Ow

I am currently in pain. I had my other two wisdom teeth removed this morning. I decided that because I was done working, now would be a good time to do it. And by doing it today, I should be pretty good by this weekend for one last trip to Sea World and spending time with friends.

The dentist struggled a bit with my teeth, but not as much as last time. But unfortunately I did have to go back in because it wouldn't stop bleeding. I never knew it could be so uncomfortable have gauze in your mouth for 6 hours. I also didn't know that a tea bag in between gauze can help it clot faster. But it looks like it will be fine now. I just have to wait for the second vicodin to kick in. It wasn't too bad when I had the other two taken out, and hopefully it will be the same or less this time. We'll see.

Emotional Vicodin

I had two of my wisdom teeth removed almost two weeks ago. The pain wasn’t as bad as a lot of the stories I had heard, but it was still painful. I iced it a lot, and took Vicodin every 4 hours, and that helped keep it bearable. I have also had a lot of emotional and mental pain in the last few weeks. Last night, the question came to me, "Is there an emotional Vicodin? Something that doesn't remove the pain, but dulls it to a bearable level?" I continued to chew on that for a little while. There is so much that we can do to ease physical pain, it seems there would have to be something for emotional pain.

For me, it would be friends. When I am slammed with emotional pain and trauma, I turn to my close friends. Whether we talk about the problem, talk about nothing, or just sit and watch a movie, it's comforting to simply know that I'm not alone. To know that there are people who care about me, and who are willing to do anything to help me, does a lot to dull the pain. The problem is still there, there is still pain, but it is bearable. It's manageable.

I have often reflected on the story of Sam and Frodo from The Lord of the Rings. Sam couldn't bear the burden of the ring, but he could support and encourage Frodo. And Frodo wouldn't have made it alone.

To all my friends out there, thank you. The talks, the meals, the movies, the games, they have meant a lot. I wouldn't be where I am today without your support. So thank you.