Arleen

Hi:

I feel better knowing you "experts" have checked my questions. I have to do it this way, because I'll get there tomorrow and my mind will go blank. I get an overwhelmed feeling these days being at the dentist's office. I guess a sense of frustration too...not another dentist...does he know he's doing...I'm tired of repeating the same old story. You all know the drill. I'll take a pen and write down his answers as he tells them to me, because they'll end up a blurr as well.

I got some of these questions from reading your posts. Also a dental assistant on another board suggested several good questions, so I can't take credit for all of them. I guess the biggest test is how the dentist reacts to all these questions. Most of the dentists I've seen would have lost patience at about question 5 or 6. After all, who am I to question them?

Diane - I don't know if Dr. Sigesmund has any neuromuscular training. When you next speak to your NMD, ask him if he knows, or knows of, Dr. Chris Lang. I don't believe there are a lot of TMJ dentists in Toronto, so if Dr. Sigesmund doesn't work out, my next move would be to contact Dr. Lang. His office is in Oakville, about an hour out of Toronto. He's listed on the LVI alumni page. He's taken a number of their courses. I may be jumping ahead of myself at this point as I haven't heard everything Dr. Sigesmund has to say. Also, I like your sense of humour. Please give my regards to Al, and thanks to both of you for your good wishes.

Hi Marlene: I'm hoping for a good night's sleep, but it rarely happens the night before I go to the dentist (I can't imagine why!). Last time I went, I took 1/2 clonazepam the night before. It didn't knock me out, but my arms and legs were so heavy, I was like dead weight in bed. I just lay there, not doing much sleeping, but veeeeeeeery relaxed I don't think I'll take anything tonight because I'd like to be somewhat with it in the morning. You have a nice sleep too. Thanks for the encouragement.

Hi Cheryl: Thanks for your kind words. How's Mike doing? Sounds like he's coming along. You're right, I'm the one paying, but it's sometimes hard to stand your ground. I'm learning to be much more persistent in trying to get a dentist to listen to me, and not to be put off when they start reacting badly to what I say but to just plough ahead.

When I'm at the appointment tomorrow, I'll just think of all of you and all the support and help you've given me. That should make the appointment bearable.

Thanks, and hugs to you all.
Arleen

I'll let you know tomorrow how it's going.

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Arleen