Panic attack?

FrickandFrack · May 2014

I've had a lot of dental work starting when I was a kid. It's never really bothered me but as I get older, I really freak out inside while sitting in the chair.

Today I had an appt to get 2 cavities filled. I was fine while they stuck the needles in for the novicaine but afterwards my heart started racing, I started shaking and felt like I could barely breathe. I know the novicaine can cause the first 2 symptoms but the shortness of breath was scary shit.

Does this sound like a panic attack?

acaudill75 · May 2014

Yes.

FrickandFrack · May 2014

acaudill75 said:
Yes.

Any ideas how to make that never happen again?

NarwhalBacon · May 2014

yup

acaudill75 · May 2014

That's a loaded question. Easiest thing to do would to take something next time you go, like a Xanax or Ativan. If you are uncomfortable with that, you could talk to someone about why you might be having anxiety about the dentist. Which, by the way, is very common. Breathing exercises also help when you have those symptoms.

acaudill75 · May 2014

Btw, sorry for sounding clinical. It sucks you had that experience.

FrickandFrack · May 2014

Thanks, ladies. I've noticed I have pretty bad anxiety that has gotten worse since having kids but didn't realize it was this bad.

studyinpink · May 2014

Your dentist can prescribe some if you are open to taking medication.

FrickandFrack · May 2014

Wordsmith26 said:
Yes. I have an anxiety disorder that was not diagnosed until I had kids, involves dental work, and had worsened before it got better. I am at a good place with it now. If you'd like to PM about specifics, I'd be glad to share more.

I hope you feel better.

You have a PM

FrickandFrack · May 2014

bearsbearsbears said:
Could you get laughing gas? I had to get cavities redone and my former dentist "treated" me to it because she fucked up the first time. It made it so I was aware but I didn't give a damn. It was quite nice, actually.

I asked if they had it since you always see it in movies and they said they did. I'll have to request it next time.

angelashly · May 2014

((Hugs))

spotco2 · May 2014

Yup, Xanax an hour or so before the appointment and get the gas in the chair and you won't really give a crap about what they are doing in your mouth.

I'm sorry you are having anxiety or panic attacks. I've dealt with them for years and they truly suck.

kellyrn9956 · May 2014

I have a panic disorder. I had dental anxiety, mostly related to clautrophobia, to the point that I didn't go to the dentist for 5 years! I don't like to feel "trapped" anywhere for long periods of time. Hair cuts used to be brutal - you can't just get up and run in the middle of a hair cut, ya know? OK, got off topic...

I did cognitive-behavioral therapy and oh my word has it been helpful! If you are noticing an increase in attacks and they're not just related to dental work, you might want to think about some help for anxiety. But hopefully this is just a dental thing! If that's the case...gas. Lots of gas. Or Ativan. Or both.

nonoemily · May 2014

Oh, this is me.

The older I get, the more intense my anxiety is about dental work. I get gas for my cleanings and I get IV sedation for everything else. I refuse to be conscious for any part of it. The Valium never touched my anxiety during fillings. I need big drugs.

I broke part of my crown two weeks ago and I have an appointment with a dentist tomorrow. I'm 14 weeks pregnant, so no drugs for me. I'm really hoping it's stable and I can wait til I give birth to have it fixed.

I used to feel like a weirdo asking for drugs, but I really need them. I can't deal otherwise.

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