Wisdom Teeth Woes

Last Friday I underwent surgery. (My first surgery, I might add.) I got all four of my wisdom teeth extracted. Going in to this procedure, I was feeling very unsettled about the whole ordeal. I think I may have inherited the “worry gene” from my mom’s side of the family, because all I could think of were the “what ifs” of the situation. And the constant fear of dry sockets, although that is fairly easy to avoid, I had a lingering fear of developing that particular malady. In all honesty, I thought that everything was going to be a bit off in my procedure from the get-go. When it began, I came home from volunteering at the hospital on a Thursday afternoon, and my dad informed me that I would be getting my wisdom teeth taken out, and I had the choice between the following Monday (July 19th) and August 6th. Anyone who is remotely close to my family knows that there are some bad vibes about having surgery on July 19th. Anyhow, I decided to take the August 6th appointment. When I called the doctor’s office the following morning to inform them that I would, in fact, be taking the August 6th appt, the receptionist vaguely mentioned the time of my surgery, or any other factor I wanted to know about regarding my surgery, just a website that we could go to to pre-register for my procedure. I wouldn’t say that I am a technophobe by any means, but I am slightly against filling out any sort of important paperwork on the Internet. I prefer the security of having the documents in my hands right where I can see them and personally give them to whomever they should go to. (Also because both of my parents are employed by the Postal Service, and it helps finance their jobs, retirement, etc.) My mom basically disregarded this information, because she had the same sentiments as I did regarding the matter. Tuesday of last week, we finally broke down and filled out the paperwork online. They had a nice little PDF form that, in all reality, was much easier to fill out on the computer than by hand. We were also able to print it out (My mom liked that part, especially) My mom & I still were unsure about everything because it was about 1:30 PM on the day before my surgery, and we had yet to hear from their office. In our experience, most doctors’ offices call usually by noon. We were starting to get bad vibes indeed. Finally around 3 or so, we got a call. They mentioned the standard information (8 hrs. fasting, loose-fitting short-sleeved shirt, someone to take you home, etc.) We got to the office around 7:15, as we were directed. It took a while for signing papers, etc. When the nurse came to escort me to the back, I was feeling very apprehensive. I may or may not have cried a little. (Yes, of course, I did) I was escorted back to a room, which looked quite similar to any other dental examination room. I watched an informational video, which was actually a bit humorous. (Not intentionally, but in those situations any laughter is better than none, I suppose) Soon enough, I was whisked away to the surgery suite, where I was provided with the standard laughing gas sedative. They also played some relaxing music, too. All I know is that one minute I was giggly and grooving to the tunes of Jack Johnson (his music really is soothing), and then the next thing I know I was shivering away in a recovery room, and my tongue felt like it was an inch thick. I also had an ice pack wrapped around my head, which I’ll admit, looks quite comical on me. My mom got me a chocolate shake from Braum’s, and before I knew it, we were home. It seems odd to me that I’m not supposed to bend, lift, or strain for the next week. I’m very independent, as you might know. I also have to take multiple medications to prevent swelling, pain, etc., which is also odd, because I never really take medicine unless I’m sick, and I can’t say I feel sick. Anyway, it is fair to say that I am doing well, and I am having a pleasant recovery.