[TL]

Hi. Toothless Lady here. I've joined this community to hopefully get some help to care about myself again. I've been depressed for many years now, but recently, it's become really severe.

It started with a couple of bad teeth - can you believe it? Went to the dentist and he told me that I could have the bad teeth removed and then get a bridge. The catch was that my other teeth would suffer the same fate down the line. So I opted to have all my teeth removed and get dentures. (Seemed like a great decision at the time.) Because of my gum structure, I can't close my gums (so when someone tells me to just "gum" it, that doesn't work in my case).

What dentists don't tell you is that (1) dentures change your taste buds and (2) they don't always stay in when you're chewing. The only way to keep them in is with posts, which are expensive. So even if I can keep them in, all I taste is the adhesive, not the food.

The bottom line - I lost almost 60 pounds because I couldn't eat anything. The dentures don't fit correctly and I can't afford to have them redone. If I have the dentures in, I sound like I'm inebriated. I'm unemployed and have gone on interviews, only to have the interviewer look at me funny. I explain that I've recentlly had oral surgery, but they really don't care.

I'm at the point that I have no real nutrition in my body any longer. I've started taking Ensure to alleviate that, we'll see what happens.

It's ironic, I've recently found my "inner chef" and have started making many new dishes for my hubby, but I can't eat them! That's really sad.

That's basically my story.

Hello, and welcome to PC!

I'm sorry to hear about your predicament...it sounds very frustrating! I hope that this site offers support, understanding, and friendship. I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

[Fresia]

I know when a friend had her dentures done, they did not fit and she took them back, they redid them at no charge b/c it was their mistake. I would try this if haven't already especially explaining your health changes. If they won't refit them, you can contact the local state ombudsman in the area, listed in the phone book, to let them know what's happened and they can advocate for you or may know of other options.

It's good you're taking ensure in the meantime, a good product and hydrate with water and juices meanwhile too. Best wishes. Fresia