fear
noun
1.
a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension,consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm. Antonyms: courage,security, calm, intrepidity.
Needless to say, every single one of us is afraid of something. Heights, water, animals, bugs, the list goes on and on. For me I have a couple of normal fears (it's normal for a 30 year old woman to be scared of the dark right?) but I have 1 fear that sends me into cold sweats and panics every time I think about it. I seriously start shaking and panicking and the mere mention of this fear.
THE DENTIST
Yes folks, I am PETRIFIED of the tooth man! I think it all started when I was in high school and got my first cavity. I got the horrible shot in my gum to numb the pain but the dang thing didn't work! I felt everything that was being done. It was an awful experience and I have hated going back since then.
I hate to admit this but, once I got into my adult life I became very good at making dentist appointments and then canceling them. For one, I was a twenty something who was usually broke and had no health insurance. Teeth cleaning just didn't sounds like a fun way to spend my hard earned cash. As gross and disgusting as this is (and yes I am MORTIFIED) it has been a couple of years since I have been to the dentist. Don't get me wrong, I brush my teeth multiple times a day and floss but I know that is no substitute for a teeth cleaning. However, now that I am a working "professional" I decided that it was time to face my fear.
I have an appointment Thursday morning and I have seriously picked up the phone to cancel a million times. I have very sensitive teeth and gums (always have) and the thought of people poking and prodding around in my mouth just sends shivers down my spine. Hopefully they will tell me that despite my neglectful habit, I take excellent care of my teeth and there is nothing they need to do.
Keep your fingers crossed that I make it out of there in 1 piece!
Don't cancel!!! Once you go - you'll see it's not as bad as you thought or remembered!! Granted having a shot not work is terrifying - it wont happen again!! But I'm with you - no desire to go to the dentist ever, but I suck it up every 6 months!!
ReplyDeletethe dentist is the worst. i would completely support your decision to cancel. ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha thank you! I'm telling you, I'd rather go to any other doctor in the world besides the dentist!
DeleteAw the dentist isn't so bad, your teeth will feel so clean after! I guess I've never had a bad experience though, I know the dentist is a common fear!
ReplyDeletei had the exact same problem. the first couple of times it wasn't so bad, i had to tell a hygienist to take it easy. that's until i got HER. she looked to numb my mouth and poked ruthlessly in my mouth so that a shocking sensation that felt like an intense shock electified my body. her callous response was one of disbelief . . . freaking Dr. Jekyl. up to that point me facing the dentist had gone alright.
ReplyDelete