New here, in pain.. and running out of options

[Pixidust]

Hi All,

I've just signed up today, and thought i'd post.

Well, i don't want to go into detail but my phobia stems from an incident that happened in my teens.

I got quite far with my fear before that and it pushed it right back again.

I haven't been to the dentist in over 5 years now, and the only reason i mamaged it then was that i was having IV sedation.

at the moment i don't know what to do, i have a broken filling that is exposing the nerves and i'm in constant pain with it! i am on so many painkillers for something else at the moment (moprhine being one of them!) and nothing is touching the pain!!

even thinking about going to a "normal" dentist terrifies me. i tried to go to one and was in effect "told off" for being silly!!!

I have contacted the dentist that did the sedation before and i have been told that i am too heavy to have it now. How is it that they did the work before and now, when i really need help, i can't get any!

My husband said to me to make an appointment, and that he will be by my side the whole time, but i don't think he understands that i physically can't step foot into the dentist!!

i am also scared that if i manage to get into a dentist, even for sedation, they will take one look at my teeth and will say there is so much work to be done - i have a plate and a lot of fillings fron the last sedation "section" so when i say to people that i have a phobia, they don't beleive me cos i've had quite a lot of work done!

It is getting to the point where i want to pull my own tooth out! i can't stand it!!!

 

[Dr. Shirley]

Hi Pixidust!!!!!!!!

what a cute pen name! disney and tinkerbell are just so much fun ... reminds me to swing by Disneyland again soon. It's wonderful to have you here on the forum with us. Welcome, welcome to you.

I'll comment below in PINK! I love the color pink.

Well, i don't want to go into detail but my phobia stems from an incident that happened in my teens. past experiences that were 'bad' that we haven't healed from will certainly be in our subconscious as 'bad' and can keep us paralyzed from moving forward to get further treatment. With support and guidance where you feel safe and can trust is how you will slowly be able to step forward in this area again. and this is the perfect place to start here onthis forum.

I got quite far with my fear before that and it pushed it right back again.
yes , when the fear feels like it's "too much " for us to handle it will be suppressed deep down again.

I haven't been to the dentist in over 5 years now, and the only reason i mamaged it then was that i was having IV sedation. good for you, for moving forward and finding a way to have dental treatment done

at the moment i don't know what to do, i have a broken filling that is exposing the nerves and i'm in constant pain with it! i am on so many painkillers for something else at the moment (moprhine being one of them!) and nothing is touching the pain!! mention this to your MD until you are able to receive dental treatment.

even thinking about going to a "normal" dentist terrifies me. i tried to go to one and was in effect "told off" for being silly!!! a phobia is a very real feeling that can grip us and and terrify us. you were not being silly, you were being honest and vulnerable about how you felt. and there are dentists who are aware and compassionate of how a phobia can affect people.

I have contacted the dentist that did the sedation before and i have been told that i am too heavy to have it now. How is it that they did the work before and now, when i really need help, i can't get any! try contacting other offices that offer IV sedation

My husband said to me to make an appointment, and that he will be by my side the whole time, but i don't think he understands that i physically can't step foot into the dentist!! one way to start is to find a dentist (see above) and only go in to say hello to the team and/or the dentist. and that's it. you say hello and you go home. the next time, you take a walk around the office and you go home. taking these small steps will help tremendously. it will build your confidenc

i am also scared that if i manage to get into a dentist, even for sedation, they will take one look at my teeth and will say there is so much work to be done - i have a plate and a lot of fillings fron the last sedation "section" so when i say to people that i have a phobia, they don't beleive me cos i've had quite a lot of work done! and you let them know something along the lines... " I've gotten a lot of work done in the past ONLY because of IV sedation, I have a strong phobia and want you to know that so you can better understand me"

It is getting to the point where i want to pull my own tooth out! i can't stand it!!! we are here to help you and support you. you will be ok. I promise. I know that you can do it. start with a baby step and look up a dentist. that is the best way to start.

cheers, you have the cheering squad here to support you
Dr. Shirley

 

[odette]

Salut Pixie,
if you would be willing to be open, then I'd like to offer a suggestion regarding the title of your post and the "...running out of options" part.

Perhaps you could shift your thinking from "..running out of options" to eventually making plans to see a dentist and view that as, "running towards the best and healthiest option"?

As a suggestion, how does that sound?

 

[odette]

I apologize if my tone sounds a bit rank and braid. I meant what I said with caring even though I come off as an officer. My apologies.

 

[Pixidust]

Re: New here, in pain.. and taking steps to change this

Odette,

i didn't find your tone harsh.

when i wrote the original post, that was where my mind set was! (have a look at what i've put on this one!!)

I have actually been to a dentist in Swindon! something i never thought i'd be able to say without bursting into tears!!!!!! apart from having a few "panics" whilst i was there, she even managed to get me to sit in the chair!!!!!!
i had a good chat with her (as much as i could through the tears) she was brilliant!! i explained the problems to it.

Found out why i was in pain though, a lovely little abcess had reared its ugly head (i'm quite prone to them!) so at the moment i'm on antibiotics! (yuk!) but at least the pain is getting better!

i have actually made the appointment now to get the affected tooth removed!!!!!! with sedation though!

although i'm feeling "ok" about this at the moment, i know that when it comes closer to the date it will be a completely different story!

Dr Shirley, thank you for your really kind words! it makes panics much more bearable to think back to what yopu have said to me.

its great to know that there is support available!!

Thank you both!!

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Pixi
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