I hate this. I could just fling myself on the floor and throw a two-year-old sized temper tantrum!

I had to go to the dentist because I broke two crowns. Because of this "fill in the blanks" medication I'm on, my mouth is overly sensitive and my white count is low so it leaves me prone to infection.

Well, guess what???? I'm on my way to the pharmacy to pick up my antibiotics because it is both sides. My mouth is so sore.

Dental

The bone marrow depressant effects of hydroxyurea may result in an increased incidence of microbial infection, delayed healing, and gingival bleeding. Dental work, whenever possible, should be completed prior to initiation of therapy or deferred until blood counts have returned to normal. Patients should be instructed in proper oral hygiene during treatment, including caution in use of regular toothbrushes, dental floss, and toothpicks.

Hydroxyurea may also cause stomatitis associated with considerable discomfort.

Ugh is right! That stinks.

Tooth pain hurts so much. I hope you find some relief (from this and from EVERYTHING) soon.

Thanks buddy. I just want to throw in the towel.

[oksomaybeimnuts]

Ugh and Ouch. No throwing in the towel though.... just throw it to me and i'll hold it for awhile for you

I don't even have the strength to toss it to you.

I'm wiped out. I hate 2009 so far.

[Rmdctc]

I hate the dentist also so I know how you feel. I hope that you pain goes away soon and that the rest of 2009 is better for you.

Thanks Rmdctc. I appreciate the understanding. I am just so discouraged. If it's not mouth sores, it's the flashing lights or the fatigue.

They better find a cure for this soon, or at least a different treatment other than these stupid chemo pills because I have had enough.

I'm a slave to a disease and it's pissing me off. I'm going to talk to my hem/onc next month and tell him I want to cut back. I am so afraid of the side effects of these pills and I've been on them way too long.

((orange)))) please know i care and hope it gets better
Im so sorry things are so hard right now
You are a good person and are always here for everyone

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

Thanks Rmdctc. I appreciate the understanding. I am just so discouraged. If it's not mouth sores, it's the flashing lights or the fatigue.

They better find a cure for this soon, or at least a different treatment other than these stupid chemo pills because I have had enough.

I'm a slave to a disease and it's pissing me off. I'm going to talk to my hem/onc next month and tell him I want to cut back. I am so afraid of the side effects of these pills and I've been on them way too long.

(((((((((((Orange Blossom)))))))))))))))))

I know it's horrid to be a "slave" to something as horrible as a disease or disability. I'm sorry. I hope they come up with a cure soon, because I can understand how chemo pills have longer bad effects!!

The thing is, I tell every doctor/dentist I see about the chemo and how it weakens my resistance. But why even bother when no one reads your chart again?

I know, I know, I should tell them every single time I go but it gets old and why should I have to. They're the professionals.

[oksomaybeimnuts]

makes you wonder why you always have to fill in that paperwork telling them what meds you're on doesn't it? very frustrating.
{{{{{{{{{OrangeFloweryBud}}}}}}}}

[Crew]

I am so Sorry (((((((Orange))))))) I will keep you close near the "numbing station" and you could have all the numbing meds you could put in your bag and pockets, in fact Orange you can own the entire numbing meds store! I do hope you get to feeling better soon !
Hey and don't throw the towel in...and if "oksomaybeimnuts" has to leave I'll hold it for her until she get back...!
It's about Supporting each other!!! you have to deal with this
cotton picking mess! ThaCrew

[Azalysa]

Mega to you!

I've spent beyond my fair share in the dental chair having inherited very cavity-prone teeth that are now all being replaced with crowns and root canals.

But to have all that ON TOP of what you already live with....my heart goes out to you.

Looks like I'm a little overdue in the "thank you" department.

Sorry for the delay, but thank you all for the hugs and good wishes.

[lynn09]

Poor baby! I can really empathize. I have a hyperactive immune system which makes me "allergic" to everything and have to take massive doses of antihistamines to suppress it which makes me susceptible to infections, as well. But, I'm also allergic to antibiotics, so my body has to fight the infections on its own. I'm constantly having dental abscesses, but I can't have my teeth cleaned and even have to be very careful about flossing. I use warm, salt-water rinses to draw the infection out and an antiseptic mouthwash to topically reduce bacteria. A couple of years ago, I had a major abscess in one of my lower back molars and had to have the tooth pulled without anesthetic. What a relief when the nerve finally snapped! I'm also allergic to most pain meds, so Tylenol had to suffice. Hang in there, girl. They're just pills that your body needs because you can't afford a major infection. Ask your dentist or oral surgeon if there are any rinses you can use to diminish your mouth sensitivity. Try not to be angry and upset about it all because that taxes your immune system, as well. Your body is just the house you happen to be occupying, you're it's caretaker, and this is all just necessary maintenance. Be as gentle, loving, and compassionate towards your body and yourself as you are with others.

[eskielover]

((((((Orange Blossom)))))),

I can relate to your tooth issues...Every tooth in my mouth has broken. Have to have them all pulled & get dentures, but haven't the money to get it done with no insurance.....every other emergency seems to come up first.

Lucky me, born with my dad's tentency to bad teeth, then unlucky me, while the teeth were forming, as a child, was sick with high temps & lots of antibiotics.....bad enamel. All the filled teeth have all chipped away & broken off.....am down to eating soft foods & loads of ice cream.

I could just imagine how bad my situation would be if I were on the chemo med you are on...

you have my sympathy,
Debbie

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

The thing is, I tell every doctor/dentist I see about the chemo and how it weakens my resistance. But why even bother when no one reads your chart again?

I know, I know, I should tell them every single time I go but it gets old and why should I have to. They're the professionals.

You're right - it's not fair. I do the same thing regarding my latex allergy, because I swear that everyone besides my dentist forgets that if I have anything with latex near me I may as well be dead.

Doctors are sometimes lazy, sometimes overworked, and sometimes don't have enough time to read a chart before they see a patient. But it still sucks, especially when it's about an important issue like that.

[notz]

You know OB, they are professionals by license only. Their license gives them the right to practice medicine or dentistry. It takes much more than just a piece of paper.

Then there's the ego. Well, let's not go there. I'd pull my hair out and you'd lose your petals!

So many physicians are multitasking during every office visit to keep up with the 10 or 15 minute allotment of time with each patient. This decreases the odds that they actually even hear what you say. But what gets me, is so many doctor's swear they "know all about" what conditions or concerns you bring to their attention. Not true in all instances. It simply doesn't occur to some that they may not know everything they think they know!

Man, you really have to be proactive about your medical care these days. Can't trust anybody.