Tooth and Asking For Help.

 I did something that I very rarely do, and avoid as much as possible.  I asked for help.

My oral surgery/prep work for my implant was yesterday.  I've been dreading it.  I don't know why - I've had a bridge, a couple of crowns, three root canals, and a tooth pulled in the last 5 years.  I've driven myself each time.  But this time for some reason I felt that I just couldn't cope.

It might be the memory of the two root canals (at the same time) a year ago.  I was in the chair for almost two hours, and the last person of the day, so after all that it was dark when I got out.  And raining.  And in an unfamiliar part of town.  So tired and woozy, with the numbness starting to wear off, I had that hour drive, then when I got home I had to go out in the rain to put the chickens up, then feed the cats and the flying squirrel before I could finally take care of myself.  I was a little pitiful.

At least this time I was going to getting out in the daylight.  But I was still going to feel woozy, and the periodontist is in a busy part of town.   But what choice did I have?

I asked for help.  It's about a 45 minute drive there; the first half-hour isn't too bad, but that final 15 minutes (and hence the first 15 minutes coming home) is dealing with more traffic in an area I'm not familiar with.  So I called Gill.  She lives about a half-hour from me, but it's a pretty straight shot.  I asked her if she could drive that last 15 minutes to and from the periodontist and, God Bless Her, she said no problem.  So she dropped me off, ran some errands, picked me up, and took me back to her place.  It was only about a 15-20 minute drive, but I was feeling a little shaky when I got out, and it was nice to have that rest (and I drank some juice).  Then I was ready to get in my car and get home before the numbness wore off.

As I said when I hugged her goodbye - I am a strong, independent woman.   And I had to admit that at least this time - I wanted someone to take care of me.