One last thing...scared as hell

[suzyq73176]

I have been on the list since 2006.  I have completed all of my tests numerous times but one stands in the way.  The dentist.  I have a deep seated fear of the dentist and cannot bring yself to call for an appointment.  I feel stupid that this is the only thing that stands in my path.  Even dumber is the fact that I endured surgery after surgery and excruciating wounds from calciphylaxis.  My fear is due in part to the fact that novacaine and such do not work so well for me.   Any ideas on how to overcome this issue.

[Jean]

Understand your fears. Even tho Novocaine worked for me, going to the dentist was so traumatic, one time my boyfriend had to carry me up the stairs!!!! How long has it been since you went tho, since things have changed a lot. Maybe they can give you some twilight so you can completely relax. I used to have that just to get my teeth cleaned, if you can believe that. Hope you get a sympathetic dentist.

[Sunny]

I can't stand the drilling. That noise really gets to me. I use an ipod with the music turned up loud plus Novocaine,plus an anti-anxiety med and I tell the Dentist I am going to completely ignore him so if he needs something, figure out how to get it done without my help. I'm just willing to keep my mouth open while he hurries. I've had 3 root canals and 3 crowns done this way.Good luck.

[RichardMEL]

I was at the dentist a few weeks ago and he used a new kind of gel on my teeth and gums that numbed the area for about 20 minutes. It was pretty good and made it easier for me (I have some sensitive areas of gum and it can be quite painful when cleaning). I realise you're talking about more extensive work, but there may be newer options that could help you. Given dental health is so important for a transplant this is something you really should get onto.

Whenever I face something unpleasant that I don't want to deal with (like dentists!) I try to focus that it's the means to an end and the GOAL is a transplant without complications and so I have to endure the dental work and whatever else to get there. So when I'm in the chair feeling horrible with my mouth pulled open I go to that little happy place in my head and think about that time when I might have a working kidney and can live a more normal life.

So I guess I'm saying - try to focus on the greater picture.....

[MooseMom]

I had my pretransplant dental appt THE DAY AFTER MY FISTULA SURGERY!  How's that for rotten timing.  And I hadn't been for 7 years!
If your pretransplant dental protocal is anything like mine, you don't actually HAVE to get treatment for anything.  All the transplant people want to know is that your gums and mouth are healthy enough to withstand the onslaught of posttransplant drugs.  If, for instance, you have oral cancer, putting you on immunosuppressants would be insane.  The same goes for an active oral infection.  They don't care if you have cavities.

I didn't have a dentist, so I just went to one that was located closeby in a historic house that had been converted; I liked the house.  LOL!  I talked to them before making an appointment; I wanted to make sure they were comfortable dealing with a "fragile" patient.  I told them what I needed and showed them the form.  They were fine with it.  I made the appointment which entailed complete x-rays, gum measurements and plaque removal.  I never felt any pain, just pressure as the hygenist scrapped away my dental crud.  She said I had general gingivitis which should clear up completely now that my teeth had been cleaned, and this is what she wrote to the transplant team.  I went back just the other day for a follow up, and my gingivitis has completely cleared.  It was easy as pie, but I still understand your nervousness.  But remember that the transplant team just want to make sure you're healthy.  You don't have to have anything done at this juncture if you don't want to.

[Sluff]

Get a rope!....     I'm with you suzyq. I hate Dentists. One thing is tell them to knock you out if they have to do anything.

[paris]

My dental evaluation included any dental work needed. If you had a cavity, it had to be filled. The transplant center didn't want any spot that could be an opening for infection.   If a tooth needs pulled, filled, capped; it had to be done to complete the dental part of the evaluation.  I hate dentists also, but after all the testing for a transplant - it just it one more thing to check off the list.    Some dentists do a "twilight" sedation. It might be worth it to find one in your area.  Then you are "drifting" through the appointment without the fear and stress.  Good luck.

[jbeany]

Find one who specializes in dental phobic patients.  My sister has one, and he just knocks her loopy with gas before she even has to open her mouth. She loves it, even if she has to have a driver for the appointments!

[texasstyle]

I so agree with the others. There are a lot of dentist's now that use many different ways to relax you for your procedure. Call and ask some Dr.'s how they treat this issue. The topical they used for Richard is similar to the topical that "I believe" you guys get put on your arm before they stick the needle in.

[kitkatz]

I had bad experiences as a kid with dentists.  I picked a dentist through 1-800-DENTIST.  The first one sucked, the second one worked out great. Find one you are comfortable with. There are painless dentists out there.  Be careful they often will not sedate you with twilight gasses because of the kidney illness problems.

[YLGuy]

I am the opposite.  My mother worked in a dentist office for many years.  Me and my kids have gone every 6 months our whole lives.  Going that often does two things.  The preventive dentistry and cleaning keeps problems to a minimum and you get a comfort level with the staff.  Call around and discuss your fears with different offices.  They have different approaches to your problem.  I bet you can find an office you will be comfortable with.

[glitter]

I pay extra and get knocked out- they put in an i.v., and I wake up and its done.....

[wolfken]

Hi Suzyq, have you tried meditation, it has worked for me just work on it till your familar with it , it can be helpful with painful times during dialysis and othe troubles in your life ,we can talk more? Wolfken

 meatwolf.shaman@yahoo.com

[Choosin2bHappy]

You can do it..you already have so much courage to face everything you've gone thru..dont let the dentist stop you.  I have to see a dentist ALL the time. I used to be afraid and now I face him head-on..I close my eyes!! lol.  thats it.  Its over withing half an hour.  30 minutes.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!!