So miserable, but it will get better.

Apr 05, 2012

 Well, I finally did it.  I'm getting dentures.  The rheumatoid arthritis for the last 15 years had really done a number on my teeth.  RA is an autoimmune disease and some things just go along with it, like peridontal disease.  I really tried to take care of my teeth--they were so pretty before I ever got RA.  Anyway, since I had RNY, things had gotten even worse in the dental department.  I couldn't put it off any longer.  A week ago today I had my remaining teeth extracted--15--and I had to have bone removed (tori) off of each side of the jawbone.

I had my stitches removed on Monday.  I am still having some pain.  Popscicles help some.  It is humiliating to not be able to talk well and I avoid speaking.  Except for the oral surgeon, I haven't left the house.  I can't get dentures fitted for another week, at least.

Of course, with tender gums and no teeth, I am on soft food/purees again.  I am missing my vegetables.  I need to buy some and boil or roast the crap out of them, but I haven't felt like cooking, so it has been cottage cheese, yogurt, refried beans tuna, etc.  

Except for my immediate family and a couple of friends, I haven't told anyone I am getting dentures.  I'm not sure why I am ashamed of it, but I am.  It will do so much for me instead of the bad teeth I've been dealing with.  My C Reactive protien (which measures inflammation) should go down.  My heart will be healthier without the dental infections.  It is a win-win situation, so why am I grieving the loss of my teeth?  

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