Yucky Times

So, here I am. Kind of in bad shape. I have genetically bad teeth, and no matter how well I do at caring for my teeth, I always seem to have some issue going on. Well, the latest was an ache in one of my bi-cuspids (on top, just in front of the molars) that continued to worsen. It was the same tooth that has fillings as well as being 1/2 tooth, 1/2 cap ... I broke it eating a cheeseburger while prego with Gracie. Sad, huh?! So, about a couple weeks ago, my tooth started to ache and progressively got worse. Wednesday, it began to ache beyond measure, so, not having Dental Insurance (meaning my dentist dropped me from their clinic - darn you, Willamette Dental), I headed to the ER. They checked me out and gave me some pain meds and some antibiotics. I went home that night and slept, just so-so.

The next morning I woke up with a fat face ... the top left picture. So, the next day I felt better, up until bed time, when I couldn't sleep. Around 2 am the pain was unbearable and I headed back to the ER to get some more help, the IV kind. Way better!! By 6 am I got discharged (diagnosis: cellulitus of the cheek and a dental "injury")and headed straight for a dental clinic over in Vancouver who cares for non-insured patients. Mind you my face was just a wee bit smaller than Texas, and the dentist saw me right away. About 9am she pulled my tooth out. Sad to see it go, but with all the infection and the condition of the tooth, it was the best decision. She "fixed" me and I headed for home. But by the time I pulled out of Wal-Mart (filling my Rx) my cheek was bigger than ever before and as the dentist recommended, I headed back to the ER once more (3rd trip). Once again, they gave me a bed, some IV drugs and some quiet time. So, I'm drugged up and a lot less swollen. The bottom right picture is me upon being discharged ... in much less pain.

I almost look normal, but there is still swelling as well as a little discoloration in the one side of my face. I am so glad to be out of the unbearable pain, now I'm just suffering with a dull ache, which is much more tolerable. Thanks for reading (and for all your prayers and get well wishes)! I appreciate you all!