Dental Cleaning Appt. and Coumadin !!!

[M&M]

Hi, I've had the same dentist for probably 15 years. When I first got my ICD - he was nervous - but over time he settled down and he was fine.. Well, I got a cleaning today and I had to go and get my blood work done on Monday at the 'lab' - even though I finally got a home monitor and test kits.. But anyways, I went Monday and got tested for INR and my PCP faxed the result which was 2.2 to my dentist - so I thought all was fine.. Then the dentist office calls this morning and says we're trying to get ahold of your PCP - I'm like well WHY - I mean 2.2 is fine - she said: well your suppose to be 2.5 to 3.5 and we want your PCP to tell us its fine.. OKAY, so my appt is at 11:00 and its now 9:00 and I have to take 2000 mg of amoxicillin an hour before my appt.. are you going to clean my teeth or not?? She said: Yes, come

Well the lady was nice that cleaned my teeth. But then the doc comes in and says well you have quite a medical history - I said: Yes, I have a few problems but I feel good and I want to still take good care of my teeth.. Do you have a problem treating me? He said: Has your ICD ever fired? I said: Yes, but not in the dentist chair. It zapped me while I was running in a road race. Then he said: Well, does your doctor know you RUN?? I said: Yes, he does and I get the impression you really don't want me here as a patient anymore.. IF that's the case then tell me - I don't want someone to work on my teeth that's uncomfortable. What if I get a tooth ache and need a filling or extraction? Are you going to have a problem with that.. Are you going to let me get my INR tested and then squeeze me in your appt. calendar for dental care? Before my INR levels have a chance to change? He said: Absolutely, - yea right like I believe that one.. I haven't had a filling in YEARS and YEARS and I dread the day when it comes. I imagine he'll have me test my blood level 8 times and he'll still want to talk to 'everyone' in my doc's office and the coumadin clinic and my cardiologist.. before he pulls a tooth.. I don't know whether to get a new dentist - or hope he's telling me the truth.. I'm glad he cautious - but my PCP faxed him my INR levels and said it was OK and still they wanted to talk to my PCP !!!

I don't know - has anyone had trouble keeping their dentisits? I can understand them being 'careful' and making sure I don't bleed to death. But this was all over a 'cleaning' !! Imagine when they have to pull a tooth !!!

I don't know what to do - but it was upsetting - especially when he said: Does your doctor know your RUN.. WELL, YES, you idiot - I wouldn't do it without his consent and furthermore he 'programs' my ICD so I can run.. I should have told him that - but I was so angry.. I'm tempted to get a new dentist - but it won't be easy finding a qualified one - who feels 'comfortable'.. with treating me..

Well, it felt good to 'vent'

Thanks
Marilyn (runner)

 

[Karlynn]

Marilyn,
I'd find a dentist that feels comfortable with your health situation. I've never tested my INR before a dental appointment, nor has my dentist asked me what my INR is. He just asks if I've premedicated.

What was he afraid was going to happen with an INR of 2.2? Was he worried about you having a stroke in his chair??

 

[geebee]

Marilyn,
I could ALMOST understand his concern if your INR was ABOVE range. But worrying about it being slightly below range indicates to me that he doesn't have a clue as to what coumadin therapy is all about.
I had a dentist in California and now have 2 dentists here in Ohio (1 regular, 1 for root canals) who trust that my cardio and I have the coumdin thing under control. As with Karlynn, the only thing they worry about is whether I have taken my pre-meds.
I have had root canals, veneers, fillings and crowns down all while in my normal INR range. Sometimes the dentist has to use that little electric machine thingy (good technical term, LOL! ) to stop bleeding but they all understand that it is part of the "game" of treating me. Of course, I have spend a lot of money with them over the years .
I would start shopping for another dentist so you have one in place when the inevitable emergency arrives.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[John & Joann]

Interest posts. Joann had a dentist that wanted to schedule cleaning and then make a 2nd appointment for any procedures. Joann reqires antibiotics that are injections plus oral antibiotics. He also wanted the INR at 2.0.

She changed to a new dentist that has NO problem. He schedules the cleaning for 11:15 AM. He does the cleaning himself to keep in practice and not to cause stress to the office staff. If a procedure is required, he will keep working and skip his lunch.

We are VERY pleased with his great service! He truly understands that coumadin does not need to be lower to 2.0 for dental procedures.

Depart from any doctor that does not want to provide quality service and work with you to provide the services.

 

[M&M]

Thanks Karlynn, Gina and John and Joann for your messages. It feels good to talk to others who can understand my frustration.

If the day wasn't bad enough - my boss calls me in his office late this afternoon and shuts the door and proceeds to tell me he was looking for 'me' and I was not at my desk !!! I said: well I got up and stretched my legs - they say thats good for blood circulation - once in awhile !! and since I sit here for hours at a time I was ready to 'stretch' - I would have told you I was going for a snack at the snack bar - but your office door was 'closed' and you know its difficult to be a secretary when people close their office doors.. Now let me tell you how my morning went at the dentist !!! and he listened and then I think he felt bad - I bet anything he didn't even know I had gone to the dentist !!! We have to put our leave slips in with another office personnel - and I bet she didn't tell him I was at the dentist.. Anyways I told him how wrotten my morning was and then I think he felt bad.. I also told him I wasn't away from my desk all that long - but since your door was shut - may I ask how would you know it was a long time !! I think he had a bad day !!! and he still had to coach his little league team this afternoon.. He doesn't even take a lunch ask he leaves early so he can be their coach.. and he tells me all this and of course I feel bad for him. So, I kind of just dumped and he dumped 'junk' and I walked away feeling better and I think he did tooo. Anyways, I don't think he can give someone 'hell' very well. He's a softy.. just plays the tough guy - or tries to.. and of course I come along and I'm not intimidated at all - heck I've put in 15 years - don't start complaining NOW !! cause I'm too old to care.. and likely to tell you to 'stuff' it.. and I think he knows me by now..

Well, I have to say I'm so glad this day is over and I'm ready for a nice hot chocolate and marshmallows and then head on into bed to warm myself in my warm bed against the cold wintery night here in the northeast.. It is freezing and I mean freezing here in the Northeast and I think people are getting 'frigid'.. real frigid !!! But you guys are so sweet and its nice to have a support board like this.. Its all of you that make it so nice to come on and 'vent' or 'ask' questions and know we are 'not alone' and I always feel better about myself and things afterwards...

Thanks everyone for all your support and understanding..

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)

 

[Guest]

...has anyone had trouble keeping their dentisits?

*shakes head vigorously*

Nope!

*grins*

My dentist's office is right next door to my house. Takes me "forever" to get there .

I've had this dentist since I was very, very young...and have never had a problem. His staff _always_ asks me as they come into the room if I'm premedicated. Only once have I not been....and they told me to re-schedule for a bit later that afternoon after I took my meds .

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with your dentist...and the rest of your day...today. Hope you figure it all out....


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