The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I will be getting a root canal in the morning. Blech!! A consequence of what I believe to be the direct result of the self-neglect that came from the disease of co-dependency. It had been 2.5 yrs since I went to the dentist. Unbelievable. I used to go every 6 months. I love my teeth.
I found out I need a root canal this morning, and decided to take advantage of a cancellation they had tomorrow morning, so that I can just get done with it and move on. So, being I just made the appt today, I haven't had too much time to worry about it; that is, not until tonight after a friend at my al-anon meeting offered to go with me. I declined, but on the way home I thought about what a kind gesture it was, as well as the reality of the situation. And then, I started to panic. What if it hurts more than the dentist claims? Why does someone think I need support? What if I really can't go back to work? Do I take a vicodin or ibuprofen before hand? and on and on....
Then suddenly I thought about a comedy routine we once saw in college, and since a game played. It involves choosing between two equally disturbing options such as, "would you rather sit on a lighted bbq or swallow chards of glass?" or "would you rather slice up your shins with potato peeler or pour vinegar and salt in your eyes?" ... you get the idea... So anyhow, while driving home, and as the tears of fear started to flow, I thought, "would you rather have a root canal, or live like you did a short time ago with active alcoholism/drug addiction and all the hideous crazy-making behaviors associated with it?" And you know what? It was a no-brainer. I'd take the root canal, and I am not even sure what that will feel like. Yes, it was that bad. I just didn't know it at the time. I never want to go back there again. So, I am still nervous, but feel certain I can deal with it. Also, it was a good reminder to me that although I am less than satisfied with my life right now, it is one heck of a lot better than it was. I never want to go back there. I had to be away from it for quite a while before I got that.
That's it from me. I'd appreciate your good thoughts. This too shall pass.....
Blessings, Lou
-- Edited by Loupiness on Thursday 26th of March 2009 01:33:44 AM
__________________
Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
I like that, I'll have to remember the would you rather game the next time I have to do something I really don't want to. I remember when you first came here and tolerated all kinds of stuff that I thought - I would NEVER deal with that! So much progress!!!
A root canal is a pain, no doubt about it - my dentist uses one of those rubber, um, what do they call them... looks like a jar-opening device... I basically need to prepare myself for feeling panicky - so I take or ask for something to squeeze, like a rubber ball or a small pillow. The thing is, as you say - it's over in an hour or so. Well, except for the novocaine wearing off.
Good for you for taking care of yourself, & feel free to squeeze my virtual hand if you need it.
praying and sending out good thoughts that all goes well with the root canal this morning!!
Very good way to look at it - just think tomorrow morning you won't have to wake up and say "geez gotta have another root canal again today" like we had to wake up every morning and face the day living with active addiction over and over and over again!!!!
hmm - gotta go make my gratitude list again
Thanks & best wishes for a speedy recovery!! Rita
__________________
No matter what me and my God are going to be ok, even better than OK -
Good luck Lou!!! Root canal does stink, but then it is over with. I really thought the worst part of it was my anticipation of the whole process. Again, it was a matter of me letting go and letting the dentist.....even though it was MY mouth, I had nothing to do. I couldn't do the root canal, best I could do was keep my mouth open so the dentist could do his job.
I so agree- I am not thrilled with where I am at in my life at this moment either, but its A TON better than it was a year ago and MEGA TONS better than it was two years ago, THAT IS 4 SURE! We r getting better and its showing. Its tough but its a progression. I cannot believe the changes I have made in one year. Its mind-boggling and I know lots of people here could say the same thing. I am just so grateful that I get to SLEEP at night, still!! I can remember that first golden night when I got to sleep all the way through and wake up and I felt like I was in HEAVEN! I still remember that and its been over 3 years now since I slept with the A ex H. Stuff like that is priceless to me! Geez I am so grateful for this program- SLEEP, I get to SLEEP WELL because of this program. Hugs, J.
I know the anticipation can be a lot worse than it really is. I've had a root canal done, and it really isn't that bad. Remember you can always ask your dentist to give you a bit more novacane if you get anxious. I brought my IPOD with me and listened to music. It was over before I knew it. I even walked home. I was a little sore afterwards so it gave me a good excuse just to relax. Eat some of your favorite foods that are soft - like ice cream or pudding! You'll be fine. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
__________________
It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I've had a couple of root canals done in the past - and I've got to say, going through a root canal was easier than living with the pain of a toothache! The only "pain" I felt was the novacaine injection, and that I barely felt.
Thank you for your kind words. I made it through the root canal unscathed. Honestly, it wasn't bad. The beginning (with the novacaine) and the end (where there was smoke coming out of my mouth!) were the worst parts, and even at that it was very tolerable. Yep, I'd rather take the root canal...
Blessings, Lou
__________________
Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
