Tight-Lipped Little Puffer Fish..

Dave went back to the dentist today for three fillings with Dr. Aaron. Try as I might to discourage him, he was adamant that's what he wanted to do. We were there for two hours, and I bloodied every one of my fingertips as I sat out in the waiting room and worried about him. He finally emerged with a big, puffy face, and a silly grin on his face. He wouldn't tell me much about how it went or how he's feeling. I know he's just trying to keep me from worrying about him, which is what made me want to protect him and take him somewhere else in the first place. He lies to me because he thinks it'll make me worry less. Silly man. Dr. Aaron gave Dave another prescription for pain medication, but he probably won't need it. I swear the guy is tougher than nails, and I truly envy him for it.

While I was waiting, I talked to them about my own mouth. I decided to be upfront and honest, and admitted that I had made an appointment to get a second opinion somewhere else, as to whether or not I truly needed a root canal. I'm sure I'm just in denial, because there's no denying it still hurts something fierce. I just need to be sure before I go and do something drastic. I got my "before and after" x-rays printed. They're supposed to be five dollars a sheet, but they gave them to me for free instead. Dr. Aaron also had no problem re-filling my own prescription for pain medication while I wait the two weeks to get my second opinion across town. I was really concerned they wouldn't want to give me anything else, but fortunately, it was an unfounded worry. Now the only thing I have to be concerned about, is coming up with another twenty bucks to get them both filled again.

While I was waiting on Dave, the girl who actually filled in my teeth three weeks ago came out to talk to me. I guess Dave had mentioned to her that I was still having trouble with mine, and that I was consequently worried for him. I made him promise me he would ask them if his cavities were as deep as mine were, and told him to have them talk to me if we were headed for more trouble with them. She said that two of his three were pretty deep. I asked if there was anything they could do to make sure he didn't end up like me. Apparently, they have a liner than can be put in first when they know it'll be near the nerve wall, to help protect the nerves and lessen sensitivity. I was burning to ask why they didn't think to do that on mine, but I held my tongue. I told them to go ahead and line Dave's teeth before they filled, and to go gentle on him. Hopefully, Dave heals much better than I have.

She lingered to talk to me about my teeth as well. Apparently, she's very anti-root canal, and told me that they could drill out the filling composites, insert a liner, like they'd do for Dave, and put some sort of medi-pack/pill in to help, (I should have asked more about this, but I didn't think to at the time), then put me on some desensitizing toothpaste for awhile, and see if that calmed them down any. I told her I'd consider it, and she walked away. I just don't know what to do. I feel like the best advice they give me, I doubt, because it's in their own best interest to get me back in the chair and keep me from going somewhere else. Now I don't know whether or not to go ahead and get the second opinion, and get the root canal, or if I should just have the liner put in instead, and "hope" that that takes care of it. It could very well end up being just one more painful procedure on the path to the root canals that are inevitable. I'm torn with indecision, and I can't make up my mind. I have to figure something out though. I can't be half crazed with pain by day, and half zombified on serious pain medication by night for too much longer. It's just not healthy.

Dr. Lalonde called tonight and asked how we were doing. He was mostly concerned with Dave's progress, but asked me how I was doing as well, since I broke down and asked him for advice the other day. He really wants Dave's work done much quicker than we've been doing it, and I tried not to stammer nervously while I explained that I really was doing the best I could to afford the work as soon as I could. Everyone seems to be so resistant to be understanding that we just don't have piles of money lying around to get things done any quicker. Collections Agencies are already calling with increased intensity as it is. This one poor girl has been calling all week, trying to get me to find out about Dave's therapy bills. I guess somehow they've gotten marked as a "refusal to pay." They must not have had "inability to pay" on their drop down menu or something. She wanted to know when we might be able to pay the four thousand dollar tab that Dave's racked up as West Central Community Hospital from October to January, and the only answer I had for her was.. I'm sorry, I just don't know. Our lawyer is making plans to come down and see us one day in the next couple weeks. Maybe we'll know more by then.

Dave's had a nice meal of soup and soggy cracker mush tonight.. and a couple of what I have fondly come to call "uber-meds." He's had a nap, and a shower, and is now resting comfortably as I type. He says he doesn't have the slightest bit of pain, but I don't believe a word that comes out of that man's mouth, so you'll just have to wonder how he's "really" doing like I do. As the huge amount of swelling goes down in his little brown, chipmunk cheeks though, I'll keep you posted, lol.

Thank You for joining us this evening, and until next time, Much Love, Many Hugs, and Good Night to You All.