Help with fight flight feelings

[Longmelly]

First time posting, im as stubborn as they come. I’m coming up on 6 years since my mva that left me with post concussion.

Has anyone else felt this pandamic has set them back? I know it’s pretty obvious it has effected everyone but I’m finding it has effected me in a lot of ways.

I am suppose to get two crowns at my dentist for my teeth, I have cancelled 4 times now due to feeling anxiety about it. It was something the receptionist said when I asked what is done and it just set me off. I almost feel stupid for canceling so much! before my accident I may get alittle normal anxious for the dentist but now my body just feels stuck in a flight fight all the time.

Is there anything i can do to get to this appointment, I know I need it done. And with just everything in life how do I stop from feeling like I can’t handle stress or anything anymore without getting overwhelmed. I thought i was doing pretty good but the last while I’m getting worse, im worrying way too much.

Thanks for listening, thinking of you all and pray for healing.

Mel

[paxo05]

Hi there,

It may seem a simple solution but can you talk to your dentist explaining your situation. Then maybe arrange to go and just sit in the waiting room for a while. Try and desensitise as much as you can.

CBT may help with anxiety giving you coping strategies. This can be discussed with your doctor. Have you got contact with headway as they may be able to give local help.

Adapting behaviour to battle anxiety is not one simple .

All the best

Pax

[Longmelly in reply to paxo05]

That’s a good idea, thanks for your advice. Its really hard for me to speak of my issues with people but they can’t help me if they don’t know right. I have this whole issue of just feeling worse then I already do with pain From something that wasn’t such a big deal before ways heavy on my mind nowadays. Thank you

[cat3]

Hi Mel. Make an appointment just to talk with your dentist. My niece suffered badly from dental neglect so, having the same dentist, I mentioned her phobia to him and he suggested she accompany me at my next appointment (a filling).

She was nervous, even about watching, but she did come and sit as I had a tooth drilled and filled. I have to keep swallowing the water (which cools the drill) and accidentally bit the poor man when closing my mouth suddenly, so there was banter and laughter. My niece laughed too (albeit nervously) and saw I wasn't in pain.

She had a checkup immediately after me and reassurance from the dentist that treatment wouldn't hurt her and he would only work at a pace comfortable for her. I accompanied her to her first appointment (two fillings) and, although nervous, she sat through the procedure and has since attended alone knowing nothing bad happens.

I have two crowns by the way and can honestly say having them fitted was painless and straightforward. Even the anaesthetic injection was only mildly uncomfortable. I think we're all a little apprehensive about the dentist's chair but then leave afterwards looking and feeling better than when we arrived !

Do you have someone who could accompany you ? Cat x

[Jowood29]

Hi, I am also 6 years since surgery this week and totally get your anxiety over the dentist. Every emotion seems more heightened now. I told my dentist my situation, I am a very nervous patient and anything near my head makes me very anxious. Told him about my brain tumour and surgery. He was ver understanding and now explains what’s going on ‘this will feel a little cold, or I’m going to push down’ he also tells me to put my hand up to stop. The other thing my daughter used to do when having root canal, was listen to music on her iPod to calm her whist treatment was going on. Best of luck. Be brave. Jo

[Longmelly]

Awwww thanks everyone for your replies, that helped me contact the dentist and just let them know how I was feeling since my brain is working alittle differently now. With fillings I’ve been fine but for some reason with the crowns I’m getting I’m nervous. Its very nice I feel I can reach out to people that have the same issues at times. Take care 💜

[MimiSpree]

Can you ask a friend to accompany you?