What does it mean to be a zebra in the real world? Come with me as I visit the dentist and learn some of the materials typically used are problematic for zebras. I navigate the uncharted waters of getting dentures vs. implants. I also include some information you won’t want to miss if you’re dealing with dental procedures, especially if you’re a zebra.
Episode 007 - Be Yourself
I’m learning how to smile again. I’ve been through a life long struggle with my teeth or being without, as it is. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional and the physical hurdles I’d find myself navigating through this life changing phase of my life…new teeth.
Over the years I’ve had teeth come and go naturally and lately not so much so (naturally that is). My penchant for grinding my teeth caught up with me and my upper molars took the brunt. Over time I lost one, then another and until I no longer had any upper molars left with which to chew putting undue stress on the front teeth until they too needed to come out. The thought of having all my teeth pulled and getting dentures took me time to come to grasps with, a lot of emotional healing and pulling up my “big girl pants”.
When one of my teeth next to my front tooth started to crumble, I knew I was out of time and needed to get the ball rolling. The timeline for dentures was estimated to be six weeks in preparation before the extraction day (Eday). I had to get impressions and the labs needed time to fabricate my dentures. The week before my appointment with the oral surgeon my tooth broke off and I looked as though I’d been in a bar brawl.
Today I share my venture into dentures and the things I learned along the way. Special advice for those who have chemical sensitivities and/or mast cell, POTS or Ehlers Danlos zebras. Make sure to discuss your sensitivities with your dentist and/or dental hygienist before you get started so you don’t have any surprises like I did.
I joined a few Facebook groups and learned what to expect and when I ran into trouble I reached out for advice. My favorite group that offered support, encouragement and smiles was Dentures, Partials & implant support group for ladies only who held my hand (virtually) in the stress filled days leading up to E-day (Extraction Day) and for this I am eternally grateful. I came across more than a couple of folks in this group and others who had issues with various dental materials. One person shared this article with me and I in turn share it with you.
Burning Mouth Syndrome I am here to tell you what burning mouth indicates. It is not a syndrome at all. It is simply an allergy. Patients who cannot wear dentures because of the burning in their mouths are allergic to the colour pigment in the plastics or acrylics. Some of these patients are also allergic to metal and other laboratory denture materials.
I had a terrible reaction to the material that was used when the dentist did a “soft reline” on my dentures. The key ingredient which seems to be problematic for some is the ingredient known as monomer that is used in the reline material. I nearly knocked the dentist out when I attempted to escape to get some air.
Previous episodes were pre-recorded to prepare for the time it would take for me to recuperate from this and be able to ennunciate my words clearly enough. One portion was recorded less than 24 hours after extraction and I recorded some around 3.5 to 4 weeks after my teeth were pulled and my dentures were new. Can you tell which parts are which?
I lost about 5 pounds during the month long diet of soups, soft foods and the like. I had issues with the pain medications and slowed digestion considerably and the NSAIDS are not something I usually take either but I had to have something to get through the first 4-5 days.
It has been about 8 weeks with my dentures now and it’s time for another adjustment to get my dentures feeling snug again. My gums are still shrinking and will continue (so I’m told) for about a year. My plan is to learn how to do a soft reline myself when needed to save on expenses, not only that but my dentist only has the one material that I react to and the oral surgeon did my first reline as a courtesy (no charge). I’d have to find the closest thing to a “denturist” in my area and I’d rather not. I do not like the hour long drive (one way) and having yet another dentist in the picture. I detest having to find a new medical or dental professional. For a “zebra” having to “break in” another professional who doesn’t understand (or believe) your sensitivities is getting very “old” and I’m not getting younger.
I was once called “a delicate flower” by a wound care nurse. I share this and my garden in my video (below) for you
Red Sky at Morning
Stress Buster Art
In the winter of 2020 I decided to learn to paint watercolor so I enrolled in some online classes. I’d always enjoyed coloring as a child and always wanted to learn to paint. I only paint in late fall and winter when the weather keeps me indoors and I can’t be in the garden. I just finished my first painting for this year and it feels good to express myself this way. I encourage you to learn something new, express yourself creatively and enjoy the process. I lose track of time and completely forget the rest of the world and painting brings me peace and calm, especially Anna’s voice as she guides us through her tutorials. Currently I’m enrolled in a Patreon class taught by Anna Bucciarelli and finished this little fella.
Books Mentioned on the Podcast Episode
The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More
Millions of people suffer from allergies, migraines, skin issues, sleep disturbances, digestive ailments or anxiety due to undiagnosed histamine intolerance.
Dr. Becky Campbell, who has years of experience in the field and who suffers from histamine intolerance herself, has created a revolutionary four-phase program to heal your body naturally. What makes her approach different―and more effective for lifelong results―is that it looks for root causes and offers a well-rounded, holistic treatment plan that addresses diet, environmental toxins, lifestyle and more.
To help you uncover why your body is not processing histamine correctly, Dr. Campbell explains the eight most common factors and how to address them. Then she gives you a plan that includes a low-histamine diet, liver care, gut support and direction on how to safely reintroduce the foods that were once making you sick. Along with her wealth of delicious recipes, she also includes information on supplements, ways to reduce stress and much more.
Mast Cells United: A Holistic Approach to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
by Amber Walker
Two years of full-time research and over 500 pages of information about MCAS!
Faith and Hope
Living for over six decades with these chronic issues that doctors seemed to know little or nothing about often left me feeling defeated and with little hope. I found my courage and my strength through my faith. I found these daily devotionals by Sara such encouraging words that I hope reach out to you too, wherever you are and whatever you’re going through.
A Daily Devotional for Discovering a Meaningful Life in Christ by Sara Daigle.
Finalist in the 2019 TopShelf Book Awards, Women of Purpose offers 100 days of scripture-based devotions for an intentional and abundant life rooted in Christ.
Music
for The Lone Zebra is provided by my subscription to Epidemic Sound.
Today’s featured song is Never Gonna Let Me Go by Hector Gabriel.
Musical Interludes that are features for the show are parts of the following songs:
Your Grace by Station Story (Theme Song for the podcast)
Shaving Grace by T. Morri
Come Be With Us by Joyspring
The Paper Birch by Johannes Bornlof
Our Early Years by David Celeste
I hope you enjoyed the show and share it with a friend! I’m not on some of the usual podcast platforms due to censorship that would not allow me to share the truth. I hope you will help me by sharing this podcast with your family and friends that you care about. There are many people out there struggling with chronic illnesses that can benefit by listening to some of the tips I share.
The Lone Zebra can be found here on Substack with no ads and all the links and show notes are here for your reference too. The episodes can also be found on:
Google podcasts, iHeart, Amazon, Audible, Listen Notes, Radio Public, Podcast Addict, Learn Out Loud, Podbean, Pod Chaser, Spreaker, Rumble, Brighteon, YouTube podcast, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts.
Listed platforms without links I have submitted my podcast to but have yet to list the show. This will be updated on future podcast episodes either with links or being removed from this list. Thank you for your patience.
Please don’t forget to subscribe before you go! You want to miss an episode and it’s free.
Share this post