Aunt Agony

Dear Aunt Agony,

Can it ever really hurt so bad?

I finally know now - "Yes, it can". 

On Tuesday, I paid a visit to Dr Cheng again. "Today's the big day", he said. I agreed. But I could not muster a smile. Still in pain from the extraction last week, I just looked at him with apprehension to the brim. Running away was all I could think of. Just not an option I could have. I laid there in the comfortable chair helplessly. Anxiety and pain were well written on my face. Like a kind soul, the doctor spared me further pain and did only the upper row. The lower row would be done during my next visit. About half hour or so later, I left the clinic with more aching, unsightly wires and little ceramic "thingos" sticking firmly on each of my tooth in the upper row.

It was near hell every day since then. I had to take painkillers every few hours in order to operate somewhat normally. I couldn't talk properly, eat properly or function properly. So painful were my gums and teeth that the tears were rolling against my will. I remembered telling lil sis one night in bed, "If this is my threshold of pain, I have no idea how I will be able to endure child birth in the future!" The moment I said that, I made a mental note to consider cesarean when the time comes.

The routine was 2 painkillers every four hours and I had to make sure I do not exceed 8 in a 24-hour period. I timed them perfectly so I could go to bed with the last batch of painkillers and hopefully sleep well throughout the night. Not as well as I hoped so, I guessed. Because I woke up a few times in the middle of the night as the effects of the drugs have worn off. But my body can take no more pills by then. Good thing it wasn't too hard to fall back into a slumber.

This morning, I awoke with the most immense throbbing pain in my head and a temperature. Nothing like I've ever experienced. The headache combined with the toothache were enough for me to put my hands up to be sent to the hospital and then heavily sedated. But I didn't. If I had, the doctors would probably find it too amusing. Another 2 painkillers and I tucked myself into bed. I was glad I did. I definitely feel much better now. At least the temperature and headache were gone, the pain in my teeth has subsided, and there was no constant pill-popping like before.

Mood is much improved and I kept looking at my teeth for signs of movement - can't wait for them to move nicely into a straight row. I wonder if I can give them a little "push" to speed up the process.