daughterofwily's advice column

Please note that at this time, I am not accepting questoins. I am having serious doubts about the amount of time and patience that this site requires of me, as well as how I fit into its structure. Becuase of that, I will not be checking advicenators for a while, and thus WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. Here's my intact profile, however, in case I come back.

Welcome to my humble abode... or something.

My name is Brie, but you can just call me Wily (no, that's not my real last name). I'm an eighteen year old from rural Mid-Michigan (think Saginaw or Bay City, only surrounded by miles and miles of trees, corn, and sugar beets).

I'm an honor student, sort of. Not to brag, but I was Salutatorian of my high school class. I specialize in English, educational topics, and social studies, but I'm good with basic sciences and drama too.

I'm a big geek; I like to write and play RPGs, and my favorite video games ever are the Pokemon series. I'm actually a relatively well-known Pokemon master (I've moderated the forums of two bigger Pokemon fansites, and have been an on and off admin at one), and at the two sites where I became relatively popular I aquired the reputation of "The Pokemon Professor." However, that doesn't do me much good here, becuase who is going to ask about Pokemon on an advice site?

I don't have much experience with relationships but I have a natural nack for giving advice about them. I also don't know anything firsthand about things that we do not mention in polite company, but I know a lot about the science and psychology of them, so I'd be glad to answer safety-based questions--just don't ask me about technique, becuase I know nothing. I'll try to answer anything you throw at me, and many things that you don't, though, so feel free to try me.

Be warned though, I'm not afraid to tell it like it is. There are stupid questions, and if yours is one I will respectfully tell you so, and attempt to give you the information you need anyway. If you need to buck up and accept what's happening, I will say so. However, in this column I try to maintain a standard of respect, kindness, and helpfulness; you will not be flamed here. Unless you're a babyeater or something.

So, drop me a line, and I'll do what I can. Live long and prosper!

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advice

Anyone have experience with wisdom teeth?

Well, my appointment for getting my wisdom teeth surgically removed is on August 2nd. No, my wisdom teeth have not sprouted, they're still hidden inside of my gums. I'd kind of like to know what to expect. I don't want to be too freaked out but then again I don't want to be unprepared. If you or someone you know has gotten their wisdom teeth out, could you please tell me the procedures before, during, and after? I'm not too worried about the after, I know it will be painful, but I can deal with it...just not the before and during. Don't give me a website, I've already done my share of researching, I just want to hear from real people that have experienced it. Here are some questions buzzing around in my head and I would be VERY GRATEFUL if these are answered:

- Will I get a shot for anesthesia? Knowing my dentist...I don't think I will get sleeping gas. Many people say they just got sleeping gas. My last bad experience at the dentist was when I had my four permanent teeth removed. And for that they gave me shots. Boy did it hurt. I still remember my eyes watering from the pain and the blood squirting...I am really scared of shots.
- How do they keep your mouth open? My brother said they stuck a big block into his mouth. Eek. I'm not to comfortable with that either. I have pretty bad gag reflexes.
- How can I keep the empty sockets that will be there after it's all done clean? I heard about salt and water?
- Any foods you would recommend? I know I'm going to miss eating "real" food.

Thank you VERY much for your help. It really does ease my nerves a little.

The anesthetic you get usually depends on the severity of the tooth problem and preexisting medical conditions, as well as personal choice. If your wisdom teeth are VERY messed up, you will be forced to take a general anesthetic (that renders you unconscious). That's what I had, and my recount will reflect that.

If you have to do general anesthetic, you won't be able to eat anything after a certain time of night. You'll go in, have your vitals taken, etc. They make you or your parent sign a waiver about the anesthesia risks. You will also get an IV with a saline drip, or something similar. Don't worry, that's just so the IV is ready when you need it. After everything's taken care of, and you're ready for treatment, they'll do last preparations. Asthmatics get breathing treatments (I did), and then the anesthetsiologist will give you some form of sedative, for me it was Versed. This relaxes you so it's easier to put you out and intubate you. Versed feels really crappy, but you'll only feel it for a few minutes.

You'll be wheeled into the OR (you can take plushies usually! they put them by your feet!), and given the general. Then you're out like a light. Once you're out, they put a tube down your throat so you can breath. This is intubation.

I don't know any details from that until after you wake up.

When you wake up, expect to be very groggy, and very sore. Your mouth will probably hurt, and your throat will feel as if its' on fire due to the intubation. It will be hard to open your eyes, and harder to talk or write. You'll be fairly aware, but your mouth and hands won't cooperate with you. Ask for ice chips. They'll help your throat.

After that, they'll let you wake up a bit, make you eat some food (I got sherbert), and then ship you home. Sleep in the car. Then go home and sleep. Don't try to read until you've been home for at least three hours and slept for at least two of 'em.

If you suddenly feel like you're panicking, like you're going to die or can't breathe, don't worry; panic attacks are a rare but normal side effeect of anesthetic. You can go to the doctor and get a mild sedative of this, or you can pray it away. Seriously. Focusing on a repetitive prayer, mantra, or verse will keep you under control until the attack subsides. Memorize a poem, a bible verse, or something, and recite it over and over if you start to panic until you come down.

That probably won't happen to you though. It's very rare and I have a neurotic disposition to begin with.

As for keeping your mouth clean, they should give you a syringe to use. First you use peroxide in it, then water. Just squirt it gently into the holes.

Don't use straws. They cause PAINFUL dry sockets.

For food, you will live on ice cream, yogurt, whipped cream, cheez wiz, and mashed potatoes. And soup. Don't suck on anything, AND DON'T EAT DAIRY FOR BREAKFAST. For the love of CHAOS, DON'T EAT DAIRY FOR BREAKFAST. If you're even slightly lactose intolerant, it will be miserable.

Also, soda is your friend. Sure, it may rot your other teeth, but it'll help keep your blood sugar up and keep you from losing too much weight. I lost ten pounds in eight days when I had my surgery, and nearly fainted when I went back to school.

And take it slow. It may take a long time, but you WILL feel better.

If my warnings seem a little bleak, I must warn you that I had a particularly severe scenario--my bottom teeth were dangerously close to nerves and my top wisdom teeth had broken into my sinus cavity. Your case probably won't be as bad. Consider my warnings a "worst case scenario."

Just do what the doctor tells you, take your medication, and don't push yourself too hard. You'll be fine.

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(Rating: 5) Thank you VERY much for taking the time for answering my question. This is HM by the way, you might figure out my initials if you check out your "Favorite Columnists" ;)

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