Facing One's Biggest Fears

My first memory of going to the dentist was in 4th grade. I was sitting in a dark library at school, watching a black and white film about bears, when my nerve became exposed somehow, and I ended up on the floor in extreme pain. Mom came to get me, and they drug me into my great-uncle's office, where he proceeded to hold me down and yank out the offending tooth. It marred me for life...
Over the course of my adulthood, I have gone long stretches of my life with seeing a dentist and taking care of my teeth. Now, I am 55, and am truly paying the price for that neglect. "Happy Pills" and nitrous oxide have become my friend, but up until yesterday, I'd avoided at all costs (my teeth, usually!) the dreaded Root Canal.

I cannot tell you how paralyzed I was yesterday as I waited for the appointment. As much as I tried to keep thinking of other things, I was unable to remove that fear from my mind. Even as I entered the office, I was frozen. While the process was uncomfortable at some points it was not nearly as painful as I imagined!! I'm sure the full dosage of "happy pills" helped, but I think my dentist's gentle touch had a lot to do with it also. I came home with no pain. None!

So, now I can face the other one in a couple of months, knowing I will save my tooth and live to tell about it.

I'm really proud of myself!!

Only half a pill!

I've shared before about my phobia towards the dentist chair. I, at one point, required music, gas, and a "happy pill" to even get me in the office - many years went by while my teeth suffered and I avoided the inevitable. Even now, the memories of some of those visits make me quiver with nerves!!

But last year, I decided, "You are 53 years old - get over it!" That decision, along with my dentist no longer having the invaluable nitrous oxide to comfort me, has gotten me to my visit today. I have all but two repairs done - a victory of sorts - and today, when I go get the next part of my new crown, I will be going on only half a happy pill! Two reasons - I don't want to sleep tonight and tomorrow away in a stuper, and I want to wean myself off totally. I trust my sweet Dr. David, who is so patient with me, and so I reach this milestone. I'm not sure I can do the last big appointment without it, but for today, it's a plan. Keep me in your thoughts as I take this step -

I'm hoping to one day be his patient of the month!!!