So, like many of us, I have a real issue with procrastination in some areas of my life. And, now I'm paying the price. Several months ago, I noticed that I was having an issue with a lower tooth. But, it wasn't causing me pain, so I said to myself, "I need to go to the dentist," but I didn't take any action. (I have a real fear of the dentist chair, and that's why I have a tooth problem to begin with). Now, I am in excruciating pain. I'm popping Advil as I await my first dentist appointment in several years this Friday morning. I am still afraid, and I know it might get worse before it gets better as the dentist repairs this damage I've done to myself, but on the other hand I'm looking forward to moving out of the problem into the solution. When, when will I learn? Don't put off for tomorrow what you should do TODAY.
BGG, that fear probably falls under "letting go of our old ideas absolutely". A childhood fear that's never been examined by the adult in you. I too suffered from this and addressed my teeth via my dentist friend in the program beginning at 1 year sober. I still see him ever year. Every once in awhile I'll have a small cavity and usually I'll let him drill it without anesthetics.
Yes, I can relate. Last fall I procastinated on winterizing my boat. Why, I don't know. All I had to do was make a phone call (thousand pound phone) and my Service Tech would come to the house. Yes, he even comes to the house.
Well, it cost me. Cracked block this past Spring requiring a new engine. Well, I learn quickly; boat is already winterized and up on blocks.
I went to the dentist. Dean was absolutely right: my childhood dentist was incredibly rough during even basic cleanings and I have developed a phobia ever since. Well, I tried a new dentist today, and she was absolutely wonderful. I'm not done with the repairs yet; I have to have a root canal on one tooth after I finish antibiotic treatments, but this new dentist caused me to lose my fear in one visit. Another lesson learned the painful way.
For 30 years I heard people say that a root canal " was the most painful thing" blah blah blah.... I had one 5 years ago, didn't feel a thing. Now the pain leading up to it was considerable but still not over the top. Us alkies have a pretty high threshold for pain.
Had my root canal procedure today. No pain with the procedure; just that slight pinch with the novocaine and that weird feeling from the local anesthesia (I had forgotten what that felt like; Bill Cosby has a great standup routine on dentists which I promptly watched on YouTube when I got home and was LMAO). Numbing wore off and I felt a wee bit of tingling pain, so I took the 800 mgs of ibuprofen as my endodontist prescribed (I'm supposed to take 800 mgs three times daily plus my antibiotic). So far, so good.
