OWWWWWW!!!

So it's Tuesday and midday I have this 'bit of something' in my mouth. Dang, a chunk of tooth! By early evening I'm in pain like I haven't been since the birth of my daughter (27 hrs of active labor). Uh-oh!

I call home because I have meetings at which I need to speak at 6 and 8pm and can't spend time on the phone with my dentist.

T calls back - dentist is out of town, and the guy who is taking his calls isn't answering!

I NEED HELP!

My gf and colleague CopperPom to the rescue! She leaps into action and calls her dentist who agrees that if I can be there first thing in the morning, they'll find a way to see me. THANK YOU!

A few small hurdles...
1) Speaking that night, enthusiasticly, loudly, clearly. I couldn't wait to get through it as the pain reached from my ear to my neck, but I did.
2) Wednesday morning brought us a big snow storm and I was too dizzy to drive myself. Enter a dear friend who came from the southwest side of the city to drive me to Mt Clemens; a 1 hr trip that took 2 hrs and 15 min.

The Goddess of a dentist who saw me (thanks again, CopperPom!) and her assistant tell me I have an infection in the nerve, along the whole left lower arch.

She knew just what to do and has referred me to a endodontic specialist for a procedure (Monday). She also put me on antibiotics and Vicodin. Of course, finding out after two days of excruciating nerve pain that I am sensitive to Vicodin (which I'd never been on before) also meant that I had really been without any pain or infection relief since this little ordeal began... nothing was being digested and the infection was running free.

I tried to go to work on Thursday to no avail (of course that's when I discovered this little 'no-go' on the meds) and was sent home before I passed out, which I did - thankfully AFTER getting home and 'being sick' too.

I had to "reset" the meds, going without them for more additional hours than I want to recall. I switched to advil, eh, not so good. They kicked in Friday afternoon, thank the Gods!

Yesterday was the first time I've felt particularly human for more than an hour at a stretch. The swelling in my jaw is down so I look human now rather than half-chipmunkesque. Eating isn't anything to which I look forward, though I do it - gently, and being out in the cold sets off nerve pain, like wow. :(

I managed an appearance out of the house last night though I wasn't the best company (even talking hurts sometimes). I have episodes of break-through pain that last 10-30 min. because the only pain relief I have is from advil.

Today will be a big deal as I venture out with a friend to my very first Super Bowl Party! My meds will be close at hand and I'm not doing any driving or drinking so I have high hopes that this will be a good time - as long as I don't talk too much or get too cold.

Monday will bring sweet relief in the form of a nerve block and root canal. My SIL had this procedure done just a week ago and felt much the same. I'm taking her at her word that this isn't a difficult procedure, esp when done by a specialist, which I am. She may not be aware, but her energy is supporting me through something I find terrifying. I thank her for that strength. Thanks, Sharon!

Wish me luck! I hope to be pain free and back to work on Tuesday!