Thursday, July 30, 2009

Woe Is STILL Me.

It's been a couple of days since my dentist appointment, and although it's not as bad as it was, my tooth is still hurting. It's down from a scream to a more of an annoying whimper. Less an ache than it is sore when I bite and it feels almost itchy in the gums around it.

The good news is I think I'm going to like my new dentist. He seems kind and willing to work with my anxiety and sensitivities. The bad news is that he's going to a two week training seminar before he can do my sedation appointment. I'm glad he's keeping up on dental technology, but did it have to be right now?

He has put me on antibiotic pills and assures me that as the infection goes away, so will the pain. He's also assured me that he has given me enough pills so that the infection won't return before my appointment. As I said, it's feeling better. It's just not pain free yet.

I have to say, though, that having a toothache and sore mouth has really put a damper on my eating and cooking. Most foods sound like they'd be irritating, not soothing. I've not done well at sticking to my menu this week and have typically not been eating the same things as Shane and Kat. I'm also not feeling very enthusiastic about planning next week's meals. I often do that on Thursdays, but I'm not sure it's such a good idea today. I don't think my family will be happy with nothing but mashed potatoes for a week straight.

Having dental problems has also put a big damper on my plans/hopes for paying off our van this year. It could still happen...maybe. But even after insurance, a big chunk of our savings is going to go to the dentist. But that's what the savings is there for - to cover unplanned expenses, including my denta-phobic ones. It's a good feeling to know we won't have to use our credit card or get a bank loan to cover the expense.

It'll all get better soon, I know. I'm just feeling a little down in the mouth today.

10 comments:

Janelle said...

*hug* I'm sorry!! It really stinks to have mouth pain. You don't want to eat, talk, drink, etc. and it just makes you super-cranky. I hate it! I don't know if something like Orajel might help, but it's a thought. It never did much for me, though.

Annie Jones said...

Thanks Janelle. I just don't well at all with pain in my head, whether a headache, toothache, sinus, etc. I can handle other body aches fairly well, though.

Orajel does help a little. While it doesn't last long, it's immediate. I'm getting the best relief from the "cocktail" of 1 Advil + 1 Tylenol. Of course, there are only so many of those you can take in a day. :(

Kim @ Kim and Mikey said...

I am sorry that you are feeling so bad! I will keep you in my prayers. Feel better soon!

Unknown said...

I've had a few gum infections in my time and they completely suck, either they're pure agony or they swell up. They don't hurt at all when they swell but your friends and family do get to say you look like a chipmunk with a face full of nuts/buzz lightyear:(

The antibiotics should kick in completely in the next day or two and the pain should all but go away until your appointment. If I'm honest I've been known to double up on the antibiotics in the first day or two to get them working more quickly!

Frances said...

I'm with Leann...the antibiotics should do the trick in a day or so. Hope you feel better soon!

Miranda said...

Bless your heart! I also feel for you on the van thing. We were so close to having our 3-6 month fund finished and now everything seems to be falling apart. Take care. Hope your are better soon.

Annie Jones said...

Thanks for your thoughts, ladies. You know, I think it's starting to work now. Feeling quite a bit better than I did just this morning when I posted. Another day or two, and I'll be "back on my feed". ;)

Sheila said...

I hope you feel better soon. I know mouth pain is the worst--no matter what you do--talk, eat, drink--it hurts. I got my dentist to give me a prescription mouthwash and it works wonders. I'm not sure if it would work on tooth pain though.
I also wanted to say thank you to you and your husband for the upside down tater tot casserole--I made it tonight and it was delicious--we all loved it. Love your blog and have used quite a few of the recipes you have posted.

Tug said...

I'm with you on hating the dentist & mouth pain thing...ow. Hopefully tomorrow will be much better now that you're feeling a bit better tonight!

Annie Jones said...

Sheila: Thanks for your comment! I'm so glad you've enjoyed some of the recipes. I have your blog bookmarked to check out soon!

Tug: It's been crazy around here, but I'm beginning to feel better. I'll email you soon!