IV sedation on tuesday

[chrissie266]

Hi,

I have started a journal but I know not everybody reads them. I am due to have some of my left side upper and lower teeth removed on Tuesday and so far I have been relatively calm but I think today it has hit me.

I really want to get my teeth fixed but the fear has taken over and I really don't think I can do this. I feel sick and shaky already and everytime I think about it my stomach starts knotting up. I know once I have the needle in my hand everything will be fine but it is getting me that far.

My husband knows what I am like and is just as worried as me as he knows I am likely to run off or refuse the treatment once we are there. I have no control over this at all it seems and just can't stay calm.

Then I am scared of it does all go wrong and I still have to go back twice more for right side and front. How will I get through this? We are travelling almost 1hr 45 mins for this and I can't just run out!!!

 

[GrahamDee]

Firstly, you need to think positive, by thinking how better things will be for you when you get this done. You also need a little bit of confidence.

I am the world's worst extraction-phobic. There is nothing on this planet which gives me the terrors more than having teeth pulled. Why? Its a long story, but part of that is my own imaginaton making my past horrors intensify. This may sound a little irrational, but this is a phobia, and phobias are devoid of logic and common sense - especially to non-phobics.

So great is my phobia, I could not have my last tooth out, I couldn't cope with the truma of it all and I was referred to a specialist clinic that does IV sedation. Even now I would struggle to find the right words to descibe the emotions running through me at the time I come to have it done. I even thought about climbing out the bathroom window at the surgery at one point.

Then I had the IV. A tiny, tiny little pinch at the back of the hand.

Count to ten...

Open eyes...tooth gone!!

No sensations, feeling, memory...gone!! Fantastic. Awesome. Brilliant.

There really isn't anything more to it than that.

A short while ago, I bust a lower left molar, which was more filling than tooth and has to come out. Again IV Sedation here we come!!!

Once you've had it, you will always want it. Its fantastic.

Let us know how you get on...but hang in there. If I can do this and have a good time with it, anyone can.

 

[RP]

Chrissie, maybe the dentist or your general physician can call in something to calm you down, like a Valium or Halcion. Usually you take one the night before and one the morning of. And because you are calmer the IV sedation works easier and you need less. It really, really helps.


rp

 

[chrissie266]

Thanks for the reassurance, hopefully this time tomorrow I will be all done.

I have thought of asking for something to take tonight but everywhere is shut as its a bank holiday and I still need to be "with it" in the morning to get the kids to school.

Lets just hope I can stay calm long enough until that needle is in my hand! lol

 

[GrahamDee]

Thanks for the reassurance, hopefully this time tomorrow I will be all done.

I have thought of asking for something to take tonight but everywhere is shut as its a bank holiday and I still need to be "with it" in the morning to get the kids to school.

Lets just hope I can stay calm long enough until that needle is in my hand! lol

You CAN do this. You have nothing to fear, except fear itself. The very, very worst thing about IV is the waiting for it to happen. And when it does - it will be all over with.

Hang in there. It will be a pleasent surprise. You just need a bit of courage to get yourself in the chair. From then on, its all downhill.

Lets us know how you get on.

 

[haggis for the soul]

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[GummyMummy17]

I can really, really empathise with you on this one Chrissie I really can When I have said I thought I might die from the fear, I wasn't being OTT, I really felt it and I bet that's how you feel too, more . But, you will do this, as I did this, Chrissie, just go in on yourself if you can , that's what I did and just keep thinking, the worrying about it must be far worse than the actual doing of it and IT IS Chrissie, please believe me it is. These people do this all the time, they will get it right, you will not feel, or have a memory of a thing, just let them know if you can how scared you are.It will be o.k, it will, what time is your appointment?

 

[chrissie266]

Thanks.

Appointment is at 11am, need to leave at 9am though to make sure we get there in time. Have kept myself busy tonight ironing and sorting out bits for school. PRobably won't get on in the morning so will update once I am home. This time tomorrow it will all be over!!! (Well one side anyway! lol)

 

[chrissie266]

Copied from my journal:

Thank you.

I got up this morning to the usual butterflies in the stomach and 20 trips to the toilet. Didn't have much time to think though as we had to get the children to school.

We got to the Dental Access Centre about 30 mins early after a fairly silent car journey. We spoke a little but not much. On entering the waiting room I started to feel quite panicked and hot and cold. We waited for about 15 mins and my name was called.

The dentist ran through the whole treatment needed and asked which side I would like done today. I said left as I always eat on my right. There were 4 teeth to be removed and a few roots to get out. I was told to sit on the chair and I looked towards my husband and mouthed I can't do this. He looked back and just said you can. I got on the chair and they put the blood pressure thing on and oxygen on my nose. I was then told they would insert the needle. I looked towards the clock and it was 11.05am.

The needle was in and he said he would give me one dose and it would start working after 1 minute. I was then aware than my feet and legs were shaking quite violently but I couldn't control them. I was looking at the ceiling and thinking it wasn't working. He then gave another dose. I don't remember even feeling fuzzy the next thing I knew he asked if was ok to sit up and he would get my husband. It was 11.40am.

I was told to stand and close my eyes to test my ability to balance. Then I was free to go with my next appointment on Tues 25th May 10am.

I now feel such a fool for not listening to everyone and being so scared!!! It really was ok and I am so proud of myself. I do remember the dentist asking the dental nurse to swap sides at one point and also me saying that something hurt but that really hasn't bothered me as I have no idea what hurt!!! lol

Anyway I am home but still quite dopey even now 8.5hrs later. I feel very sleepy. I am in no pain although my jaw feels tender. I felt the post op care wasn't too clear though and have no idea what I am/ am not allowed to eat or drink.

I am desperate for a cup of tea but don't know if I can? I have had squash and 2 pieces of toast and now I'm so hungry.

Oh well 2 more visits and I will be done!

Thanks to you all for your wonderful support, you really are amazing x

 

[GrahamDee]

Another confirmed IV sedation fan here I think

Well done!!