Thankful Thursday – Down Time

My husband’s job allows for periods of downtime.  It is during this time that we build our family relationships.  He is very active in our children’s lives during this time.  The children and I love having him around.  For example, today is dentist day.  Four of the five children are going for their yearly check-up.  We are there for most of the afternoon.  Because this is one of dh’s slow times, he will be getting off work early to meet me at the dental office.  The play area at the office is small and it’s a long time to wait for little people.  Having an extra pair of hands to take someone for a walk or run to the store to break up the time is so very helpful.  I love that J can be that person today.  I do have others that have offered to help and have gone with us on similar appointments in the past, and I love that too.  But I love when their dad can be part of these experiences.

For more thankful posts:  Women Taking A Stand is hosting this meme this month.

 

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

The Teeth Saga: The Ending

Welcome Company Girls.



My week kinda started last Thursday / Friday with some severe teeth pain; I've had some teeth that have been bothering me for quite some time; too long for my health probably. Anyway, Thursday night (last week) I was trying to get a few things done, grabbed a mini-chocolate bar while I was working and ended up almost passed out on the couch from the pain of getting the candy in or around one of these sore teeth. I took some meds and did all the tricks I could think of to help ease the pain and it did eventually subside so I could think and sleep again. However, by the middle of Friday morning, after eating a late breakfast, I was in the same pain again. It wouldn't subside at all; I called Tammy-Lee in tears. She brought me some stronger drugs and helped me find a dentist to call and offered to take the kids. The rest of the story is here.

So because I didn't get to see a dentist on Friday, I swapped ibpro and acet all weekend and using Anbesol in between if the medication wore off too soon. Monday morning, first thing, I called our local office. They hadn't really gotten things going yet, so they'd call me if they got an opening. I remembered to specifically ask about payment arrangements. I didn't feel rushed; I felt like I could ask my questions. When I talked to reception at the other dentist office, I felt like I was inconveniencing them; this receptionist was totally different. So it took a few minutes to settle into my day because I was expecting to have to leave at a moments notice and didn't want to be in the middle of something when I got the call.

I made everyone dress to shoes for two reasons. First, it was really really cold in the house. Shoes would keep everyone warmer. Second, because I didn't need a kid in jammies when I was trying to get us out of the door quickly. And I decided to eat; wouldn't you know it, have way through my Cheerios and milk, they called! "We have an opening in 20 minutes and can you come a bit sooner to fill out a chart?" "Uhmm, ok, but I have to get my kids to a sitter; I'll be there as soon as I can." Tammy-Lee is 5 minutes in the opposite direction of my appointment and it takes five minutes to do seat belts at each end of the trip, so . . .

5 min - seat belts
5 min - drive
5 min - seat belts
5 min - drive
-------------
20 min!

So I got there when I got there and I still had to wait; but you expect that, right?

Anyway, I go in and they get me in the chair and you wait because there are others ahead of you and one dentist (I believe). So he takes a look (after an x-ray and what-not) and says, "let's pull these today." "Uhmm, okay." (No, I found out costs and such, because we are really tight.) So I called Tammy-Lee to let her know and got right down to business.

He had to pull so hard I thought he was gonna break my face! LOL! Wow, the one tooth did not want to come out. And then it fell out of his tool and onto me! LOL! They were so apologetic; I was just laughing as best as I could with my mouth wide open and being suctioned. I was just glad that he didn't drop it inside my mouth!!! I would have choked on it! LOL!

I was quite light-headed when they were finished and ended up sitting there for quite sometime afterward; I'd driven myself so I had to have all my senses about me. Then when I did get to the bus, it wouldn't start and then it did and I was able to get the kids and my meds. Then on the last block home it died! It wouldn't turn over or go or anything. I ended up walking home with the five kids, which isn't all that unusual for me, except that I'd just had 3 teeth pulled. I brought them home in a little box; the kids loved it!

So then for Monday and Tuesday I crashed on the couch; I was in a lot of pain and taking Tylenol-3 and that loops me a little so it wasn't very pretty around here. I am so thankful for Tammy-Lee and hubby, Seven and my other friend, Catherine for getting us supper Monday night and watching the kids and coming to fold laundry and just helping out whenever and wherever I've needed. Even just crying to someone on the phone can make all the difference!

Wednesday I was doing better and pushed myself to go to our dance class! I'm so glad we went even with some tension flying around and both of us in pain. (J was sore from work.) I know that our dance nights are going to become very important and fun for us.

Today I am a different person. I have energy. In under two hours, I have the more than company ready (because most of my company comes when my house is far far far from company ready). I did in 2 hours what usually takes me all day! I am so excited. I am back! I expect each day to be better. Tammy-Lee said I even sound better than I did before my teeth really got bad.

Look out world! Look out kids! Momma's back!

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,

My non-dentist dentist appointment

This is one frustrated momma.

Because we have not had extended health insurance and because I've bee pregnant, I have been living with some tooth pain for over a year now (maybe longer). I was in so much pain last night and this morning that I finally called for an emergency appointment at a clinic in a town a half hour away.

To do this meant that I had to figure out child care and transportation. I had to use the last of my grocery money to get enough gas to go. We are tight right now and dh doesn't get any more money until next week. My friend Tammy-Lee took the kids and offered to drive if I needed help after my appointment.

So I drop off the kids and get to my appointment. I walk in and she says, I'll get you to fill out this form. Do you have dental coverage? I say no. She says, Well then we'll need payment today. She goes on to explain that they require payment the day services are rendered and with the check up and x-ray it would be $xx.00. Well, I had the 6 dollars in my purse. Not quite enough. So I told her, I guess I can't see the dentist then. She shrugged her shoulders and stepped back and away. I left, tears brimming. I called Tammy-Lee and Jason.

I felt like I wasted the clinic's time, my time, Tammy-Lee's time (even though she says I didn't) and I bothered J at work. And I'm no closer to a solution. I have OTC meds I can take and a few other tricks to try to keep the pain at bay until I can see someone.

The only reason I made the appointment in the neighboring community was because our local office wasn't open today. So I'll give them a call on Monday or go in and see if they can work with us on payment and such. I'm so tired of being in pain and wore out. I don't plan to go back to that clinic 30 minutes away. I mean, I won't say never, but they did not make a good impression.

I should have taken all 5 of my kids and dragged them in there too. I should have stuck up for myself a little more and asked more questions and pushed and discussed a little more. I didn't. They have every right to have the policies they have. And. I hurt and I'm emotional and the last thing I wanted to do was burst into tears in front of the receptionists and other clients.

I could have caused a big scene, but that's not me.

I just went to my bus and cried. And I cried all the way home. But not necessarily about the pain in my teeth. When I was in the bus, I went around closing some of the windows and smashed my thumb in one. I think I could possibly loose the nail! Between the three issues (teeth, clinic and thumb) I am a wreck.

But these days it doesn't take much.

Just when you think things are starting to look up.

SIGH

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,