Saw my surgeon yesterday, but still no date

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi Everyone ~ Just thought i'd let you know i saw Dr. Strzalka yesterday. I was supposed to sign the consent forms for the surgery (which i did) and get a surgery date (which i didn't). Yesterday at lunchtime i had a turkey cold cut sandwich (which is soft). I all of a sudden felt something hard and it was the whole upper half of one of my bottom teeth. I told him what had happened and he said he can't do the surgery until i get clearance from my dentist that my mouth and teeth are in good shape. So, since i don't have a dentist, i had to call around and try to find a dentist who would accept someone both on Medicaid and in a wheelchair who cannot get into their chair. I finally found one in Dunkirk, NY (which is about a 45 minute drive away). She's a new dentist fresh out of dental school. She will see me on June 4th for a consult, but then i'll have to go back to get any work i need taken care of. I'm really not sure if she can save the tooth, but i hope she can cause it's near the front. At least i got in quick..most dentists around here have at least 6 month's wait. My family dr. is ordering pre-meds for me to take an hour before i go. So i'm happy i can get in so quick. I'm just getting to the point where i want all this over and done with.

Dr. Strzalka did tell me because of my paralysis and resulting breathing and coughing problems that i will have to agree to stay on the ventilator for up to 2 months. Then, i will probably need a month of rehab afterwards to get strong enough to come home. I've been on ventilators twice (once for 2 weeks when i first got paralyzed and once for 3 days after back surgery) and i absolutely hate being on a vent, but i guess i have no choice. If they can't wean me off the vent he already knows i want to be taken off since that is not the kind of life i want. So, at least i know i'll have surgery as soon as i get my teeth taken care of. I'll let you know when i have an actual date.

 

[Jkm7]

Dawn-Marie,

Your strength and determination are so inspiring. You seem to handle the bumps that get thrown at you with such calm and resolve with an eye to the goal. You go girl!
My prayers are so with you that you get your tooth taken care, get into the OR and get your heart mended and make a great recovery. If anyone can and will, it is you.
I feel blessed to be able to 'associate' with you on this cyber level......
Bless you.

 

[EireCara]

Dawn-Marie Im sorry that your now having this problem with your teeth, but glad to hear that at least you have found a dentist who will look after you.

Its hard to find the words to tell you how brave and strong I think you are, and how I hope and pray for you that the surgery goes well and the ventilator isnt as bad or takes as long as they have suggested....I guess Iv said it. I dont know if it helps you at all, but I am sending you positive thoughts and praying for you right through until I hear its all done and you are back at the key board. (((( HUGS ))))

 

[Mary]

Dawn-Marie, it stinks that the tooth broke off. I'm impressed that you are able to get in for an appointment so quickly; that's the good news, I guess.

Please keep us posted about how everything works out.

 

[Curtsmum]

I really don't know what to say, sending prayers and my very best wishes your way.

 

[aussigal]

Dawn-Marie you amaze me with your strength and compassion.

What a real bother to break a tooth, hopefully this wonderful lady can save it for you with a root-canal and cap. My youngest son broke off his 2 front teeth just above the gumline and they have been root-canalled and capped. Eventually when he has finished growing they will put porcelain caps on for him.

 

[Anne K Sippit]

Saw, my surgeon...

I doubt a surgeon with a name like this would have any patients at all!

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi everyone ~

Thank you all for your best wishes and prayers. I'm not really all that brave though, believe me. As the date gets closer i have been crying more and more. I wasn't happy at all to have my tooth break off though. I so want to get this surgery done and over with (no matter what the risk), because the stress is killing me. Plus i had 2 cardiologists tell me not to wait more than a month (or a month and a half at the most) before i had the surgery since my valve is very calcified. This was back in mid-April so i'm scared something might happen before i have the surgery. Now i've got to see the dentist for a consult and then get any work done on my teeth before he will touch me. Since i haven't been to the dentist in years i may need more than this one tooth done. So this is going to delay the surgery much longer than i like. Oh well, i guess it's meant to be, since it happened.

Thank you again for all your support!

Dawn-Marie