and did not wake up until the dentist was calling my name to bring me back round

x

 

[scaredstiff]

You might find that having three weeks still to go, and being so worried, by the time the appointment comes you will be so exhausted from all the worry and lack of sleep that once that IV needle goes in, you will succumb and just have a wonderful sleep and not feel a single thing. I know in my own case yes, of course I was scared, just like you and countless others and even with valium beforehand was shaking like a leaf but once that needle was in, I was out for the count in a couple of seconds and can honestly say I didnt feel, see or hear a thing. I know the experience is different for people, but I am positive that you will be fine too. Just try and have more faith in your dentist and sedationist.

 

[mikey]

I/V sedation is wonderful, I have had it twice and its like taking a nap and finding all your work done and ready to go home. I find staying as busy as possible helps, thats what im trying to do right now because I have a 'cleaning' appointment for this thursday and im about to post a thread in support as we speak...I might wait untill tomarrow though.