Dentist and other woes

[callmemadam]

Yesterday, I had a dental appointment which I'd been waiting for since October. I did have a February appointment but it clashed with my first Covid jab, so I cancelled. I was looking forward to this treatment because I so wanted to have a comfortable mouth again (no pain). The dentist said, 'We're going to make you very numb.' The treatment was extremely uncomfortable but completely painless. The problem was when I got home. I have never in my adult life felt so ill after any dental procedure, so I assume I was given more of whatever it is they have in that needle. I was wiped out.

I've only been seeing this wonderful dentist for a couple of years, since the one I'd known for years retired and sold the practice. She totally gets anxiety (she has a special clinic for anxious and special needs patients at Southampton hospital). I told her about my PVD diagnosis and the trouble I was having getting either appointments or help. She actually advised me to say I'd had a fall (I haven't) 'and the OT will be round the next week!' She said that those who shout loudest get the help in the NHS. And she's a doctor!

Comments

[dozydormouse]

She’s absolutely right. If you do not push at the moment nothing happens. I have not had proper care since March 2020 but my consultant did telephone me when I emailed the clinic and told them I was unwell, I was frightened and I thought I needed to be reviewed. She changed my medication and I have been better since.

If you can afford it private help is still completely available which probably says it all. I really hope you can get someone to give you the help you need.

Oddly my mother who I believe is a little younger than you has also just been ill for the first time in her life after a dental procedure to the extent she wondered if they’d changed the drugs they give somehow.

[callmemadam]

Thank you. I already have private dental treatment, so could probably manage it. Don't you need a referral from your GP, though?

Curious coincidence, your mother's experience. Perhaps she's right?

[dozydormouse]

You do need a GP referral but a private referral is usually very easy to get. When I’ve asked it’s been done very quickly because it makes a problem go away.

[gwendraith]

Yes, it's always been the case in most aspects of life that those who shout loudest get attention. Sorry to hear you felt awful once you got home. I need a dentist who fully understands dental anxiety terror as I'm overdue a check up. I haven't seen a doctor since I lived in Ely (I've had phone calls) but I really should be having a routine blood tests to see if everything is okay. I usually have them every 3-6 months and it's been 9 months, since just before I moved in fact. Time to start shouting I think.

[callmemadam]

Yes, it does sound like time for your blood tests. It seems to be a case of 'you don't ask, you don't get' for what should be regular treatment.

Pity you can't see my dentist :-)