| | |  Health & Beauty 
My Medical Journey, Part III: The Teeth
 Pamela Thompson - HealthCareResourcesPV.com
October 06, 2010
Puerto Vallarta - Today I began Part III of my journey. Bariatric surgery in May of 2007 – completed, successful and nearly 150 lbs gone. Hurray! Plastic surgery the following year to fix the left-over skin, successful and complete. Hurray! Now, the teeth.
Over a year ago, I announced to the world that I was going to begin my Dental Journey. I am a big weenie. I never followed through. I made up every excuse I could think of not do it – until a year later, Dr. Octavio Lomeli, the dentist that I work with, came to hunt me down. And he did this in front of my son and a good friend, so I was trapped.
I promised him I would show up on an appointed date and time (wondering if perhaps I might be able to contract scurvy or something in order to cancel) – but I am proud of myself. I went to the appointment. And now, it has all begun.
I won’t go in to great detail about Dr. Lomeli because I have already done that in previous articles. You can see one HERE. To say he is entertaining and fun to be around is an understatement. But aside from that, he is extremely qualified and well respected in the area. Years of experience and rave reviews from the people I have sent to him.
Dr. Lomeli was quite respectful in his comments and responses as I sat in the big, comfy chair in front of a nice computer/TV screen and opened my mouth. But by the time he finished examining me, we both knew I should be severely punished for abandoning the care of my teeth.
Today was not bad. Lots of X-rays and photos (which were put right in front of my face on the screen – I am not too proud of what I saw!) Impressions of my teeth, measurements of my mouth (which must be huge), some cleaning, some resin placed all performed by Dr. Lomeli and his staff in a comforting, friendly and explanatory manner.
It probably took longer than normal because I was asking so many questions. What’s this piece of equipment? What does that do? Why does this look so bad? On and on, with each question answered clearly.
The journey has been mapped out. I have been promised and assured that not only this must be done in order to save my teeth in the future, but I will be thrilled with what things will look like!
My next step is to have three teeth pulled on Saturday. I am planning on having a 3 martini breakfast.
Why am I going to write about this? For a couple of reasons. One, if I can do this, anyone can, of that I have no doubt. Second, by putting this "out there," it is an extra push to be committed to the journey. I need to stop being a hypocrite and get this done. What is it that they say about the cobbler’s children having no shoes? That sort of applies here.
Dr. Lomeli’s staff and I are going to become very good amigos. Margarita, the office manager, Dra. Laura Lilliana and Dr. Francisco Javier along with the man himself have put me at ease and promised to stick by me (and my mouth) the entire way.
Oh! As well he showed me numerous "before and after" photos from previous patients (some I know!) and after seeing those, I am more than ready!
Next time: A report on having the teeth pulled. Gee, I can’t wait.
 Pamela Thompson has lived and worked in Puerto Vallarta for over 17 years, 10 of them in health care. Pamela now leads HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a local healthcare resource network. Her years of experience and expertise are available to you by emailing your questions to pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com or by visiting HealthCareResourcesPV.com.
Click HERE to learn more about the health and well-being services offered by HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta. |
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