Panic Attack

trickeytricky · August 2011

I feel so ridiculous about this, but I have to discuss. I finally talked to DH about it too having kept it a secret for a while now.

It may seem stupid, but I have severe anxiety about going to the dentist and haven't been in years. I can't even explain the thoughts I have. Every so often I have these moments, last night was by far the worst.

Last night I flossed my teeth and got a "funny feeling" that I just couldn't shake. Started having unrational thoughts (my tooth is loose, I'm going to need dentures, Mike and Zac won't love me, how would we pay for the work I need done, etc. etc.). Of course it was worse because I was lying in bed in the dark not able to focus my thoughts elsewhere.

I tried reading
I tried TV
I tried getting frisky

Finally I couldn't break it and I got out of bed shaking, feverish and thinking, "holy crap, Mike's going to have to call the squad I'm having an anxiety attack". At 2 AM I ended up throwing up and taking a shower all while talking to Mike from the doorway, in tears over this *fear* - he was so good. Even told me he'd call and make an appointment, talk to them about my situation/anxiety, hold my hand.

Not sure what I want out of this, maybe someone who understands, because I still don't think DH gets the feelign I had last night. Even if it's over something else, I just felt consumed by it, paralyzed in my own body.

Famousamos1231 · August 2011

I also deal with having anxiety. I have had one panic attack back in college right in the middle of a final exam. I know how scary they can be. I didn't realize right away what was going on so I really thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. It's awesome that your DH is supporting you through this. I don't think your dentist anxiety is ridiculous at all. I actually think it's a common fear that many people have.

I definitely think that you or DH should talk to your dentist about how you are feeling. They might be able to help you relax. Maybe they can give you laughing gas or something to calm you down when you do have to go. If the dentist can't help maybe it's worth a call to your regular doc. Maybe they can prescribe a valium or something for the day you go to the dentist??? No idea if that is possible or not but I am sure there is something someone can do to help you.

MrsJaay · August 2011

I suffer from general anxiety so I can sympathize with anxiety attacks unfortunately It sounds like you have a very supportive spouse which is a big part in making them more bearable (hopefully you won't have anymore!). I can see such a difference in how I've improved compared to my sister, who doesn't exactly have a supportive spouse. He is of the old school thought that it's all in your head and you should just quit making it up and get over it. Well, your head is a powerful thing.

Mine bounces around but I have the worst panic attacks with public speaking. Earlier this year I was having severe issues with driving and long car rides. Some of you may remember a certain supportive spouse who was a long for the ride to Indy and maybe not just b/c I missed him from traveling

Do you have any type of fears with going to the doctor? My best friend had a lot of panic issues with the doctor/hospitals and she just made her doctor fully aware of her fears before she delivered her little girl. Sometimes letting people know takes away a lot of the fear of worrying how they'll react if you freak out and they don't know what's going on. Ya know? It sounds like you've already taken that step.

I'm kind of rambling, but I'm always here to chat. I've talked to a few girls off the board in the past. It helps to know that you're not alone.

I hope your appointment goes well!

EmmaBrooke · August 2011

Aww, I'm so sorry you have this kind of anxiety! I don't have a lot of experience with anxiety issues, but I was wondering if you've heard of sedation dentistry. My husband has similar feelings related to the dentist, and I've been trying to get him to look into this as well. Here is a place you can try to find a dentist whom uses sedation at their practice: http://www.sedationcare.com/how-does-sedation-dentistry-work

Good luck! I hope, whatever the means, you're able to find something of a solution. ((hugs))

amybyrd · August 2011

Have you looked into sedation dentistry? I am considering it. I have a really bad gag reflex and my old dentist was wonderful but my new one not so much.

DH had a panic attack shortly after Elle was born. I was in shock because there wasn't much I could do for him, we actually ended up going to the ER. MrsJaay was a wonderful help for me when we were going through this.

trickeytricky · August 2011

Thanks ladies, I have heard of but hadn't really look into sedation dentistry. . . I like to be in denial. Usually I have these moments, then fall asleep and wake up the next day having forgotten about it, but I can't forget last night. I will definitly look into this!

I guess my biggest fear is being 26 and the idea of loosing a tooth (or worse teeth). Pain really isn't a factor, or if it is, it's seriously diluted by the other feelings I mentioned having.

And it's only with the dentist.

I get nervous about the regular/lady/eye/pediatrician but not so much that I can't even imagine walking through the office doors.

MsEmilyAnn · August 2011

I am an anxious person, and also deal with anxiety (about just about anything). I've had my share of panic attacks, and I agree with you, that unless you've really had a true panic attack, you can't really explain it in a way someone (who hasn't had one) can understand. Left Hug

I don't know if it would help, but I know there is at least one place in Cincinnati that does sedation for dental work (not sure of the name, but they have those commercials), and I'm sure there are others. I'm not sure if that would help or not. I definitely think it would be good to talk to the Dentist office about your concerns and ask them what they can do for you to help make the situation better. Maybe sedation, maybe something you can take before you go to help you be a little more relaxed?

I'm sure you'll be able to find a place in Cincinnati that is willing to work with you. You definitely need to be seen. I think you'll be able to overcome this enough to get to the Dentist, with a combination of things: DH's support, a great dentist who will help you, maybe something to relax you or sedate you during the work.

Let me know if you need help with something, I'm pretty close to you.

ETA: Sorry this is a lot of repeat from what other ladies said, I didn't read their responses before I responded.

trickeytricky · August 2011

MsEmilyAnn:

I'm sure you'll be able to find a place in Cincinnati that is willing to work with you. You definitely need to be seen. I think you'll be able to overcome this enough to get to the Dentist, with a combination of things: DH's support, a great dentist who will help you, maybe something to relax you or sedate you during the work.

Let me know if you need help with something, I'm pretty close to you.

Thanks Emily!

I do at least get that. I even told DH last night that there is only ONE way to fix this, and that is to just go. Once I go, they can do what they have to do and it probably isn't nearly as bad as I think it is and once they tell me that I think my anxiety will go down. It's the fear of not knowing.

And last night I was so worked up because we go on vacation in a week and a half and I kept thinking our vacation would be ruined because something would happen while we were down there and we'd be searching for a dentist office - - seriously stupid stuff. There were a couple times DH laughed and that told me he wasn't aware and just how bad this was for me.

MsEmilyAnn · August 2011

trickeytricky:

I do at least get that. I even told DH last night that there is only ONE way to fix this, and that is to just go. Once I go, they can do what they have to do and it probably isn't nearly as bad as I think it is and once they tell me that I think my anxiety will go down. It's the fear of not knowing.

Most likely there won't be much going on. You might have some cavities or some other work that might be done. I doubt you'll loose any teeth. But the most important thing to know is that you are going to be fine. The Dentist is knowledgeable, it's not dangerous work, and you will feel better after that you went. Don't worry about the money right now, it's your health and I'm sure we all agree that matters more, you'll find a way to pay it and it will be worth it. If it ends up being a lot of money, ask for a payment plan.

About 2 years ago I went to the Dentist and ended up needing about $2,000 worth of work done. I went to my car and balled, instantly thinking about how we could even afford that. I calmed down and DH talked to me, and everything was fine.

I know saying it will all be fine, doesn't magically make it seem like it will all be fine, I wish it did. But you'll have to convince yourself it really will be. I handle my anxiety and panic attacks a lot better than I used to, which is probably due to a combination of DH learning how to help me in those times, me knowing how to handle it better, and medication.

I'm glad you've really talked to DH about it, so now he really understands what is going on, and the extent of it.

MrsJaay · August 2011

Anxiety and irrational thoughts kind of go hand in hand but obviously you don't think they're irrational or you wouldn't worry about them. Mine has laughed at me before too. Some of his best reponses are, "And, that's the worst that would happen...?", "So? you won't be the first person". It is true but I always tell him you can't reason with crazy (not that you're crazy, but I am some days lol).

You're right about the anticipation. It's always the worst part and you'll feel a huge load lifted off of you when you go to the dentist. It sounds like you're doing everything to make your visit go as smooth as possible already though. I'll be thinking about ya.

dehko · August 2011

I also deal with anxiety/irrational thoughts. DH does not understand...he tries to soothe me, but he doesn't understand. Its finally gotten to the point that when he asks "Whats the worst that could happen?" I immediately say "I could die." That's not always my fear, but you know....

I just ditto what PPs said about sedation dentistry, as well as remembering it will be worse in your head. Even if you do lose a tooth, they are doing wonderful things with implants (DH has one). Expensive, sure, but there are payment plans.

Best of luck Trickey!

Panic Attack

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