The Dentist

I've said it before, I'll say it again... I hate going to the dentist.

Not because of anything having to do with the dentist at all.  Although actually, having my teeth cleaned is not my favorite activity.  It's been almost a day since my cleaning and my teeth still hurt.  I hate going to the dentist because the last 3 times I have gone to the dentist, I have gotten bad health news within a few days afterwards.

Now, none of the health news has ANYTHING to do with my teeth (i.e. I got the results of my thyroid nodule biopsy the day after I went to the dentist last time).  I realize that this dentist anxiety is completely stupid and superstitious.  Nevertheless, it's there.

I have been trying to avoid going to the dentist for a couple of months now.  I kind of don't want to go when I have other doctors appointments in the same month.  Since the summer is when I do my eye appointment, skin check, and annual plus I have my thyroid check-up in August, I was trying to not see the dentist until the fall.

Yesterday morning, I woke up to take my beloved Synthroid and Cytomel and when the water hit my tooth, I knew I could not avoid the dentist any longer. 

One of the best parts of the dentist appointment is the flossing conversation.  I had a new dentist this time, so he wasn't aware of my flossing-laziness.  So when the dentist asks if I floss everyday, my answer was simply, "No."  I'm not going to try and pretend like I do it every day.  I don't.

So the flossing lecture began.  About how I need to make a habit out of it.  It is really easy to do.  Blah blah blah.

That's when I said, "One thing at a time."  I'm just starting to get into taking pills multiple times a day and cope with the fact that this is my life and wrap my head around the fact that I have been through so much in such a short amount of time.  Plus I have PMS, so I can feel myself getting close to crying.

The sweet hygienist says, "She's had a rough year."  That's right!

My kind-hearted dentist replies, "Well, life happens and you're just going to have to keep these habits.  Even when life is going."

Are you kidding me?!?!  Can he not see the still very fresh and pick scar on my neck?  I didn't even shower yesterday morning.  I have a pile of clothes on the couch from Sunday that I still need to fold.  Phil and I have been trying to figure out what adjustments we need to make so he has enough time to finish his dissertation.  Plus we have the WONDERFUL added stresses of having basically one income and some awesome medical bills ala health insurance with a high deductible and out of pocket max.

This isn't normal life.

Flossing is pretty low on my list, Dr. Jerk-face, DMD. 

PLUS, he didn't do a neck check.  (Does your dentist check your neck?  They should.  ASK them to do it!)

Hopefully my dentist curse is over.  We'll see how my eye exam goes this afternoon. (fingers crossed!!)