Sunday, November 15, 2020

LIFE'S ACTIVITIES POTPOURRI -- AGING DENTITION

Another exciting week in this strange viral infused earthly dimension in which we live.  My gradual but limited re-entry into the outside world where that infamous Covid-19 virus awaits to sneakily invade our bodies continues, though caution remains wise.  The latest word is the treacherous germs are proliferating, infecting increasing numbers of us, so increased care may be the order of the day.

--My long postponed dental checkup and cleaning that I finally rescheduled went well.  Then,  a few days later a long-ago broken tooth suddenly became released from its adhesive as it has a couple times in the past.  Fortunately, I did not swallow the tooth section.  There was no pain.  Later my dentist stated consideration of a possible root canal with an Endodontist was in order. Multiple x-rays revealed said canal could not be seen.  Seems as we age those canals can narrow and might not easily be found -- who knew, I didn't.    

Pondering the issues I imagined what complications an Endodontist might encounter trying to find the canal as the victim patient reclines with their oral cavity exposed -- mouth open -- for the unknown period of search time.  Fortunately for me, with my questioning and hesitation, my dentist concluded another, hopefully, long term adhesive applied to the broken tooth was a viable option in preference to a root canal. 

I hope this tooth portion will continue to adhere for a lengthy time, allowing me to avoid any other intrusive dental procedures.  The last time of gluing lasting only a little over a year, so I would like to set an endurance record this time as it has lasted much longer in the past.  How about a super glue that lasts forever?  Or, one of those adhesives resisting thousands of pounds of pressure and stress?  

Digressing in a different direction.....

--Health care workers who observe and treat the whole person within appropriate professional limitations as opposed to more narrow interventions are the kind I like and was the type service I provided.  So, I was delighted to be the recipient of such service at my dentist's office when a piece of equipment I was using, unrelated to dentition, received much needed adjustment I had thought wasn't possible.  Considering during previous weeks/months several other medical offices directly associated with that item had been completely oblivious to the issue, much less adjusting it, I was impressed with such observing caring sensitivity.

Moving on to a variety of other topics.....

--I received in the postal service mail a sample newspaper specifically addressed to me that I'd never heard of previously.  Very impressive in size, sections, topics covered.  The editor's letter explained how objective the content was and yet even a superficial skimming through quickly revealed the newspaper was very biased.  

I think this is an example of the forces that will be at work in the coming years to weaken and undermine our democratic government, to continue promoting views the majority of our voters just rejected.  The paper will remain unnamed since I have no desire to provide publicity or promotion of any kind including that which is negative.

--Don't you love it when you receive conflicting recommendations from two different medical doctors for just relatively common ordinary matters where you wouldn't usually seek a third opinion?  Take that med -- don't take that med -- huh?

--Our lame duck President still has not admitted defeat -- still keeps spreading his fantasy falsehoods that massive election fraud has occurred accounting for his lower popular vote in his effort to buy time.  The U.S. Government Election Officials report "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

The current President's actions continue to be a threat to national security, damaging to democracy, weakening our system of government, betraying his oath of office to safeguard American citizens.  Incredibly his political party leaders say and do little to rein in this dangerous loose cannon.  

He fails to provide transitional cooperation with our newly elected President which is damaging to our nation's security.  One might wonder how any patriotic citizen who supports our constitution, believes in our democratic form of government and freedoms could continue to support our prevaricating current President over our newly elected one.  

--My furnace stopped working -- the penalty of having a long-lasting piece of equipment is manufacturers stop making parts so that if you need one, it's not readily available, but if you do get one it's very expensive.  Is that what is meant when they say, you can't win for losing?  Fortunately, that part of my furnace, though determined to be at risk for malfunction, is still operating but who knows what the future may bring.

--Our local commercial television stations interrupt all sorts of programming to cover vehicle chases as news -- local community police departments, county sheriff departments, California highway patrol following behind cars, vans, even trucks with police helicopters overhead and TV news stations 'copters flying along, too.  They televise this action because it attracts increased viewership.  I wonder if such news coverage is popular in other metropolitan areas?  

--The joys of living have been interspersed with various interruptions such as I experienced this past week as noted above.  They do serve to be an interesting contrast with the routine ordinariness of life as we live in this current pandemic environment.  Each of you have your own unique experiences infusing your lives.  

--Our existence does go on with both the serious and mundane challenges of daily living -- the same, but ever-changing from day to day, week to week, month to month.  What is keeping your life in motion? 

23 comments:

  1. Compared to you, my life is placid. Other than telephone calls and the occasional visitor, I have no outside responsibilities and am quite comfortable being at home all the time. I have enough to keep me occupied.

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    1. Some weeks my life is quite placid, too. Much to be said for that state of affairs.

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  2. I'm so done with talking or even reading politics for now. What I cannot change, I am not interested in becoming angry about.

    On the tooth, I had a root canal done, at the recommendation of my dentist, by an endodontist and the end result was that tooth still hurts if I bite down on it due to it being too close to the nerve. My opinion is do the least a person has to do

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    1. I’ve had 3 root canals which, fortunately, resulted in no residual effects as you describe. Sorry you've had that experience. I just haven't liked the prospect of having to search for the canal in this instance.

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  3. Speaking of biased opinions (your sample newspaper), a lot of discussion here about ill-informed anti-vax propaganda that social media refuse to delete, presumably on the grounds of free speech. But surely accurate, evidence-based information should take preference over ignorant propaganda that threatens public health?

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    1. I would think blatant false information should not be distributed as though it was factual news. There seem to be too many people unable to use critical thinking skills to sort the wheat from the chaff, using judgement about viable sources which may not always be easy. To me, most social media is little more than neighborhood gossip and should be considered accordingly.

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  4. I'm finding that my life is carrying on much the same, albeit calmer and lighter now that the light is at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, with a new administration coming in.

    I'm mindful of the pandemic, of course, and of the tensions of the deniers of both the election results and the virus remedies needed. But I'm staying calm in my little orbit.

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    1. Calmness is a welcome state to allow you to comfortably keep moving otherwise through each day i can appreciate.

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  5. I guess care of my pets is my salvation. They care not about the sore loser president or national security. They know nothing about the health precautions we all take now. They haven't worn a mask once. They really just care that meals arrive on time, there are stress free accesses to potty breaks and are grateful for any affection that comes along via me. Think I am grateful for their adherence to normal and for their keeping me in that comfortable, routine bubble also.

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    1. Ah, pets are keeping your life in motion in a wonderful way, receiving and lavishing affection.

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  6. Hi Joared, So sorry to hear about your root canal challenge. I really hope the less invasive procedure will serve you well and for a long time. These dental and medical appointments during the pandemic become a whole new issue unto themselves. Yes, you have had a busy week or so. I to, am looking forward to the anticipated government changes even with the increased and unnecessary chaos created by a serious ill and dangerous person! Take special care.

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    1. I don't envy the medical folks having to take virus protections so they can safeguard patients though they're probably more aware of the serious need and reasons for doing so than many people. These days before Jan. 20th cannot pass soon enough so we can try to bring back some semblance of sanity to our government's effective functioning.

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  7. I like the fact that many are calling for Trump to be banned from Twitter for life both for his treason and his lies.

    Also he had to be restrained from bombing Iran into democracy last week. I wish he would just go. It is adding to the stress of The Covid.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. There’s no end to the list of actions to undermine our democratic republic he has taken and may continue to take.

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  8. You are fortunate to be able to go to the dentist. Mine, in Georgia, has not reopened yet.
    My daughter told me last week that I should not go outside even to buy groceries. She says the virus is worse than last spring. She is a physician and her hospital, in suburban Nashville, has no more available beds. They cannot take care of patients from car accidents or heart attacks, they have to send them to Nashville, but here too they are getting full quickly. I wish the incoming administration was able to make plans but with Mr. Trump refusing to understand that he lost, it is not easy and it will cost everyone dearly.

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    1. Yes, I'm glad I waited to go but also glad to have seen my dentist now with no more complications than I had. Everything is tightening up here in Southern California with rising infection numbers, increased restrictions for residents and businesses, plus concern hospitals are going to be impacted. T. knows he lost, he's just selfishly trying to buy time given what he may face legally with already pending court cases once he leaves office, I think, -- possibly some very real financial concerns for his personal/family "empire".

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  9. Our truck is now 24 years old and GM doesn't make parts for it any longer. I can't say I'm happy about this. We too visit the dentist on Friday. You write with great humor, and I find my words bitter.

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    1. You know of what I write with your aged truck -- hopefully it's staying "well". I tend toward laugher to keep from crying sometimes, as the old saying goes.

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  10. Sorry to hear of your dental problems. Like you, I am having problems with a crown. My trouble is a crown that replaced one (which broke) installed 11 months ago which replaced one installed in 1994 which replaced one installed in 1967. Each time I've had to have the crown re-cemented, the dentin surface has had to be prepped with acid - which, of course, removes some dentin leaving less surface area. I'm looking at maybe going to an implant.

    Dental cements are, as I'm sure you know, deliberately weak (in the order of 1500 psi, I'm guessing) so that the tooth doesn't come out root, stock, & barrel when the crown must be removed. In 1978, my dentist did a root canal through the original crown, btw. At a later date, he had to replace the silver wire - again, through that crown.

    Mage--At least your truck can probably be worked on by a shade tree mechanic. Modern cars include dozens of micro-computers and most of us wouldn't touch them with a 10-foot pole. (Which is a good thing, I guess.)

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    1. Sound like you've been down the dental issue road, too. Implant sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure yet if I'll need to go that route, too. Hope all will goes well for you whatever you do.

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  11. Thank you and back at you, Joared.

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  12. I'm so glad you got your tooth taken care of. We postponed all dental visits until next year. I'm keeping my fingers that my teeth can hold on until then.
    As for you know who.... sigh...

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    1. I, too, hope you have no problems with your teeth. I debated with myself about finally seeing the hygienist for the twice cancelled bi-yearly cleaning and check. I was confident my dentist who always keeps up with the latest tech, etc., professionally and personally, would take great care with safety precautions and figured they'd had time to perfect what they were doing by the time I decided to go plus the virus spread in our area was going down then. Of course, soon after the broken tooth necessitated I go in. I was pleased with what care they took when I went in those times and later with the Endodontist's office and staff, too. I would have walked out at any point along the way had I not been. Of course, I know, there are the unknowns of equipment sterilization so there is a degree of trust involved based for me on my past experience as patient.

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