September 22, 2004
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Happy Birthday to me.
I got a root canal.
Yesterday I went to the dentist — first time in five years (yes I am a bad girl) for a routine cleaning, check-up and x-rays. Haven’t been having any serious problems, but suspected a cavity in one problem area next to a tooth that was capped, where it seems that stuff always gets stuck every time I eat. I just got used to it, as a sort of “flossing reminder”.
Sure enough — the dentist said the x-rays showed a cavity. He said he had a little time so he would fill it right then, but he ran into some problems. It was deeper than he thought, and the tooth was cracked. I have always required a lot more novocaine than a normal person, and it takes a long time to take effect. He said that I probably have an extra thick jaw. (good to know if I ever decide to become a boxer)
So he drilled, and it hurt, so he stuck me with another needle, drilled some more and it hurt again, stuck me with another needle…and so on. Until he discovered it was down to the nerve. Aha! no wonder it hurts. So he went on to do a root canal, right then and there, plus a post and core. I have to go back next wednesday for the temporary cap and impressions for the permanent one.
So yesterday was:
Four hours in the dentist’s chair.
Prescription for some nifty painkillers.
And some of the worst pain I have had in years.
Today I have been spending my birthday in bed, snuggling with my dogs, chock full of painkillers.
I have been up for a while now, made myself some scrambled ham and eggs and a bowl of grits. And now I am baking myself a birthday cake (from a boxed mix, I am not that ambitious) It is the first time I am baking in my brand new oven. It’s a lemon cake. I am going to make some lemon filling (also from a boxed mix) and I bought a can of vanilla cream cheese frosting at the store the other day. It should be yummy. And at least a cake is soft enough that I can eat it now. Hopefully the painkillers won’t wear off until after it’s out of the oven. As soon as I take the next dose it will be sleepytime again.
Well, I guess this is one way to be sure I take the day off for my birthday. Not exactly what I had in mind, though.
And tomorrow morning I go for that biopsy.
What a week.
Oh well, life goes on. When I look at the Big Picture, this is just another bump in the road. A day to be (legitimately — doctor’s order’s) stoned and sleepy, and some loving furballs to cuddle with.
It could be worse.
Way worse.
Comments (11)
Wow, some birthday present, eh?
Lemon cake is one of my favorite birthday cakes!
–Scott
Happy Birthday dear! Hope this next year’s a great one!
Sorry about the root canal. I had one done at Christmas one year. I was a Christmas grump.
Happy Birthday! Sorry about the yucky dental stuff, but thank goodness you have those cute little doggies to help you feel better! Nature’s pain killers!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOANNIE!!! Well, it might not be exactly comfortable (the owie stuff) but, yeah, staying in bed with loving fluffies isn’t such a bad deal.
I HATEROOT CANAL BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETY.
BEER GOGGLES … LOL… YOU’RE A TRIP !!!
I’m so sorry. Hope you’re doing much better by the time you read this. I’ve had my share of root canals. My deepest sympathies.
oh god…
I haven’t been tot he dentist in 14 years or more. I’m frightened to go at this point- not that I have insurance or anything to pay them a visit…
What kind of drugs did you get? hehe. (spoken like a true addict! :p )
Your positive attitude will help your healing process move along much quicker! I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers- happy birthday!
Oh! Happy (belated) Birthday!! Sorry it involved the dentist.
I sympathise. I had a tooth filled 3 times and asked my dentist to pull it a week or so ago. It was the furthest back tooth in my mouth and I have never felt sooooooooo good. Gone and good riddance. The pain of continuing treatment is intolerable. Dentists. Yuck!!
Maybe you could do something nice for your birthday at a later date. It doesn’t matter that the celebrations might not fall on the actual correct day.
Take care and I hope you feel better very soon.
Many happy returns!!
Shorts
Happy belated!
And though the dentist isnt the way anyone would want to spend the day, think of it as a gift to yourself to help insure you’ll be around for many more birthdays:)
What a way to spend a Birthday…Happy Birthday to You and may the cake be the ticket to joy! Sending Birthday hugs and hope the biopsy comes back negative!
Nancy
I just checked your site out to find some more cool lyrics – but there were none to be had!
(Why don’t you make this a daily occurrence?) There was a musician called Joe Egan who used to play with Stealer’s Wheeler. One day – many years ago – I was walking through Walthamstow (which is an East London borough) and someone was handing out free copies of Joe’s debut single called “Back on the Road”. I’ve loved that song ever since.