Dentist Appointment *possible trigger*

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

Had a dentist appointment today. Ever since I was raped I have a really hard time with going to the dentist. 1. I have a hard time laying the position I was raped in (on my back and on my stomache-I only sleep on my sides at night) 2. I can not stand to have things put in my mouth, especially someone elses fingers.

I had a female dental assistant who cleaned my teeth. Even with her I was gripping so tightly she kept asking me if I was okay. Before I could leave I had to have the actual dentist take a look at my teeth and it just so happened that the guy was working today...that was very triggering for me. I was shaking so bad but I just did the best I could to get it over with as quickly as possible. As soon as I could leave I got out of there. Still haven't completely calmed down and its been 4 hours. Does anyone else have trouble with this?

 

[LovedSparrow]

Hi Staying_Strong4Him,
How are you doing? I hope that you are feeling a little better. I do not struggle with this but I understand getting highly triggered from abuse. It is not fun to be in and feels like we are right back there where things happened. Just wanted to say hi, see how you were.

 

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

Having a rough day things just continue to get worse. My great uncle passed away, my friend brought up the rape today, I did bad on a test, and I don't know how I'm supposed to feel or how I'm supposed to deal with those feelings. I didn't sleep hardly at all last night. Just couldn't fall asleep. I ended up reading half a book last night.

 

[NoddaProbBob]

I have a very hard time going to the dentist. Until reading your post I had never thought about why I hate the dentist so much. I just figured it was a fear of mine. But I realize now why I hate it so much. We share the same fears...
I hope you're having a better day. Thinking of you!

 

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

Glad I could help you identify your fear. Sorry we happen to be in this boat together. It isn't fun! Not really having a better day, but thanks for thinking of me.

 

[Johnnz]

Some specific prayer with someone who has experienced in praying for really bad times in peoples' lives could be helpful in settling you down.

John
NZ

 

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

Thanks John, I will look into that.

 

[keith99]

My father was a dentist. I worked with him for a few years.

Dentists are medical professionals, but also rather focused on your teath and mouth. If you think having a female dentist would be helpful ask yuor current dentist. Considerig the reason he should understand. (and if he does not then going elsewhere is a good move as I see it).

Also you might want to discuss things with any dentist you go to. Often teh chair is tilted back into an more prone position instead of upright becaseu it is more comfortable for the patient and more convienent for the dentist. At elast for exams it should be possible to keep the chair more uprignt, more like being seated and to get yuor head back in needed by a less (physically) comfortable adjustment of the headrest.

But doctors and dentests are not mind readers, those adjustments are less physically comfortable and less relaxing, exactly what they usually try to avoid for a nrevious patient. Heck it could even be that a totally cold and clinical approach would actually be less disturbing for you and any attempt by the dentist or his staff to be comforting actually does the exact opposite.

These are only ideas, it is up to you to decide what might help in your case.

 

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

I had a female assistant most of the appointment. I was afraid to speak up and say anything this last time because my mom was in the next room over and she would have heard me and she wouldnt have understood why it was so triggering for me. What really bothered me was that when the guy was checking my teach my head was like inbetween his legs...it was really awkward. just laying on my back period was triggering. Even when I sleep I NEVER lay on my back, I can't anymore. It bothers me too much. This next time though I might say something. My mom won't be there so it might be a bit easier.