I had to be in Birmingham at 8 a.m. this morning. Most of the time, the 35-mile drive is not that bad but today it was intense. We live 11 miles from the nearest grocery store, so we're used to traveling.
When I worked full time, I drove to a town south of Birmingham making my morning and evening commute 48 miles, which in ideal traffic, took me right at an hour each way.
But I retired from there in 2010 and haven't driven in rush-hour traffic in a while. At first, I found my heart pounding and gripping the steering wheel like it was a roller coaster hand-bar.
After a few moments, I realized I was becoming tense, so I began to breath deeply. I'd been listening to a book on tape, so I paused that, and quickly found some soothing cello music. Soon the traffic seemed to slow down.
Soon I pulled into the parking log of the endodontist's office, and less than 10 minutes later, I had people poking things into my mouth.
Soon my lip felt thick the tire on my truck, and I was talking funny.
The actual root canal was painless, but later when the Novocain wore off, it felt like I'd been kicked in the head with an Army boot.
After I arrived home, I took it fairly easy for most of the day.
We'll be heading to the beach in a few weeks, and I must say I'm ready. Sometimes it's chilly at the gulf, but that doesn't bother us. It will be fun getting away.
When I worked full time, I drove to a town south of Birmingham making my morning and evening commute 48 miles, which in ideal traffic, took me right at an hour each way.
But I retired from there in 2010 and haven't driven in rush-hour traffic in a while. At first, I found my heart pounding and gripping the steering wheel like it was a roller coaster hand-bar.
After a few moments, I realized I was becoming tense, so I began to breath deeply. I'd been listening to a book on tape, so I paused that, and quickly found some soothing cello music. Soon the traffic seemed to slow down.
Soon I pulled into the parking log of the endodontist's office, and less than 10 minutes later, I had people poking things into my mouth.
Soon my lip felt thick the tire on my truck, and I was talking funny.
The actual root canal was painless, but later when the Novocain wore off, it felt like I'd been kicked in the head with an Army boot.
After I arrived home, I took it fairly easy for most of the day.
We'll be heading to the beach in a few weeks, and I must say I'm ready. Sometimes it's chilly at the gulf, but that doesn't bother us. It will be fun getting away.
Root canals make one aware of all the nerves there are in the mouth. My husband had his first root canal a few weeks ago. He has decided he will be more diligent about dentist appointments.
ReplyDeletep.s. Just ate spicy grits and shrimp. Oh man. Heaven.
A good thing to get out of the way. I hate going to the dentist too and especially in the winter when it's cold. For some reason it seems to compound the torture and I hate early appointments. Having a num mouth is up there with having bamboo slivers stuck under the nails. Maybe, I'm too grumpy in the morning....
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
JB
I have never had a root canal... I have heard they are quite painful after the fact... I hope you feel better soon Rick... enjoy your time at the beach, you and Jilda deserve and need this ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your tooth is taken care of now. Going to the beach any time is wonderful, so plan ahead a little, so you'll be sure to have a wonderful time while there...even if it's just thinking about the relaxing sounds of the water...the sensory appeal of it all!
ReplyDeleteThe beach cures all ailments! Enjoy. My parents are in Gulf Shores, trying to stay warm.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Aren't you glad the root canal is over? Have a good time at the beach.
ReplyDeleteJust hearing you say root canal makes my mouth hurt.
ReplyDeleteAt one time I had an hour 1/2 (on a good day) train commute each way. I don't miss that a bit. At least I could relax on the train that car trip can really grind your nerves.
How great to have the root canal behind you now. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about the beach, the sea, that rewards and remains with us. Tensions churn into the waves and slide back under the surf. I think we chose our planet well, Rick.
ReplyDeleteMan I hate root canals! I hope you feel better soon and the pain is gone. Enjoy planning that trip and rest up this weekend!
ReplyDeleteFirst I hate to drive in traffic it make me feel tense and gives me a headache, second I would rather drive in traffic then see a dentist because I have a restricted jaw which means I can only open my mouth a tiny bit, most people can open their mouth wide enough to put three fingers between their teeth I can't even manage two unless I force them and then I want to throw up as I have an easy gag reflex so no I do not like the dentist at all
ReplyDeleteGood descriptive trip, makes me remember I don't want to do that. (the root canal that is).
ReplyDeleteThe BEACH, and young love. Sounds good to me!
Yikes! A root canal and traffic-from-H*ll on the same morning? I've not (yet) had to have a root canal, but our last two trips out of B'ham (south to Montgomery) were white-knuckle affairs for sure! Hopefully the pain's abating by now and you're warmed by thoughts of time at the beach.
ReplyDeleteGlad you survived the root canal! The beach sounds like a nice place to be headed!
ReplyDelete