I so don't want to go to med/dental appointments!

I don't want to go. But I need to. And I'm limited to who will take medicaid in the area, which means I don't really have much choice as to who I go to.

But it could be worse, I might not have any sort of coverage at all. So I'm grateful for this. But I don't want to go.

The community clinic I'll go to this Monday is super busy and there is always a long wait in a noisy room with lots of people. I don't know this health care provider but I need to achieve my women's exam (it has been a few years) and ask for Ativan for my upcoming dental appointment.

Yikes.

The dental is next month and I've not been in for years. I don't want to go to this place because they somehow tend to be sorta gruff and almost unfriendly, they are only taking me because I'm still in their system, they aren't taking new dental medicaid patients. I don't want to go. Usually long waits in a crowded stuffy room, and usually dental appointments = increased physical pain, especially in jaw and shoulders. Blech.

I'm going to figure out a way to use this as a goal and experiment. Surely I can diminish my anxiety about these appointments and maybe take the edge off some pain too.

My first step in all this was to get my eye exam. I really didn't want to go but needed to, and everything went fine.

Now on to the tougher part. I'm going to remember to breathe and not work myself up emotionally. I'll plan some sort of treat for myself after each appointment.

I know I'm lucky to get any sort of med/dental care. But what I really want to do is curl up under warm blankets and let the rest of the world go by, for now. I just went through a migraine bout from hell and the last thing I want to do is invite in more pain.

Any chronic pain folks out there have any hints for surviving appointments?

I do understand. I am wishing you luck and courage.

Thanks!

Hang in there! Go through the motions and once the stuff is all done you will be better for it, and the experience will be behind you.

If you've put off the dental for a long time, I'd save up for 6 months to a year and find a dentist you really liked who would treat you better and wasn't gruff or in a hurry? I wouldn't be able to get myself to go to a place I thought was going to be hurtful or loud/"busy" and where I knew I was going to be uncomfortable.

Thanks Sky, that is a good reminder. Going through the motions really can help, reminds me that all I have to do once there is just sorta move as directed and eventually the appointment will be done.

Perna, thanks for the idea, yes, I'm looking into dental insurance now. Findg a better dentist will make a huge difference and I can't do that only with Medicaid.

I survived my medical appointment yesterday and it actually went really well. The usual long long wait wasn't as bad, and the new health care person was great. Friendly, comfortable, and she knows her stuff. My questions were answered, got the meds I asked for, and the women's exam went fast.

My sweetheart picked me up at the clinic, this is a huge deal for me, I'm used to doing everything by myself. So getting a ride from him was a treat, as was our celebratory pizza at a restaurant we enjoy.

Next month is the dental I'm not looking forwards too, but now I know I'll survive.

((((((((((((((( CedarS ))))))))))))))