Suggestions on getting to doctor/dentist when too afraid to go

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Hello BB's,

  I am not doing too well these days and was hoping for any suggestions or advice on the topic.  The pain on the right side of my head is very slowly getting worse. When I bend my head to the left it hurts like hell.  I don't know if it's benzo related or not.  I do know my back top molar on each side looks like hell and probably needs to come out. I haven't been to the dentist in probably 10 years. So I don't know if it's dental or muscle or what.  I always look at things as life threatening, so this too is scaring me half to death.  I need to get to a doctor and dentist ASAP.  I'm frightened beyond belief of doing either. (I can make it to work and the gas station, and that's about all these days.) I think I can make it to the ER though, I guess because I know they can sedate me or save my life when I keel over. I think if I go there though, they won't help me, just maybe give me a pain killer.  Any ideas on how to get to the doctor??

Thanks A Lot,

scoot

[[Be...]]

I know how immobilizing fear can be, scoot.  I don't know of any way through it except to take action.  Make an appointment.  Maybe see if someone can take you or accompany you if that would help.  Making the decision to do it and then taking that first step.  I recently posted the following on the Anxiety Board.

 

Conquer fear with action

 

"Your fears are not walls, but hurdles. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquering of it."

 

-- Dan Millman

 

How do we conquer fear? With action. Millman says that action is the ONLY way to move through fear.

 

Fear aims to stop us in our tracks. When we step forward anyway, our anxiety eases. We begin to pay attention to what’s actually going on instead of being trapped in fearful speculation. When we’ve done it once, we can do it again. And again. And again.

 

"Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them."

 

-- Brendan Francis

[[ho...]]

 

Conquer fear with action

 

"Your fears are not walls, but hurdles. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquering of it."

 

-- Dan Millman

 

How do we conquer fear? With action. Millman says that action is the ONLY way to move through fear.

 

Fear aims to stop us in our tracks. When we step forward anyway, our anxiety eases. We begin to pay attention to what’s actually going on instead of being trapped in fearful speculation. When we’ve done it once, we can do it again. And again. And again.

 

"Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them."

 

-- Brendan Francis

 

These are great!

 

Scoot -- -  There is no way I could go to the doc/dentist by myself.  You are working!!!  You can get to work -- I know you can do this too; but is there someone, anyone who you can ask to go with you?

 

I agree with Beeper -- break it into smaller steps.  For example:

 

Talk this over with someone supportive of your recovery

Decide on a dentist

Call and make the appointment

Go to the appointment!

 

Get your coping mechanisms together to prepare and get through the appointment.  Bliss Johns have some great ones on her Coping Skills page:  http://recovery-road.org/resources/self-help/

 

You will feel very proud of yourself after accomplishing each of these steps.

Good Luck!!

XOX  (((HUGS)))

[[Fr...]]

Scoot, I developed a huge fear of dentists while in my taper (I am still in my taper) ... But I had to go. Sadly, I got extreme dental pain and issues midway my taper. Go figure! Had an abcess in my gum where the root of my molar was and needed a root canal. Talk about scary. I have had root canals before but not during w/d, so needless to say I was scared. But, I knew how much better I would feel if I took care of it. Besides, what is a measly 2 hours out of my life in fear. Nothing! We have such strong abilities to persist and push through the fear and pain. And once we do it, it feels awesome and we can continue to do it again. Ill admit, that day was scary for me, I had a panic attack during the root canal, but after it passed I realized that it really wasnt that bad, it was just my mind that built it up and the constant dwelling I did for the procedure.

 

Since then I have gone to the dentist to take on the rest of the work that I needed done. Including a crown removal, 3 cavities, and 2 new crowns. I now feel like the dentist chair is my bed and second home and have no fear at all of any of it.

 

I know you can do the same. That fear for me was huuuuuge! You just have to commit and go! Sounds easier said than done, but it is true. Its a hell of a lot better than constant worry and pain.

 

Good luck - Front

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Thank you for the suggestions....it's amazing how a grown man is scared to go to the dentist and doctor, I feel like a little child.  Btw, I do make it to work some days, but not much work ever gets done.  My brother and colleagues keep everything running while I'm out.  At 3 months off, I HAD to get out of the house and work felt like the only safe place.  Thanks

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Frontrider,

  I think that is exactly what I need, but I'll never know until I go.  I also think I may be further along in my w/d recovery then I think.  This constant pain is just holding me back.  Never ending worries and what-ifs wear me down to nothing. Thanks

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Hello everyone,

  I have followed your advice and will be going to the dentist tomorrow at 11am.  I have a friend who will be going with me, who knows all about my anxiety problems.  If this doesn't ease my head pain, then I don't know what to do.....BUT, I am confident it will.  Tomorrow is going to be a huge challenge for me but I think I can do it.  Thanks again for the advice, scoot

[[el...]]

I know how you feel..I had so many cavitys,but didnt even notice it because of my benzo use.So all during my taper I had dental work.Then I was sure I had a knot on my gums that was cancer..Because I could not feel pain in my mouth because of the benzo use,I didnt even need novicane.The Nurse and doctor keep saying dont that hurt!Lol That expereince turned out to be nothing..I know its so hard to do,My husband did have to drive me to my appointments.I did have to keep changing my appts because I was just to sick somedays...Good Luck