It’s been a strange couple of weeks. I’m not used to being sick (although I’ve been sick more in the past few months than I’ve ever been before) and my tooth abscess has thrown me off. But it’s not just me, Jon’s been sick too. It feels like we’re taking turns. He takes care of me, I take care of him…….who ever’s feeling not as bad as the other does the care taking. And as unpleasant as it is, it makes me appreciate my life and be grateful for all I have.
As I told Dr. Coco this morning at the Dentist Office, I’m glad to be here because you’re going to make me feel better. Even though I expected it might be painful (I thought they were going to drain my abscess because after a week of penicillin, the infection is still there) I knew eventually it would be better. And I guess that’s been my greatest worry through this all, that “they” wouldn’t know what was wrong or how to fix it.
But that doesn’t seem to be the case. To them a Root Canal is routine. To me it’s like discovering a new species of bacteria in the Amazon. Basically, I’m clueless. But thanks to today’s visit to the dentist, I now know everything I need to know about Route Canals.
Dr. Coco was happy to explain it to me complete with a video and his own drawings on that white piece of paper on the silver metal tray that’s next to the dentist chair. Fascinating stuff really, to go through all that trouble to save a tooth. A part of me kept thinking, wouldn’t it just be easier to yank it out? Not that I really see that as an option for me. I don’t want to start my 50th year by loosing a tooth. That would make me feel old instead of wise and empowered by my 50 years of life experience. But to think that someone loves teeth enough, and I mean other people’s teeth, to come up with the idea of going into one with a tiny file (some only as thick as a human hair) and scraping out all that infected gunk. Severing the nerve (which we don’t need in our teeth anyway I’ve been told, a big mistake on the creators part) then filling it back up (with the same substance electricians used to use to insulate the wiring in our homes, of all things) then covering it up with a snug fitting hat, I mean, cap. I’m actually looking forward to it. It almost sounds like fun. Like cleaning out your dogs ears kind of fun, if you know what I mean.
Or maybe it’s these new antibiotics I’m on, LavoForitivistivs or something like that. A very long and scary list of possible side effects, none of which I’m experiencing yet. Except I am feeling something different. Like if I were to look in the mirror, my eyes might be swinging back and forth in my head, like they’re watching a slow motion ping-pong game. And there’s a buzzing in my brain and just under the surface of my skin that’s making it hard to concentrate. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Jon, it’s that no matter what’s going on in my life, I can use it creatively. So sickness and caretaking, antibiotic buzz and root canal lets see what we can do together.
I worked for 3-1/2 years for a graduate school of dentistry and got pretty familiar with different dental procedures. Amazing what they can do. It cured me of my previous dental phobia. I knew I was cured when I watched the periodontist do gum surgery. I have Gore-Tex in my lower jaw (bone deterioration) and the material they use now for root canals is like “space-age” technology (no more gutta-percha). My favorite dental school “fun fact”: you can restore a tooth’s enamel over time (called remineralization) by eating aged cheddar cheese…How cool is that?
Oh I do love that Susan. All treatments should taste so good.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
Feel better wishes coming to Bedlam for you and Jon, Maria. The root canal will be great relief.
I’m in my 4th week with pneumonia and have found it an interesting, albeit it challenging, time. Many projects completed, many things checked off my to-do list and much reading and movie-watching enjoyed. A very rare opportunity to not be working at my full-time job and have a full mental break. Sometimes we get just what we need when we need it.
Oh It sounds like you’re making the best of it Marcia. I love your attitude and I hope your all better soon. Even if it means going back to work!
Loved this post Maria. I tend to agree with you, save the tooth because everything changes. Trust me, I had some problems and had two teeth removed and my jaw (TMJ) is very painful!! I’m out of alignment which cause terrible clicking. BTW, I love the sox!
Oh course Donna, I never thought of that!
Sorry both you and Jon are feeling rotten. Hopefully the antibiotics start working so you can have your root canal. I’ve had a few, except for keeping your mouth open for awhile, it’s not so bad
Actually the root canal is worth all the anticipation, once it’s done the pain is gone. I think you will agree after it’s all over. Bring your iPhone and listen to music or a book …. it passes the time
Love the socks!
Best of luck with the root canal Maria. You’ll do fine. I’ve had two. No pain. I have a feeling you’ve already gone through the worse part of it all.
A sketch of those swinging eyes and buzzing brain would be quite creative don’t you think?
The red wool socks are so cool. You should wear them to your root canal. You can glimpse them every so often and feel cozy and grounded.
Please keep us posted, Cindy
I was thinking the same thing about the socks Cindy! And yes to the swinging eyes and buzzing brain….
I have had root canal work done and also had Lyme decease where I had to take antibiotics. I did not feel right taking antibiotics so I asked a healthcare professional what I could do and she told me to eat some yogurt every day. I now eat organic yogurt every day and feel great, never get sick.
Ah Uta, I just got a craving for yogurt and had some a little while ago. Thanks for the good advice.
I LOVE THE RED in these socks, also! My favorite color. What a story teller you’ve become, Maria! This episode, seen thru your eyes is fascinating! I’ve had several tooth abscesses, but none that did not disappear in about two days on antibiotics. Annie