oh, bother

I am scheduled to have a cavity filled on Friday morning. Did I mention that this is my first cavity? Did I mention that I am nervous? It seems silly that I am nervous, like I am too old to be scared about a cavity filling, but there it is. I do not like pain. I do not like needles. I do not like visiting the dentist.

Somehow, I managed to be kind to myself in that moment. I asked what would happen. I asked them to promise me that it wouldn't hurt. (What can I say, I thought it was worth a shot.) I scheduled the filling right before the weekend. And yet, it has been in the back of my mind ever since, like a moment of impending doom. (Ok, maybe not doom, but something ominous, like a black cloud.)

I want to be kind to myself - I certainly need the practice - but I don't know what would be the kindest thing to do. Would it be kinder to get it over with? Or would it be kinder to reschedule it? I really have no idea.

Who knew it was so confusing to practice kindness.

Comments

[Alison]

The task left undone is often times more stressful than the task itself. Do it. Then spend the weekend celebrating!!

[Michelle Marlahan]

ug. no fun. no fun at all. (i have a friend who gets so stressed about going that she takes valium (or something) before)

it's yucky to be so anxious. sending a hug.

[Amy]

Get it over with. Sometimes in life, things are unpleasant but we must face them. Your imagination will probably be worse then the real thing. :)

[Julie L]

I agree, get it over with.. the thought of most nerve-wracking things are usually worse than the reality of them. This is coming from a girl with a mouthful of cavities. :)

[Rose]

-hugs- I agree, get it over with. re-scheduling will likely just give you longer to worry and more worry is bad. They're not as bad as our imagination think they'll be.

[Briana]

Oh dear, yuck and hard and I'm sorry. I can so relate to your fear. I remember having to get some dental thing done as a kid, and I was so scared and uncomfortable and anxious that my mom and the dentist decided to give me nitrous oxide (laughing gas) first.

And then, at least 10 years later when I had my wisdom teeth out, I was so nervous about the IV that again the surgeon decided to give me laughing gas first. So I'm not much help except to say that I, for what it's worth, think it's perfectly okay to be scared. Sending comfort and love.

[elizabeth @ the blue lotus]

@Briana: thanks, my dear, that actually helps a lot! I wonder if they still have laughing gas. (And IVs, I totally hear you on that one. Ugh.)

@Rose, @Julie, @Amy, @Alison: you are so right. More time = longer to worry. Thank you. I am going in! Hee.

@Michelle: hug much appreciated. thank you!