[gloamingone]

I hope I did the title right. This is new to me!

For 14 years I've avoided going to the dentist and could never explain why. Then, several days ago, long-hidden memories came back to me. I was molested by the dental tech when I was a child and we were left alone in the treatment room.

This happened when I lived in Saudi Arabia as a child, and I never told anyone about it. For one thing, my parents wouldn't have been able to do anything about it, being Americans. For another, I think I was ashamed.

My memories have come to me since my last T appointment, and I don't see her again until tomorrow. It's been hard holding onto this. I told my boyfriend, but he didn't really say much about it.

I managed to get to the dentist and everything went well (14 years with no cavities!), but I'll be alone with the person who cleans my teeth on Wednesday. I'm afraid, even though I know nothing bad will happen to me.

The worst part is trying to explain how I feel to my boyfriend, who glosses it over by saying, "Everything will be fine. Don't worry." Of course nothing will happen! I'm a grown woman now. I can take care of myself. But inside there is still that little girl who was hurt so badly, and I don't know how to soothe her.

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[kaliope]

your boyfriend probably doesnt know how to deal with it...i mean, what could he possibly say to make you feel better?

i am terrified of the dentist too...unknown why....but it does trigger my ptsd...the whole office knows it and the treat me with kid gloves. if the dentist is running late they call me so i dont have to wait in the lobby and get anxious with anticipation. they take me the minute i get there. they coach me thru the appt, telling me frequently all i have to do is raise my hand and we can stop and take a break. i do take klonopin before i go but this last appt i forgot and made it just fine. i was still anxious, but i made it thru.

dentists understand dental phobia, even tho this isnt the case, they dont need to know what happened, but they pretty much know how to respond to it. let them know ahead of time so they can treat you appropriately. you deserve special care.