Today is Day 10 after getting my braces on, and although my orthodontist and doctor insist I shouldn't be, I am still in pain. There is a steady, squeezing ache in my gums that makes it difficult to think about anything else. I'm not even including the fish-on-a-hook sensation where metal has dug a hole in the flesh of my inner cheek; or the constant annoyance of feeling like I have a mouthful of nails (28, to be exact); or that I have developed a lisp; or that my back teeth no longer meet, making it next to impossible to chew solid food; or that about half of what food I do eat ends up stuck in my braces; or that it now takes approximately 40 minutes to floss my teeth. No, it is the aching gums -- like the pinch of knotted muscles, like the painful roar of a headache -- that are getting me down.
I keep forgetting I chose to do this to myself, that I am not a victim. Fortunately, I am developing some coping strategies -- sleep is a good one, and I have stopped worrying about how much Aleve and ibuprofen I'm taking, and yesterday I discovered teething rings. Yes, baby teething rings -- soft, squishy rubber things that can be chilled in the fridge. It's embarrassing, but they really help! It's like a massage for the gums. Ahhhh.
I also discovered something that may help explain why I am still in pain when my doctors insist I shouldn't be. I have a book on my shelf called "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine N. Aron; yesterday I read this in it:
"My research has found that HSPs usually experience more pain. ... It is also essential that you communicate about your extra sensitivity to pain to those who can help. If they are well informed on the topic, they will take your reaction as a normal variation in human physiology and treat it appropriately."The author explains that HSPs aren't any better or worse than anyone else -- it's just a wiring difference, probably evolutionary. When I first read the book a few years ago, I really identified with a lot of stuff in it, especially sensitivity to noise.
All I can say is, two years from now I had better have a GORGEOUS smile!
3 Comments:
And hey! One always looks younger in braces!!! I read somewhere that caffeine makes the pain of braces worse, so if you are drinking coffee or tea maybe switch to a decaf/herbal. I love your braces, they are tres cute. You have a gorgeous smile now, just imagine how hot you'll be when they are off! Hope they feel better soon, girl. Birdie
From: Sarpy Sam
I find this ..... humorous is the best word I can think of, not that I think the pain is funny but my oldest started the same day you did and is having the same problems. Pain continuing and the inability to really eat and enjoy her food is really getting her a little growly by now. As I keep telling her, it will be worthi it in the end, I hope.
Awwww, Birdie, thanks! I don't think I can give up caffeine just now (watch Patia lose her mind!), but that's good to know.
Sam, I guess I'm glad to hear I'm not alone, although I feel sorry for your daughter. I never knew braces were this miserable! Tell her, though, that's she lucky to be doing it young, because it's easier than when you've stopped growing.
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