I have been waiting since my second maxillectomy in Feb this year to have follow up reconstruction surgery for my upper jaw.
At last this week I had an appointment with the periodontologist in the Restorative Unit at the Dental Hospital. It wasn’t a great experience for me. The staff are lovely and I have no complaints there but the actual experience of having the mould taken was the problem.
The periodontologist took a mould of the last few teeth I have in my lower left jaw as he is going to make me an obturator to attach to implants in my cheek bones. I cannot open my mouth very wide and have scar tissue inside my mouth from radiotherapy and my past 3 ops on my upper and lower jaw. Although he is very experienced and tried hard I ended up with the corner of my mouth and multiple areas inside of my mouth being split when he put the smallest mould he had in and out of my mouth. It was very painful and quite traumatic.
The periodontologist then went through how the team were going to go about the reconstruction and that he would have to take several more moulds over time which all sounded really daunting (and painful).
I thought I was coping O.K. but when I got up to leave I unexpectedly had a panic attack. I have never had one before and couldn’t control it. I was so embarrassed. I leant against the door frame with my heart pounding, breathing hard and couldn’t walk. It was awful. The periodontologist sat me down and got me some water and was very nice. I must make sure I get my act together so I don’t do that again in front of him.
I had to sit in my car for a long time before I felt I could drive I was so overwrought. I have never been like this before and it caught me unawares.
I am going to take my husband for the next appointment just in case.
I have had to give myself a good talking to and realise that there is no gain without pain. I still feel a bit shaken and rather apprehensive about the next visit but just need to ‘man up’. At least next time around I will be more prepared.
Any suggestions to help with my next appointment would be appreciated.
Lyn
Hi Lyn oh dear that sounds horrendous , have you tried calming yoga breathing it’s what for me through mask making and treatment. There’s also mindful videos on line that might help. Plus you can ask for diazepam or the Australian equivalent I know a few who have that to calm them down before mri scans. Yes please take Terry next/time I take Jihn every time. I E only had one panic attack 20 years ago just after my mum died I drove to supermarket did shopping then on way back to car it hit me it wasn’t nice shaking sweating etc. sending hugs. You can do this yiuve gine through tougher ordeals. As for your cracked mouth try Sudacream or bio oil
have a lovey Christmas remember it’s not about the food and drink it’s about family.
Cooper our daughters dog says hi and please send sunshine lol
Hazel xx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hi Lyn.
I've been missing off the forum for a few days and only now catching up.
You've had a horrid time of it. I hope things improve. I think of you so often. I don't know how you do it. You're indestructible but I know that comes at great cost. You support other members brilliantly. You deserve a medal......a Community badge at least. I'll have a word.
Have the Christmas you want my friend....I hope you and the family are surrounded with love and warmth and that next year brings some respite and healing. Hugs
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
