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Dental visits and fibro

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Posted 11/10/2021 6:25 PM (GMT -7)
I've never been bothered much by going to the dentist for cleanings, fillings, etc.. To me, it's pretty much about keeping my mouth open, ignoring vibrations from drilling, etc. No big deal.

But--in the past couple of years, I've started dealing with things like restless legs (and maybe even 'restless feet'(?), and more stiffness in general, making it difficult to recline comfortably, such as in a dental visit. Sometimes even the backs of my legs reclining can seem to set off my leg nerves. I don't know if anyone else here has something similar--could be part of my neuro issues, too.

I did phone the dentist office and ask if it were possible to sit slightly more upright or if they had any suggestions. I guess they tried to be helpful and yes, it was probably a question they hadn't gotten before. They were very nice about it, and said I would have to be reclining, but maybe I could bring something with me (small blanket, etc.) to keep my legs more comfortable. They also said I could take occasional breaks and walk around, but I'm not sure that would be helpful if my legs/feet decide they want to be wacky that day.

Does anyone here have similar issues, and if so, how do you deal with them? I am going to wear my most comfortable shoes, for sure (not the newest or best looking but...). And I will definitely take my muscle relaxer before going, as always. A small blanket might be helpful, too, but I'm not sure it will solve the "nervy legs/feet" issues.

A rheumatologist told me I could take something for the restless legs issue, but if I did, I wouldn't be able to continue with my muscle relaxers Kind of surprised by that--maybe they wouldn't mix well?

I will also be seeing a new family doctor fairly soon and hope to get these things checked over, since they seem to flare up more than they used to. Of course, I'm getting older, too. smile

Thanks for any input.

Post Edited (Luvzminis) : 11/10/2021 6:28:57 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/11/2021 7:41 AM (GMT -7)
Hi, Luvs! My back has been bad for years and I never let the dentist or his assistants lower the back of the chair flat. No way, no how! YES, they can work on you with the chair halfway reclined. You are still in a somewhat sitting position. I’m usually a little flatter than a 45 degree angle. You always can tip your head back for the dentist to work on you.

When they are about to be lowering the back of the chair I tell them to please not lower it flat because I have a very bad back. So they slowly lower it until I tell them it’s fine and shouldn’t hurt me. If they lower it to much, I ask them to raise it a little and they do and then they ask if that level is okay. I also have curved shoulders and when I lay my head back, the top of my head that hits the pillow on the chair and not the back of my head. So they get a pillow for me and place it under my neck for support. My dentist has pillows and blankets in the office for patients!. Since yours doesn’t, take a pillow if you think it would make you more comfortable.

I have had soooo much dental work. I have more crowns than Queen Elizabeth and one of those crowns covering a decades old root canal broke on me in January. Actually the dead root broke which broke my crown. I had to have the tooth pulled and am in the process of getting a dental implant. The implant itself was put in the jaw bone a couple of weeks ago. It was a long process but they made sure I was comfortable.

So always request that you are not laid flat. This could be why you have problems with your legs. Nerves could be pinched and causing you the problem. Plus the chair is kind of firm too! Also, it’s fine to put your feet flat on the chair so your knees are bent if that is more comfortable for you.. That won’t affect your mouth. 😂

Let the dentist know you have been suffering from chronic pain for years and sometimes you have to do things differently to be comfortable than the regular patient. I’m sure they will understand. My Internist always offers his hand to help me up and I tell him it’s better if I get up by myself. If anyone pulled on my arm, it really could hurt me for days! Doctors and dentists are working for YOU. You know your body so don’t hesitate to make requests that are needed for your comfort. There are always other doctors and dentists out there if yours won’t comply.

I hope this helps you.

Sherrine
Posted 11/11/2021 9:55 AM (GMT -7)
Wow--thanks, Sherrine! Once again, you've come up with some sensible solutions! I have never liked lying flat at the dentist, even before I had any issues.

I really like the idea of possibly keeping my feet flat on the chair, with knees bent. I think that could calm my wacky feet, and possibly my legs. The neck pillow is a good idea, too.

Since you have great ideas, I'll run another question for you! How about when I have to get in the stirrups at the doctor's office (gosh, don't we women love them---NOT) with my issues? Since I do stretching exercises, I'm not so concerned about my legs going wacky and cramping as keeping my 'nervy' foot quiet. I've gotten used to the stirrups over the years, but just wondering with this issue what I could do. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Posted 11/11/2021 10:12 AM (GMT -7)
Ahhh….those fantastic stirrups! 🤬. There really isn’t a lot you can do but you are only in them for about a minute or two. I can do anything for a minute or two, I did ask my gynecologist for a paper bag I could put over my head but she just laughed. 🤣. Since I’m over 70 I do not need Pap smears anymore and she only wants to do an internal every other year. So that’s not too bad.

Sherrine
Posted 11/11/2021 2:09 PM (GMT -7)
Good point--it's a pretty short period of time to be in those fun little stirrup thingies. Time flies when you're having fun, right? smile Since I have some prolapse, it's a tad longer, but very do-able.

I do like the paper bag idea......Hmmmmm.....

Remember the song "These are a few of my favorite things" from "The Sound of Music" movie?
I once told my former doctor (now retired), "This is not one of my favorite things."
He told me he was glad he wasn't female, LOL. smile

Thanks again, Sherrine!
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