15 February 2013

"Here he is folks, the leader of the plaque."

Unfortunately it turns out that as a doctor I make a truly terrible patient.

I've been very lucky and only had a minimal amount of dental work done until now. Except that about 6 months ago I started getting toothache when I ate certain things. 

So a few days ago I bit the bullet and made a dentists appointment.

Now the initial appointment didn't go too well. I may not be a perfect doctor, but I do like to warn my patients before I do things to them that they may not like.


Two attempts at X-rays later and he gave up - especially after I *may* have criticised him for his bedside manner*.


He broke the news to me that I needed at least 2 fillings and prescribed some diazepam for the next appointment. Two days later I found myself sat in the waiting room with my other half (mainly stopping me from leaving) waiting for (what I expected to be) the appointment from hell. Once the block was in I didn't feel a thing. He drilled and filled 2 teeth with lovely white fillings and I spent the rest of the morning sleeping off the diazepam and my numb face.

Slight problem with the very effective local block - I still have an exceptionally numb chin (36 hours later).

Unfortunately I have to go and have a wisdom tooth extracted - although he's realised that diazepam alone may not work next time and has referred me to a dentist offering sedation. 



*Laughing at a patient who is struggling a bit due to pain isn't very professional, especially when the patient has told you that they're really nervous and anxious. And yes, I know they were only X-rays but I'm not a good dental patient.


Quote and picture from Little Shop of Horrors - well worth watching if you've never seen it before.

11 February 2013

There is a fracture

This has been doing the rounds for a couple of years now, but I have heart it quoted many many times at work. It still makes me smile.

For your enjoyment and perusal: there is a fracture!




10 February 2013

You know you have insomnia when

You've sorted the washing out
Emptied and refilled the dishwasher
Cleaned the kitchen
Watched Casualty on iPlayer
Cuddled the dogs
Organised DVDs
and even contemplated hoovering (except that it would wake the other half up).

This is not to do with switching shift pattern - this is a chronic problem I've developed since fifth year of medical school.

Consequently my Kindle and I are very well acquainted and I'm currently watching Total Recall (very quietly) in bed with the subtitles on

Shift starts in 7 hours

09 February 2013

Shocking news

This blog has now been going for 8 years.

It has waned somewhat since I started work but that's something I'm working on.

Hopefully I will post more this year (if I get a training post to start in August).

Happy Blogiversary to me!


XXX