Many thanks; need support

[mango]

Avoid Marathon Man

 

[FearfulInMA]

My appts is 4 weeks from today. Doing ok and just trying to focus on the things that I need to do in the more immediate future. I have a big bike ride coming up this weekend (150 miles in 2 days), so, I'm trying to let this occupy my mind for now. Sending out good thoughts to all of you who have appts coming soon.

 

[carol999]

Hi FearfulInMA, Good luck for your bike ride, my partner is doing her Triathlon this weekend coming. It certainly helps to keep your mind off things.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Thanks Carol! My main goal is to not fall off the bike . Good luck to your partner on her triathlon! Is it a sprint distance? They're so much fun!

 

[carol999]

Its olympic distance whatever that is! I have cycled to work every day this week but unfortunately no badminton - my Achilles is still too painful for that, I went swimming on Monday night though. I haven't eaten chocolate for a couple of months now and have lost 10lb. I just need to keep up the motivation and not turn to food in times of emotional need. I am still waiting for the dentist to get back to me.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Carol,

All of that is AWESOME!!! Except for the part about no word from the dentist . I wish I could give up chocolate -- I just need a little... usually a little bit of dark chocolate after dinner . Everything in moderation, right?

 

[FearfulInMA]

Well, I've officially reached "Senior Member" status... I just wish that would somehow translate to me having less terror about going to the dentist.

My appt is just over 2 weeks away. Just for a cleaning, but I'm already getting anxious about having to talk to a new hygienist about my dental fear. I also always have a fear that they are going to call at the last minute and reschedule my appt -- causing my anxiety to be prolonged even further. They used to send appt reminder cards, but I didn't get one last time and I haven't gotten one yet this time. So, I start to worry that maybe I don't have the right appt date/time (which is TOTALLY irrational since I put it in my blackberry as soon as it was scheduled... and, I NEVER forget when my dentist appts are). I could call the office, but I don't want to seem like a crazy lady (it's a very small practice, so it's always the office manager who answers the phone and I already think she thinks I'm a bit of a crazy!). So, the anxiety continues...

I hope that you all are finding some lovely ways to spend the weekend. Here in the Northeast US is supposed to be quite nice. I'm going to head out for a run soon -- so that will hopefully keep my mind occupied for a bit

 

[carol999]

Here's hoping the two week wait will pass quickly for you and you manage to stay positive.

 

[carole]

How good are you losing weight, I am trying to do that myself, I walk and ride my bike but I haven't lost any yet, mind you I made a great start but I have dropped off a bit now. I love walking and bike riding as well so I should just move myself and do it. Well done you.

I wondered where you were as well the last few days, glad you are back.

 

[carol999]

Hi Fearful I am going on hols for 10 days on Friday and I am aware that I will miss your appt so thought I would wish you an early good luck. I know that cleaning is just as hard to cope with as anything else so don't belittle it by saying 'only' cleaning. I will be thinking of you all the way from Spain.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Thanks Carole and Carol!

Carole -- I've been dealing with some health issues which have just taken a lot of energy to cope with. I've been sleeping more than usual and have still been exhausted all the time. I have worked really hard to lose every pound that I've lost (about 40lbs all together). But, even harder than losing the weight had been keeping it off. I work out 5-6 days per week and track every calorie that goes in my mouth.

Carol -- I'm so excited for you that you are getting to have a much deserved vacation! I have been managing pretty well to keep my anxiety in check. For me, the waiting is the worst part. I've also recently (in the last few weeks) started to have a lot of sensitivity in one of my teeth -- so that worries me. Enjoy your vacation!!!

12 days to go...

 

[carol999]

I know what you mean about the waiting being the worst part but isn't it odd, I don't feel anxious waiting for any other type of appointment except maybe an interview which I have just had so read my story.

 

[iDent]

Well, I've officially reached "Senior Member" status... I just wish that would somehow translate to me having less terror about going to the dentist.

My appt is just over 2 weeks away. Just for a cleaning, but I'm already getting anxious about having to talk to a new hygienist about my dental fear. I also always have a fear that they are going to call at the last minute and reschedule my appt -- causing my anxiety to be prolonged even further. They used to send appt reminder cards, but I didn't get one last time and I haven't gotten one yet this time. So, I start to worry that maybe I don't have the right appt date/time (which is TOTALLY irrational since I put it in my blackberry as soon as it was scheduled... and, I NEVER forget when my dentist appts are). I could call the office, but I don't want to seem like a crazy lady (it's a very small practice, so it's always the office manager who answers the phone and I already think she thinks I'm a bit of a crazy!). So, the anxiety continues...

I hope that you all are finding some lovely ways to spend the weekend. Here in the Northeast US is supposed to be quite nice. I'm going to head out for a run soon -- so that will hopefully keep my mind occupied for a bit

Regarding your appointment date and time, would it work to blame technology when you call? I know some smartphones and calendar programs don't always sync properly; also, with any electronic device, it's sometimes way too easy to accidentally delete appointments. Call and say the entire week was wiped clean, and that you think it's _____, but just want to verify.

Years ago, when I worked in a more clinical area of the hospital, doctors would sometimes receive imaging studies recorded on CDs from referring doctors/other hospitals. . .and occasionally lose the CDs days before patients were scheduled for procedures! When this happened, I would call the sending hospitals and say, "I'm sorry, it's our fault, we accidentally scratched the CD and now it won't read; would you please send a new one?" Much less embarrassing than admitting we had absent-minded doctors who lost things! No one ever questioned it.

I agree that phobics NEVER forget our dental appointments, so if you think you know when your appointment is, you're almost certainly correct.

 

[kittykat]

I agree that phobics NEVER forget our dental appointments, so if you think you know when your appointment is, you're almost certainly correct.

True that. Don't even have to put them down in a calendar or anything. Like a sixth sense.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Thanks iDent and kittykat!

Unfortunately, I used the blackberry excuse last time (great minds think alike) -- I don't know that I can get away with it again.... But, it's a VERY rare occasion that I forget and appt of any kind, let alone a dentist appt that is pretty much burned in my brain from the moment I make it. I will probably call a couple of days before if I haven't heard anything -- I will just try to hold out as long as my anxiety will allow.

On another note, I'm trying to 'pay it forward'. The same day as my dentist appt, I've offered to take a phobic friend to hers (at least mine will be over first...). She has 2 cavities that need to be filled and she's been putting it off for a long time. I finally convinced her to make an appt and offered to bring her (and watch her baby). I just really hope that she has a positive experience. She doesn't live that close to me, otherwise I would really encourage her to go to the same dentist as I go to as I know that he is good with phobic patients.

Thanks again for all the support!

 

[FearfulInMA]

Hello my phobic friends!

Well, my appointment a week from today is confirmed. I got an email this morning from the new hygienist confirming the appt date and time. I didn't expect this and it caught me pretty off guard. The dental practice I go is very modern in terms of the equipment they use, however, I never considered them very "tech savvy" as their website is not super up-to-date or complete and I've never before received email communication from them. I was really glad to get the email b/c I don't have to worry anymore that I've gotten the wrong date/time for my appt, but it also sent me into a bit of a fit of anxiety (as all things dental do).

Hopefully I will be able to keep my anxiety in check for the next week. I really appreciate all of your support more than you can know! I will let you all know how things go next week.

 

[FearfulInMA]

3 days to go.

I had been feeling ok about it until earlier this week when my gums started to get swollen and also started to bleed. I have a chronic medical condition and started a new medication about a month ago. I'm worried that the medication is affecting my gums. I'm also worried that when I see the new hygienist on Monday that she will think that I have not been properly caring for my teeth. I'm also worried that the cleaning is going to very painful b/c my gums are so sensitive (it even hurts to eat). Finally, I'm worried b/c my father had such bad gum disease that he had full dentures by 40. I get anxious enough having to go to the dentist and now to have this happen is really discouraging.

 

[carole]

I haven't any advice for you but I wish you well and I hope everything goes well for you. GOOD LUCK

I think the hygienist will understand about your gums once you tell her about your illness and medication.

 

[FearfulInMA]

10.5 hrs to go until my appt. I had been doing relatively well to manage my anxiety until about an hour ago. I did an 80 mile (~130 km) bike ride today with the hopes that it would tire me out enough that my body wouldn't have enough energy to be anxious and also with the hope that I might get a decent night sleep tonight (something I've never managed to do the night before a dental appt). We'll see if it works. I am glad that my appt is first thing in the morning, so at least I won't have to be anxious all day waiting.

I think that, this time around, I'm worried about all of the bleeding from my gums that I'm convinced is related to a medication that I am taking (it started all of a sudden and hasn't gone away). I'm hoping that the dentist will have some thoughts about how to make sure that there's no permanent damage being caused and also maybe help me figure out a way to stop them from bleeding. I'm also worried b/c I've been having a lot of sensitivity in a molar that already has a filling in it (never a good sign). Also, I will be seeing a hygienist who I've never seen before (never easy for me).

My goals right now are to get some sleep and wake rested and calm enough to try to eat some breakfast before my appt (I've not yet been able to manage to do this before an appt -- even if my appt is later in the day, I'm usually not able to eat the whole day leading up to the appt b/c my anxiety is so bad).

I will post tomorrow evening to let you know how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all of the support leading up to this appt. It's helped more than you can imagine! I'm sure you're all getting a little sick of me talking about it!

 

[letsconnect]

Best of luck for tomorrow !!

P.S. 130 km is impressive - I think you will sleep VERY well after that !