At The Dentist!

[Tiger]

I totally freaked out at the dentist today! Im still very shakey!!

He leaned over me to do a couple of fillings and I couldn't keep still, I just shook!! I tried to close my eyes, but images just kept flashing in my head!!? I didn't want to see him right there, but I didn't know what to do??

I was scared before I even got there and after it was over I had a major panic attack! I cried, I shook and I couldn't get the image of having a man being so close to me!!

Now I keep getting flashes of other stuff in my head and they won't stop!! They just keep coming!
Please help me stop them? I am petrified! Stupid dentist!

I am so annoyed with myself for letting it effect me like this!! Does anyone understand? Is there something wrong with me?

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I do understand. I just got oral surgery a couple of weeks ago. Three men standing over me. It was intense.

There is nothing wrong with you. This is the nature of ptsd.

The only thing I can tell you that works is to be gentle with yourself. The shame and disgust that you feel is completely normal. Remember, you are having an abnormal reaction to abnormal events which makes you normal. This will pass just like before.

Stop beating yourself up right now and accept the facts that I've listed above even if you just read it and take it in...and slowly come back. Just know that you aren't alone, your situation is not unique and you aren't crazy.

 

[bluebird]

Tiger, don´t be so hard on yourself, I think you did really well! You were scared even before you went in here, and yet, you managed to do so! It was really brave...

I understand, I went to see a gynaecologist and even although it was just an USG and she was a woman I was dressed the whole time, I freaked out... These situations can trigger emotions that seem too strong.

Just keep in mind - nothing to be ashamed of happened today. You did really well, being strong and extremely brave. The dentist was here to help you with your teeth, you were doing something for your health and he was helping you. He didn´t want to hurt you, it was somebody else and it was not this day... Take care of yourself!

I understand it is difficult. You definitely deserve a cup of hot chocolate and a virtual ((((*big hug*)))!!!

Thinking of you!!!

 

[Tiger]

I'm going to accept that virtual hug if thats ok and squeeze as tightly as I can!! thankyou!!

 

[Chosen]

Same thing happens every time I go to the dentist. Hyperventilate, shake, feel like I'm gonna throw up, etc. Had a wisdom tooth out a week and a half ago...and gotta get cavity filled in a few weeks...scariest thing ever. Nothing abnormal about it.

 

[Leigh925]

Yep...the dentist is a trigger for me. I think it is the combo of the the lack of control...lying back...feeling like I can't breath...having someone so close to my face feels smothering. I once read that the dentist was a common trigger for people who have had trauma. I finally told my dentist that I really struggled with anxiety while I was there. I didn't really give a reason but he said a lot of people have fears about the dentist. He now gives me frequent breaks and checks in with me often to make sure I am ok. I also wear sunglasses and bring my headphones and play my favorite music. It has helped a lot.

 

[Tiger]

I've got to back to the dentist, one of the fillings have fallen out! It doesn't hurt though!! I need a break from it so I'm going to leave it for a few weeks cos I don't think I can cope with it a second time so near to each other!!

OMG!!! Not again!! I'm dreading it!! Even the thought of it is making me a bit wobbly right now!! It took me ages to calm down yesterday!

 

[bluebird]

Tiger, do you know this dentist? Perhaps you could tell him you are very afraid and ask him to keep talking to you while making a new filling... Or perhaps take somebody with you? Take as much time as you need to calm down a bit... Does the tooth hurt?

 

[KP the nut]

I had to have oral surgery after my accident. I was terrified but I spoke to the surgeon who also knew my usual dentist. He was kind and considerate. He had 2 dental nurses with him, one to assist him and the other to focus on me. She held my hand and made sure I was okay. The dentist told me what he would be doing as he went along so no surprises.

I also used my lemon oil to keep me focussed and I held my crystal moss agate turtle. I listened to music on my iPod and did a grounding exercise that my therapist had recorded for me.

Most of all, I allowed myself time to recover. Be kind to yourself.

 

[Tiger]

Im relatively new to this dentist, my old one retired rather abruptly!! There is usually a nurse in with him when I see him!!! He did talk to me while he was filling this tooth, but just by the fact that he was a man invading my personal space, unnerved me!! I am pleased to say that 'no' it doesn't hurt, but I do have a very good pain threshold!

 

[KP the nut]

just by the fact that he was a man invading my personal space

It is so hard. I hate things in my mouth and at one stage his hand was there along side 3 instruments. It took all my will not to throw up and run screaming from the room. Well, and as for the impressions he kept having to take - yuuucccckkkk. Feel like gagging just thinking of it.

Stay strong, you can do this.

 

[pamcoco]

I am sitting in front of my computer waiting my third dentist appointment this week, in 3 hours. I am sobbing and not sure why.

I sobbed at the first appointment for obvious reasons, I have developed a phobia of all doctors since the assault by my gyn. But I found a wonderful crisis center and the sweetest counselor that is attending all appointments and the charity is even picking up the bill. Today the dentist told me that if I don't have a few surgeries immediately, I will lose my teeth.

Even this is good news since I thought I already passed the option. But, I can't stop crying. I am not afraid of the dentist and my counselor will be by my side.

I am angry and wounded, reminded of all my friends and family that bailed out. This woman, I don't know at all, has done more than 99% of the people in my life. Right now I am really mad at all the people I reached out to, confided in, and never heard from again, after the lengthy promises of contact.

I know I am difficult and extremely uncomfortable to be around, I cannot help it. How could they abandon me at the worst of the worst? It isn't right and I can't imagine doing the same.

So, alone, I await step three of many, crying and mourning the loss of what wasn't.

I am sorry Tiger. For different reasons, I get it.