Wednesday, April 02, 2008

One Of 'Those' Days

You know the one I'm talking about. It's a day where you want to run screaming while tearing out chunks of your hair, where you're driving down Main Street and you just want to run over everyone in your path, where you just want to keep driving instead of going home or where you just stand there, looking up at the sky with a feeling of defeat, shrugging your shoulders and saying "I give up." Yea, you've had one of 'those' days before and you can relate can't you? Lately it feels like mine has been extending over a period of two weeks instead of one day :o(

The real clincher happened yesterday and seeing that it was April Fool's Day, I was hoping against all hope that it was just that, an April Fool's joke. Nope, it was real :o( Remember that abscess that I have been dealing with? Well yesterday was my follow up appointment with the specialist. Since I saw him the last time, that tiny piece of cement came out but the abscess has remained, although 'much' better than it had been. An hour before my appointment I topped up on Amoxicillin for my heart and I was ready to go.

When I got in the chair, the nerves started, although they weren't too bad considering I had already met Dr. B and liked him very much. Once he took a look at the abscess, and knew I was medicated, he decided to insert a tube/wire/thread thing through the hole of the abscess and then take an x-ray. All I can say is I'm glad it was done this time and not the time before because they definitely would have had to peel me off the ceiling! That was not a pleasant experience.

It was definitely a shocker to see the x-ray because that tube/wire/thread thing went all the way up past the end of the root canal! Do I have you squirming in your seat? LOL! The verdict? I was down to three choices now. One, surgery. Two, another root canal. Three, take out the tooth. Those are great choices aren't they? Three was definitely out and two would have been my first choice BUT he couldn't guarantee that he would be able to get deep enough to clean out the infected area. So, realistically, option one was his favourite but not mine. I was shaking so bad in the chair that he even commented on it. Remember, I HATE the dentist.

That should have been the LEAST of my worries. Before I left, I got them to print off the first two options and the cost that we would be looking at. Are you sitting down? The surgery alone is $1372. Gulp! Luckily, and I say this loosely, we are partially covered so we would only have to come up with $730 of that. Did I mention that LTD was on my ass again? Did I also mention that I also owe $1100 in income tax this year? And that amount is actually 'lower' than the original thanks to Faith Ann. I could just hug her for telling me about a new exception :o)

So now I find myself not only scared to DEATH over what would be a simple surgery for some but I also have a HUGE anger welling up inside that I shouldn't even have to be in this situation in the first place. If my dentist had done her job and done it properly, it should have ended there. And to think that I had to 'insist' on being referred to Dr. B makes me even angrier because she felt that there was no need for this referral. In other words, she wasn't taking my issue seriously. So, I'm not only majorly stressed but I also have to come up with even MORE money to fix a problem that was 'supposedly' already fixed.

I'm sorry for such a lengthy and whiny post. Normally I try to avoid such a thing but it was good to get this all out in writing rather than popping my top. Do I feel better now? Not really but at least there is a little steam escaping from my ears ;o)

17 comments:

Velda said...

Oh my gosh what a day for you! We had issues with an old dentist and they were all fixed by our new dentist so I totally understand your frustration ((((Hugs))))

Jennifer said...

I know exactly how you feel. I'm so frustrated with house hunting I could cry, and running people over doesn't sound like a half bad idea these days.

I too am terrified of the dentist. I have to go to a sedation dentist where they put you in a "twilight sleep" where you're conscious and can respond to things, but you're more or less out of it. And the anger at your other dentist doesn't make the situation any better. Probably she'd be the first one I'd want to run over. Is there some kind of board or association you can send a letter of complaint to? It might not solve your issues or give you any money, but it might help you feel like you're in at least a little bit of control of the situation.

You may also want to look into some kind of health care credit card. Our insurance didn't cover the sedation costs, but the dentist's office worked with a company called Care Credit that basically provides a credit card for health care procedures and allows you to spread the payments out with little to no interest. It might help.

Good luck!! ((((((Hugs))))))

Tammy said...

I've had days like that, and lately more often than not! I can totally understand your frustration, as well as sympathize with the agony about your tooth and the added expense. Ouch on both fronts.

Big hugs coming your way, hon.

WendyCarole said...

((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))). what a mess. It makes me realise how good it is to have the NHS over here. Although NHS dentists are disappearing. And that we have the PAYE ( a pay as you earn) tax system

Ranae said...

I do hope you get feeling better. Call me CRAZY, but I love to go to the dentist. I dont care what they do to me, just fix it ,lol.

Paisley said...

You poor thing! From the sounds of it you're entitled to a good whine!

Hang in there! ((((HUGS))))

Kim said...

Hugs to you my friend! Will be praying for your support.

~Kim~

Laural said...

{{{HUGS}}} I hate tooth related anything.

Karen said...

awwww I am sorry at what you are going through,

Anonymous said...

Isn't it frightening, how much faith we put in our dentists & doctors & such? I certainly empathize with your frustrations, having had similar experiences. Why can't we just stay perfectly healthy until the absolute moment we die? *lol*
I just read your post about your grandfather's journals. How AWESOME! What a gift you've been given!!

Marita said...

(((hugs)))

That is horrible about the dentist and all the extra expense and worry and stuff you have been put too.

I'm so sorry.

stitcherw said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry that it didn't heal by itself, or at least resolve itself enough that it doesn't require such an indepth procedure to correct it. It is a shame that somehow your prior dentist can't be made to help cover at least a portion of the cost as it was her mistake that allowed it to progress to this point. I hope you can get it taken care of soon, and that it goes easier and smoother than you are anticipating. {{hugs}}
Sue

Lori said...

Oh, MAN!! I can tell you are so disappointed that the problem isn't gone yet.

Some types of dental work should be paid by our universal medicare system in my humble oppinion. If you hurt because of your teeth... our health system should cover it.

I don't see it as whining so much as information as to your well being. (Which, I care a great deal about) Just wish I had won the millions that that mom in NS won...I'd have you fixed right up, going to the concert, and retreat as well!! ;o) {{{hugs}}}

Sonda said...

That sounds like a sucky day!!! I wish you had better news. I'm sending big hugs and hoping things work out well in the end!!! BTW Loved hearing about finding your Grampa's journals!

Rachel S-H said...

I am so sorry about this. I've had two root canals go bad on me and I know it, frankly, sucks! bigtime.

I hope you can find a solution. I've had teeth pulled when I just couldn't deal with getting em fixed.

Irene said...

I'm so sorry you are having to go through all this. Dentists are not fun for even a "simple" check up. Hope Dr. B can take care of this quickly for you.

Jocelyn said...

Wait, are you talking about one of those days when life's kicked you and knocked you down, but then goes...on...kicking...you...over...and...over??? Nah, I have no idea what you're talking about at all. :)

Oh, this whole situation just stinks. I am sorry to hear about it and I really only hope it gets better. I am sending good wishes your way, Cathey!!