I hate going to dentist. Just the thought can send my anxiety level to the top of Mount Everest. Problem is between my Crohn's and auto immune disorder my body thinks my teeth are aliens ½ the time and fights with them. When nausea kicks in, as it often does, putting a toothbrush in my mouth to clean my teeth can cause my gag reflex to spasm and start dry heaving episodes that can last from 5 minutes to hours...nausea bouts can last days, even weeks.

When I found a dentist that would accept my disability insurance it took a bit to rally the courage but I called and went in. I knew there was work needing done and agreed to it, set the appointment and dug for the courage as the date loomed before me. Long story short, he did some work but when it came to pulling a tooth it was over 45 minutes of agony. The root was hooked. I had asked earlier if I could be knocked out. He said no, my insurance wouldn't pay for it...I offered to pay out of pocket...he still said no.... I had a panic attack on the way home from the anxiety and pain and a seizure when I finally got there. It wiped me out for a few days, as seizures can do...but to think I'd go back? Oh Lord no.

Knowing more work was needed I've tried to find someone else in the area to no avail and started on a path of essential oils, home therapy. I was able to put off for over 2 years going back but things started getting bad and I was forced to call the old dental office again...and then God smiled! All new staff and a Doctor who was compassionate, caring, understood not only my dental problems but my panic and embarrassment. The only problem then, was scheduling, it would be literally months before they could do the work SO very needed now. I'd have to limp it along until then.

From spring, through summer and now almost fall my mouth has ached, my anxiety cart could rival the trail map of a remote village in Tibet. My jaw throbs, my eyes feel like someone is trying to pull them out backwards and my sinuses are just amok amok, amok. The month before my appointment I inform close friends n family I'll be out of pocket for several months recovering from the oral surgery...(sorry, but pride will not allow this hillbilly to be seen toothless). The week of I make soups and gather things I'll need knowing I won't feel like kitchen chores or housework for a few days...the butterflies in my stomach at this point have turned into flying lead balls crashing around in my gut...and the it's early evening the day before my appointment and the phone rings...they are canceling. ( I think my head exploded inside) Not only canceling but not at all rescheduling for another 3 or 4 months AND not doing the dental work I need done any longer......what the WHAT? I couldn't curse, I was crying. The woman who called said they were re-constructing the office. I begged if he'll pull the teeth that NEED to come out I can use the time they are close to heal...they aren't doing dentures anymore she said.....I can get them done somewhere else!....No, she says, the office will be closed and they don't want to start any procedures where you may need to call is for help. (So they are telling me the construction starts in the office, they have to close the office and they JUST decided all this and it starts the day I need to go in...wow, some office great home management there)

I think even my mouth was outraged as I swear it started throbbing even more.

Now, crying, stunned, in shock, disbelief the phone rings about 15 minutes later and one of the office girls wants to know why I canceled my appointment? SEARIOUSLEY?????

Come to find out the girls in the actual office had no idea what was happening....hum, so they didn't know they're building was being closed?? Cause that's what I was told, there would be no one there to call if I needed help!...the girl on the other end seemed as stunned as I was. She said she'd check and call back (all this after 5pm)...she called, my appointment was canceled.

Now, on the facebook page for the clinic they are looking for dental assistants to hire and accepting new patients, listing all the services including the work I need done....but I couldn't get in for months and my appointment was canceled?