WI, I am feeling for you...on many levels.
I'm glad you are going to the dentist. When we have physical pain, it increases our depression...I know this from experience. I had a root canal a couple of years ago, and it was $500, so I know how you feel about the expense, but it will be worth it to get out of pain, if that is indeed what you need. Jaw pain can also be from bite problems, as I'm sure you already know. I had such poor dental care as a child growing up in the coalfields of WV, only going to the dentist to have rotten teeth pulled. Consequently, I am missing some major back jaw teeth, and resulting in bite problems. Throughout may unhappy marriage, I asked my husband to help me get braces to correct it, but he refused. I finally got myself braces when I returned to working and supporting myself at 41. I was still married at the time. Now at 54, I still wear the dental retainer nightly, and no longer have bite or jaw problems.
The other subject...ALONE....me too! I try to embrace the quiet and solitude, rather than obsessing on my loneliness. Yes, I do find myself lonely, but it is also freedom from accommodating attempts at dysfunctional relationships!
Would you qualify for any type of government financial assistance, WI? I ask because I know they help with dental care. Whatever your financial situation, I applaud you for getting attention to your dental needs.
Healing thoughts,
Seeker "Patty"