Hey y’all. I am sitting in the Reynolds’ Medical Clinic on Fort Sill questioning my decision making…especially since I am at the wrong clinic. I drive around the back to the VA Outpatient Clinic to fill my meds.
Here is the backstory…
May 2023 – I went in for an exam and cleaning. During the visit, the doc wanted to get me in to see Dr. J, the implant specialist due to some tenderness near one of mine. The kick was that Dr. J is only in the clinic on Fridays and was booked until February 2024. It was settled, a “consultation” booked for early February then the procedure four weeks later. 🫱🏻🫲🏿
December 2023 – I booked a cruise for my son, mom and stepdad for spring break. The dates happened to coincide with the potential surgery in March. Sounds like business was about to pick up. 😬
February 2024 – Dr. J explained that I needed a procedure where he would (sparing gruesome details) go in and clean around the anchor. He explained that the situation needed to be attended to sooner rather than later. The date of March 8th was already booked in the system thanks to the Hygienist and Doc from May.
March 2024 – I go in dreading the procedure but ready to get it done so I can move on to the next thing. I began talking to the assistant about the cruise. We chatted for a bit then the doc showed up and started numbing my upper gums. She mentioned to the doc that I was going on a cruise. Dr. J stopped and gave me a decision.
1. I could wait to have the procedure in “some” months and he would even put me on the standby list in case something freed up. This would allow me to enjoy the cruise without any hesitation.
2. I could have the surgery and potentially not be able to eat for the duration of the trip. He stated that he would hate for me to miss out on the fun.
Verdict: I went with the surgery. The needles, numbing, and noise from the tools freaked me out but after 90 minutes, I was sutured up and sent on my way. The feeling is slowing coming back and boy is it painful.
Final Word
The idea to have this dental procedure completed two days prior to the cruise is questionable, to say the least. If there would not have been another possible eight or month wait for the procedure, things may have been different. If I am unable to eat on the ship for reasons tied to this procedure, I will not have an issue drinking my calories. 😉 Cheers!
