Recovering from Dental Terror
Donation protected
Gentle & Wonderful People . . .
Thanks to the donations I have received so far, the deeper dental adventure began!
Surgery was done early this morning & by 10am. I don't remember the procedure or the drive home or anything else until I woke up at home in my comfy chair at 2:30.
Pain is manageable. Ice coffee is wonderful. My sister & her partner are staying with me overnight just to keep watch. It's been really nice to visit with them . . . And my housemates checked in to see we needed anything.
A member of Dr. Rice's staff (my AMAZING Dentist) also checked in & gave me a little more insight about how to stay on top of pain relief.
I am feeling well & peace-filled.
But most of all, I'm feeling especially grateful tonight - I am resting in this beautiful place - surrounded by love & compassion & gentle care.
The first really big one is behind me. And I feel even more hopeful now . . . it'so much better than terror.
Thank you all for your good thoughts & prayers, & for gifting me everything I needede to help me to begin this journey!
With Care,
Tricia
THE ORIGINAL STORY
I am asking for donations to help me pay for major dental work.
During Covid, I had a major forward fall on the ice that resulted in the loss of many of my front teeth.
As a child, I was severely traumatized by a dentist (had teeth pulled & drilling without anesthesia) & honestly was hoping I would die before I'd ever have to sit in another dentist's chair.
After the fall & tooth loss, I went to a local dentist & after x-raying my teeth, they said they wouldn't even clean them because none could be saved. I should come over back in, they'd pull them all & give me dentures. That was 4 years ago.
At 72, I am also a still working performer (singer & musician). This is another reason I decided against the radical dental work a few years ago.
The good news & the bad news:
I am in excellent health & will probably live and actively perform in coffeehouses & churches for many m to come years - But my molars are in sad need of help.
I researched 'Dental Terror' and found a dentist that is about an hour away (Dr. Rice in Elgin, IL. He is certified in Dental Sedation). He also disagreed with the dentist I saw after the fall & will be able to save many of the remaining teeth!
After meeting with him, for the first time in my life, I feel hopeful rather than terrified!
We have a plan in place to begin. I have dental insurance as part of my AETNA Medicare ppo & have $2,000 year. Because he is specialist, I have a 20% copay.
It looks now like it was cost about $20,000 total . . . I hope to have some starting work done soon - then stretch the rest over 2 years.
Since I have concerts and church services schedule thru Nov 5th,
Only the molars will be pulled this year.
Oh yes! And he will start with a deep cleaning of all my teeth.
This year, I am actively I am paying off some debt I incurred during a long period of Covid-cancelled work, so a loan isn't possible til late next year.
I appreciate any donations you can give & I highly recommend Dr. Rice & his staff.
During almost 50 years in the Performing & Healing Arts, I have released 4 chapbooks of poetry & 7 CDs (5 are still available. If you can contribute $50 or more, I would gratefully send you one of them. (www.TriciaAlexander.org). Just let me know that what you'd like
Thank you for reading the whole story!
Thank you for your prayers & for your emotional & financial support.
With Care,
Tricia
Organizer
Tricia Alexander
Organizer
Woodstock, IL