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Lost a tooth, gained some pain and some cow!

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Posted 9/18/2009 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Well, most of you know I was due to have the tooth removed that my dentist from Hades had already put a new crown on, and done a root canal which failed. So my periodontist today pulled the tooth. I forgot how much this all hurts after the novacaine wears off! sad My jaw is throbbing and it's only been 2 hrs. since my percocet. I have a hunch it's going to be a long night.

It's odd, but losing that tooth is just so symbolic. At least it was something tangible, and I wanted to take it home, but my dentist said he wanted to keep it because he wanted to photograph it - something about the unique way the bone was lost. He did show it to me, though, so I had a chance to say good-bye (I know, silly). He also gave me another prescription for antibiotics, and I didn't even ask and he gave me a script for vicodin. As a matter of fact, I reminded him I was on percocet, and he said he wanted to give me the script anyway in case the percocet doesn't cover the pain. I doubt I'll fill it uniless things get really bad. Tonight it's been ice, but my hand goes numb after holding the ice bag up!!

But the interesting (kind of fun) thing is that he put in cow bone that's supposed to help grow bone (like our spinal fusions) and in 4-6 months if enough bone has grown back he'll put in the implant. (Dani knows all about this, and I can't imagine the pain from having so many teeth pulled!) Anyway, if I start MOOOOing you'll know why! shocked smilewinkgrin

And he didn't charge me a dime for today's work.

I thought I would share how his sheet of post-operative instructions start out:

"There are no major problems you may have following your surgery, however, no question is too small to call about. If you have any questions which aren't answered below, please don't hesitate to call me at the office or at my home." Then he lists his home AND cell phone numbers. I was struck by that, especially considering how many of our doctors treat us. (BTW this was not the same doctor that put on the crown and did the root canal a month or so ago - all of which was for naught)

Anyway, I wanted to post although I'm not sure why. Just up with a throbbing jaw. shakehead

PaLady
Posted 9/18/2009 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
My jaw is hurting from reading your post, it must be sympathy pain!!!I sincerely hope that this eventually gives you the longed for relief you need especially after so much angst with the first dentist. This one sounds amazing though, lovely of him to be so contactable, how wonderful for you. I think your tooth fairy must have finally come to watch over you.

Please look after yourself now, swallow all your anti biotics and be kind to that body of yours.

Best wishes, golitho

Posted 9/18/2009 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
Like we've all posted before, don't ignore your pain or try to tough it out. If the pain gets too severe use the vicodine the doctor prescribed, don't forget to contact your PM first though. I know you have been through alot and hope this will be the end of it.
Posted 9/18/2009 12:11 PM (GMT 0)

PALady,

How interesting....I have an area on the left lower jaw that is gone after bone loss 13 yrs ago from a mercury tatoo, lost the tooth and bone.....how interesting they are using cow bone.....you are in my prayers for a fast recovery!!!

This Periodontist sounds like an Angel tongue after the other butcher!

XXOO
Patti

Posted 9/18/2009 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Awe PALady,
I know you fought hard and long for that tooth and wanted to say, I'm sorry you had to loose it...
Lots and Lots of soft hugz and I'll be hopeing you heal some each day and that soon the tooth pain will be gone!
Keep us posted when you can, missed you...
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((PALady)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted 9/18/2009 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone!

Today I look like someone punched me in my left jaw - several times! OUCH, it hurts. Had to start my percocet earlier today than I normally do, and have been taking ibuprofen in between. Gosh, it's just so swollen, although the post-op sheet says it's normal. I've had gum surgery in the past and remember now how very painful things involving the mouth can be.

Ice. Thank goodness for ice! I have a feeling I'm not going to be doing much today but alternating between tv and the bed. Pain is so exhausting!

Yes, Char, I so hoped to save that tooth, but the dentist told me yesterday it was "hugely" infected, and had to come out. It's just this summer has added so many new health issues for me between the tooth and the stuff with my esophagus - just at a time when I have no health insurance.

Back to bed I go.

PaLady
Posted 9/18/2009 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
WOW the dentist again!!!! The last time was so bad I hope this time it will be just for a short while that it hurts. Like we talked about a month or so ago lets just gets some fangs and scare him within an inch of his life...

Laurie
Posted 9/18/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Laurie,
I forgot to get some fangs installed!!! shocked shocked sad I guess we will all have to have a group appointment for the Vamp Squad. tongue

BTW - are you watching the Vampire Diaries on the CW channel? I've caught parts of episodes, but keep forgetting when it's on. It's not as good as True Blood or Moonlight - as least not so far, but maybe it'll get better!

Season 2 of True Blood just ended. Have you heard anything about it?

I guess I will have to grown cow fangs, now that I have MooMoo grinds inside my mouth! smilewinkgrin

PaLady
Posted 9/18/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I'm watching Vampire Diaries.  You are so very right its not as good.  I haven't heard anything about season 2.  Here in the next month or so I'll get all the details and release information.

Twilight part two will be out in 2 months in theaters gotta go see that one

Laurie

Cows with fangs what a concept!!!!!! smilewinkgrin

Laurie

Posted 9/18/2009 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I watched all of season2, as I made my hubby get hbo just for the true blood!
I don't want to give it away, so I'll hope it comes out on dvd for you soon..it has a lot more
nuditiy in season 2, but that' my opinion and I'm not sure I like the Vampire dairies either...

soft hugz
((((((((((((((((((((((((PALady))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted 9/18/2009 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Char - you gotta tell us who Sookie chose! It has to be Biil!!! Or maybe not...since there's always season 3!

It will be ages before I see it!

I'm sad they didn't do more Moonlight, but as White Beard pointed out the lead actor is in another series (not vampire) starting sometime this month. Funny, both the lead actor from Moonlight and the one from True Blood have British accents! Never would know it from their acting, which I guess is a pretty good sign. But I think I heard somewhere the lead actors from True Blood are also dating in real life (Sookie & Bill).

MMMMMMOOOOOOOO,

PaLady :-)
Posted 9/19/2009 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
PaLady sure hope your mouth gets settled down soon. Now, I must admit I know nothing about this "cow bone" business, but lady if you start mooing at us here on the forum, well, I really don't know what we will do with ya lol.

Its been a very long time since I had a tooth pulled, matter of fact it was a wisdom tooth that had grown into the jaw bone and it was very painful. I remember drinking everything thru a straw for several days.

Take care. Can you rinse with warm salt water yet? That always helps and promotes healing.
Posted 9/19/2009 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
PaLady-
MOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Oh sorry couldn't resist! devil

You might try using a small towel or a winter glove to keep your hand from getting so cold when you are icing. Sounds like you made a difficult but good choice in having the tooth removed. Things may have gotten a lot worse with all the infection. Hope the throbbing stops soon.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 9/19/2009 2:38 AM (GMT 0)

PALady

I do hope you are alright! I know hindsight is 20/20 but it doe anger me a little  about your tooth that dentist should not be practicing all that pain and money that you went through and for what? I just hope things go well with the tooth being taken out! You do know that your in my thoughts and prayers! All I can say is  I really wish I could be of more help to YOU ...PALady!

 I do wish and hope for you only the best of everything!

White Beard

P.S. while I was getting my pre-op physical today my surgeons nurse called me and wanted to know if I wanted to move up my surgery from Monday the 28th to this Monday the 21st, as much as I would like to have done that ( just to get it over with) I had to decline the offer, as I have to be in divorce court Thursday the 24th. Anyway I had my Pre-op physical and labs done today and seen the Surgeons nurse and surgical assistant for the pre-op briefing! We went over everything, from my cillin allergy to the problems I have with the adhesive on most tapes! The biggest fear the surgical assistant has is the fact that the nerve to my right vocal cords is damaged, they wanted to go in thru the left side, but now they are forced to go in through the right side, because they can't afford to take any chances damaging the nerve going to the vocal cords on the left, as they are the only ones that work! Even then he said there is a slight chance that I still might lose my voice at least for a while with this surgery. I sure hope not! I remember what a hard time I had when I had the other disk fusion! Enough about that! I do hope you have a good night tonigh PALady! I worry about you!!

Posted 9/19/2009 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
MOOOOOO!

Hope that came out alright. I'm trying to practice my Moo's! tongue

Susie - I don't know how you'll deal with my new "language", but I'm sure you'll figure out something! (Bill already has - he's learning to speak it!! rolleyes).

I'm hoping to be able to try some warm salt water, but wanted to wait as I have sutures there and I thought the salt might burn. It's a challenge now just gently trying to brush my teeth - such a rote activity that now I have to pay attention when I get to that side of my mouth!

I am feeling a tad better tonight, but I've been on top of the pain all day, with advil in between percocet. The advil actually helps a fair amount - probably dealing with the inflammation. But the gum is still very sore and swollen. I also know I need the antibiotic, as I can tell the ache starts shortly before that's due. I feel like Liinda Blair in the exorcist with this medication regime!!!! turn turn turn

White Beard - I'm concerned about you, too! You need to start a thread and keep us updated on your plans for surgery - and I mean you need to start it NOW! yeah What plans do you have for people to help you? We want to know!!! Your commanding officers are calling you to report in! smhair smilewinkgrin

Thanks everyone, for your concern. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

PaLady (AKA MOOMOO )

Post Edited (PAlady) : 9/18/2009 11:06:41 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/19/2009 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
PALady

 I am glad that you are keeping the pain under control! I hope that this all goes well for you!  I do worry about you though! I hope that is alright?

Yes Sir or shall I say Ma-am heck I can't spell it right! I guess I have been out of the military to long! smilewinkgrin   Anyway I  will start a new thread soon, But right now I will give you a quick up date.  I talked to the Surgeons assistant and his nurse  at length about my situation, and my concerns about coming home and not having anyone there to help me. They assured me that I would not be released to go home if I required some one to be there with me to help me. They said since I was going to be an "inpatient' in the hospital, that if it they think I am in any way not ready to be discharged or if I require further care or assistance that I do not have at home alone, then I might be admitted to their Physical rehab  ward for a few days longer or to some other unit until they feel I can get along being by my self or can have someone at least come in and check on me and help me! I am hoping that my youngest daughter will be able to come down but it does not look promising! This and a couple of other issues that I am more than a little concerned about was discussed. 

The use of my sleep apnea ventilator machine  and having some one familiar there at the hospital with me that knows how it works and how to help set it up and put the mask on me and have me use it while in the hospital, was another important issue  for me.

And of course adequate pain control!! and letting me take my normal scheduled pain meds! This is extremely important to me, as I know what a time I had when I had my Gall Bladder taken out a few years ago, and they would not let me take my scheduled pain meds! I was a mess and in terrible pain and I ended up having to stay over night, for an out patient surgery! It could have all been avoided if they just would have let me take my normal meds on my normal schedule! It looks like most if not all of my concerns are being addressed!

 If I can just get this divorce over with, as that would be a big relief! No luck on selling the house as of yet! My soon to be ex wanted to know if I would be interested in buying her out on the house! It would be tempting if I could aford it and I wanted to stay in the area, but I can't afford it and I really don't want to stay in this area! I have no body here, and ..well... I think it would be best for me to move on!

 And that  my dear PALady is the latest up date!  I say that very very endearingly and not at all meant  to be sarcastic , As I do  hope you know that I value your thoughts and oppinions, so very very much, and PALady I do so appreciate all your concern for me! I can't begin to tell you how much that means! Thank-You

White Beard

Posted 9/19/2009 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, I am really surprised the dentist pulled the tooth with active infection, scarey, they will not do that here. When I had a wisdom tooth pulled I was allowed to rinse with warm salt water and oh it made it feel so much better, Check with your dentist Monday & ask if you can. They let me do mine right away and I had several stitches, had grown into the jaw bone at an angle. It was a military dentist and he did not believe in pain pills, had it not been for the warm salt water I would not have made it. Tooth was cut out in the early am, by 2:00pm my mouth would not open barely got a straw in it, I sat on the bed and cried rocking back & forth with a pillow hugged to my head. Cruel was putting it mildly. This went on for days.
Posted 9/19/2009 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Susie,
The dentist really said I could do anything that was comfortable, just to be gentle about brushing around that area. I may try some warm salt water today, as now I'm using a warm cloth instead of ice.

I had been on an antibiotic for over a month. Actually, I felt the infection was sort of under control until I stopped the antibiotic for a few days and could feel it slowy coming back, so I went back on it a few days before the tooth was pulled. This dentist is my periodontist who I've been seeing for years, did major gum surgery on me back in the 90's, and I trust him as far as surgery goes. When I asked him if it was still infected as he was showing me the tooth, he said "hugely" and I was a bit shocked because it hadn't felt that bad. As a matter of fact I was starting to doubt pulling it, until I stopped the antibiotic and felt the infection returning. Anyway, when I looked shocked and said to him but I've been on an antibiotic for over a month, he said as long as the source of the infection remained, the antibiotic alone wasn't going to fix it. He felt it was infected badly in between the roots, at a place that's very hard to reach even with a root canal.

The pain today is better. Manageable, as long as I take some extra advil in between. But the swelling is horrible in the morning. The antibiotic I'm on I can't manage to take every 6 hours (all about the crazy medication schedule), and I'm so tired I can barely get myself out of bed in the morning. Then I have to take my nexium on an empty stomach and wait an hour to eat something before I can take the antibiotic. It's crazy! But I can't afford the newer antibiotics that are more extended release. I spoke with my pharmacist today about it. She said they can go up to 300mg with the antibiotic I'm on, and now I'm only taking 150mg. So I may call the dentist tomorrow if by tomorrow morning things aren't more improved and ask if I could at least take more at night. It feels like the infection and swelling shoot up by morning, but with my nighttime pain meds I sleep through it all! Can't win!! Plus I'm guessing some of the infection/swelling are due to the "cow bone" (LOL!). I am trying to welcome the new farm animal part of me!!! ;-)

Ok, enough rambling!

And White Beard, start that thread!!!!

PaLady
Posted 9/19/2009 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, you know I never even thought about an infection getting down to the roots but it sounds perfectly reasonable. Oh, I do remember the facial swelling too and what a pain it was sipping nothing but liquids thru a straw for days. That is really a low dose on the antibiotic. Even with Doxycycline which is about the only antibiotic I am not allergic to, I have at least 500 mg a day to take, I bet you need more. I usually took it 3 times a day even having any kind of dental work done including cleaning.
Posted 9/19/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Susie,
Actually, I ate a small hamburger last night, but in very small bites, chewing only on one side (of course!). But you're right most of my diet has been soft stuff.

My periodontist had explained when I first went to him for a consult (after my dentist from Hades was done with me, and after I had the consult with the endodontist) that even though the endodontist I saw is one in town that has a small camera they put down when doing a root canal to see infection, etc., even the camera misses some spots that are in between the two roots. I know he had to use a lot of anesthetic (numerous injections) to get me numb, more than normal. And I could tell with the last injection he hit right on a spot that felt like it was the source of everything, ya know? Then I was finally completely numbed.

I'm allergic to a lot of antibiotics, too, esp. penicillin and ethrythromycin, so I'm limited in my choices. Doxy was one, but he decided on clindamycin (sp?), after my pharmacist confirmed it wasn't in the same family as ethythromycin. But I think you're right, I think I need a stronger dose. I think my immune system is fried, which is probably true for many of us!

Thanks!

PaLady
Posted 9/20/2009 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
What's an immune system lol. I am afraid Imuran, Remicade & Humira claimed mine many years ago. Ot but I am having a big problem with sores in my nose here lately. Just one on one side, but boy are they painful. Have you ever had them before. I am not sure what has brought these things on but they smart. I went the fever blister route a couple of months ago in my nose. First and hopefully the last for those things. My allergies have really been on the rampage lately and we just finished up a a week of rain on top of it all.
Posted 9/20/2009 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
PALady

Clindamycin is a very good antibiotic I do hope it works for you! But if your not feeling better by Monday you definitely need to go back and see him! Also did he put the the cow bone in with the infection? I do hope your body is not rejecting it! Have you been monitoring your temperture?  I would think that you should be doing that at least a few times as day, at least  morning and night anyhow and writing it down. Also are you eating properly? That is very important when you have an infection? I know you need soft foods, but also good nutritious foods. Have you been feeling well enough to prepare good meals for yourself? I don't mean to act like "mother hen or anything" maybe it is just the nurse in me! But I am very concerned about you, and diet is important in getting you better! Along with proper rest all that! I keep sending you healing vibes, but they just don't seem to be working! But I will keep trying PALady, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers!

All my best to you!

White Beard

Posted 9/20/2009 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
White Beard,
I'm trying to take care of me! Doing the best I can! wink It's so different when one is alone. I do feel better tonight. Don't feel like I'm running a fever at all, but we'll see what morning brings. I'm actually going to take my last two doses (well, I already took one) of the antibiotic fairly close before bedtime and see if that helps.

Yes, he did put the cow bone in the region that's infected. I wondered about that, too, but I think he probably doesn't want to keep opening me up. I will definitely call him by Monday, if not tomorrow, if I find things in the morning not to be any better when I awaken. The areas is still swollen, but isn't as sensitive tonight. And I'm really not doing anything more for pain other than 2 advil earlier this evening, so that's good. The pain has diminished significantly.

I also have an appointment to see him Thursday (standard for him - a check 1 week after the surgery, even though he said the stitches are the kind that dissolve). I also notice it's not bleeding as much today as it was yesterday (they told me some bleeding was normal, and it's nothing except when I kind of have the toothbrush in that area, tho' I'm trying to be careful).

I'm glad to see you're organizing your plans, too! Do you know how long they plan to keep you in the hospital? One thing you might want to do (and you can even do this next week in advance) is call the hospital inpatient social worker and request a case manager. They can help make sure things run smoothly as far as rehab and such go once you're in there (although can't help with the pain meds issue). I'm surprised the hospital would let you bring you meds in. A lot of them won't. I was also trying to find out about rehab facilities and such in case I needed one before I had my fusion, and learned that what the doctor's office told me versus what might happen in the hospital can be two different things because of insurance criteria for medical necessity. You won't just get to go to a rehab facility because you live alone; you'll have to meet criteria. So have a "Plan B" with some friends from Church maybe. Do you have any neighbors that could run errands for you and things like that? Because you probably won't be able to drive right away. I'm kind of rambling but trying to think of all the stuff I had to think of before my surgery. And it's a good thing I did because it's much more helpful to have those things planned in advance!

Anyway, thank you for your vibes!! We'll be sending them your way, too!!

PaLady
Posted 9/20/2009 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
PALady

I am finding out how difficult it is being alone! It is a bummer! I know the Surgeons assistant, looked at me as if I was nuts with some of the things I was asking him about! But I have some real concerns about being alone ahortly after surgery! He was telling me the usual say is only two or three days in the Hospital! And the way he talked I should be up walking around and doing everything for myself in just two days. But I know how I am with anesthesia, and it takes many days before it is out of my system and I am feeling anywhere close to normal! Anyway that is an excellent suggestion, I will check with the hospital social case worker. You alwaysw have good suggestions and advice for me! Thank-You! You know PALady sometimes when I read your posts, I just wish I was there to be able to help you! I am a pretty good nurse, and also a pretty fair cook. Anyway,I just wish I could be of more help to you!

Please take good care of yourself!

White Beard
Posted 9/20/2009 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've never ever ever had a tooth removed or even had a filling. I must be very lucky.

I hope you feel better soon PALady. I don't know what illnesses you have, but ibuprofen even might reduce the inflammation and thus, the pain. If he wrote you a script for Vicodin then NSAIDs are probably contraindicated because of one of your conditions lol. Either way, I hope the pain goes away soon.

Between us, we can start animal farm. I have swine flu, you have some cow bone. Who knows what might happen lol.

Best Wishes,

Christopher.
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