Still Alive

Yes, for my two avid readers (Hi, mom and dad!). I AM still alive.

Even though this semester is only 16 units, I find myself busier than a one-armed paper hanger. I've been studying and going to counseling (a requirement for one of my classes). In addition, I'm trying to research Grad schools, study for a retake of the GRE, secure reference letters, and get in the habit of walking every day again. Oh, and my biggest worry of all...trying to find employment to start in January. Yikes!

The biggest non-school drama in my life of late has been my front tooth (#7, according to the dentist). I fell and broke it ages ago, and it was okay for a while. I didn't have money to get it fixed right away and it wasn't too noticeable. Well, a few weeks ago, I suddenly found myself with another piece of my tooth in my mouth and excruciating pain in my jaw and face. I called my kids dentist and explained I didn't have any money, but wondered if he could look at my tooth. He did, and we realized that I needed a root canal and crown, a procedure that was going to cost me $2,000. He prescribed some pain medicine and antibiotics, and referred me to a place that supposedly would perform low cost or free dental work. My phone inquiry later the next week revealed that the clinic no longer did the kind of work he was referring me for at low or no cost. I discussed the situation with my counselor, who referred me to Evangelicals for Social Action. They did a search and found a dentist who would see me and help me with my problem at no cost. I made the appointment, but upon entering the clinic was informed that the procedure they were willing to perform for free was a tooth extraction. Um, no. I already have enough challenges with my appearance...let's not make it worse!

They did however connect me with "care credit," a company that provides no interest financing to pay for medical care. I opted to get just the root canal and a filling done for now. Provided I take care of it, I should be able to get the crown at a later time when I hopefully have more financial resources.

I finally had the procedure done last Friday, without anesthetic. The dentist was shocked that I had never had a cavity. I thought he was really kind and patient with me, considering I was so nervous I was shaking. And now, only a few days later, I find the pain in my face (from the abscess) is finally receding, and I'm kind of getting used to my "new" tooth.