Ageless Space

A well cared for dog.

Our dog, Chuckie is generally well cared for and maintained.  His teeth are not so well maintained.  We have mostly ignored his dental needs until now.

Walking the dog.

My wife, Dale, usually walks the dog.  Dale doesn’t just take care of Chuckie, she is my aide, my legs and the love of my life.  I am disabled from Multiple Sclerosis, and Dale gets me around.

Taking care of a Sheltie

Sometimes our son walks the dog.  Dale takes good care of Chuckie.  She brushes his coat.   Chuckle is a Shetland sheepdog, also known as a Sheltie,  She feeds him and files his paws as needed.

Brushing his teeth?

However, brushIng his teeth has not been on our to do list.  At least it hasn’t been until now.

The dental consultation

My wife took Chuckie for a dental appointment recently.  The doctor/dentist told Dale that Chuckie would need possibly as many as three extractions.

Appointment for extractions.

She made an appointment for the extractions.  Chuckie had to be taken to the hospital early that morning.  He was one of the first to undergo surgery.

It’s the weather

The weather looked like we would have to leave Chuckie at the Animal Hospital, but the rain relented, and Dale was able to pick up Chuckie later that day.

How many extractions?

When Dale arrived at the Animal Hospital, the doctor/dentist told her that only two teeth had to be extracted.  The two canine teeth were extracted.

One routine and one that wasn’t

According to the bill from the animal hospital, one canine tooth extraction was routine, but the other one was “Severe Complicated”.

“Soft food”

Chuckie was put on “soft” food for 10 days by the doctor/dentist.  He was given chicken (without the bones), and a mixture of been peas and beans (mixed in the blender).  He could also have tuna fish.

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Time for more fiber.

However, Chuckie was not getting his usual amount of fiber, and had some constipation.  Dale would detect this by noting that Chuckie would walk on his butt when going for his usual walks.  Dale ordered some canned dog food to try to solve this problem.

Woozy

When Chuckie came home from the animal hospital after the extractions, he was a bit woozy.  It took 4 days for Chuckie to get back to normal.  I suppose, that eventually, the anesthesia does wear off.

Appetite to infinity and beyond

Four days after the surgery, Chuckie still cannot chew food.  This does not mean that Chuckie’s appetite has waned.  He still chases every crumb of food he sees, even if he cannot chew it.  He just gulps down anything that looks edible.

The patient dog

Chuckie still patiently waits for food to fall, as Dale eats food.  Chuckie does the same when our son eats food.  Usually, I am in a hospital bed, and Chuckie has figured out that it is an extremely rare occurrence for food to drop from the hospital bed, so he has stopped waiting for food to drop from my hospital bed.

The search for food

When Dale walks Chuckie, he is constantly looking for food.  Recently, during his walk, Chuckie found a bone.  This was a rare prize for Chuckie.

The struggle to chew

Chuckie still struggles to chew food.  However, as Chuckie’s extractions heal, I expect that he will be able to chew his food better.

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Toothbrush Stick Chew Toy

We have been looking at something like the Dog Toothbrush Stick Chew Toy – Jaolex Nontoxic Natural Rubber Dog Kit Bristly BrushIng Stick Dental Care BrushIng for Medium Dog (25 to 40 lb).  It is fun tooth cleaning.

How weighty?

This dog toothbrush toy is suitable for pets 20 to 45 pounds. Please check your dog’s weight before buying.  Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to infection, and that could mean bacteria leeching into your dog’s body and affect its health.

Maintain dental heath

Puppy Dental Care Brushing Stick helps you maintain your dog’s dental health.  All Jaolex Dog Chew Toothbrushes are made of FDA grade rubber which is non-toxic, durable and eco-friendly, so it is totally safe and comfortable for your dog’s gums.

Where does the toothpaste go?

The bristles inside help clean dental plaque, and there is a convenient toothpaste reservoir inside that can be loaded before.

Natural motions

The dog’s natural motions work with the bristle to clean down to the gums.  The mint scent can effectively remove the dog’s halitosis, which both dogs and people love.

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Canned dog food

The canned dog food that Dale ordered is Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Pack of 12.  It is delicious wet dog food formulated for optimal digestive & skin health.

Natural fibers

It is easily digestible, grain-free dog food with natural fibers for improved stool pickup.  Also, it supports healthy skin and coat with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E.

Made in the USA

It is made with natural ingredients.  It is made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust.  It is #1 Veterinarian Recommended.

Comments

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What kind of dog is Chuckie?

Chuckie is a Shetland sheepdog.  He has been a member of our family for six years.  We have trained Chuckie to go outside.  By this I mean he does his business outside.  The truth is, we have not trained Chuckie to do much else.  He is largely self trained, which is he pretty much does whatever he wants.

Overweight dog

Chuckie was grossly overweight, however, we have tried to limit his food intake.  This has been a real challenge, because Chuckie is constantly looking for food.  If food drops on the floor, chuckie believes it belongs to him.

Can Chuckie move fast?

When it comes to food Chuckie is fast.  This is amazing because Chuckie has arthritis and even when someone takes him for a walk, he walks about the distance of three houses and then stops.  If you pull on his leash, he might go further, but most of the time he just stops.  But if food falls on the floor, Chucie is Johnnie on the spot immediately.

Great hearing, but not so good smelling

Chuckie’s hearing is uncanny.  He can hear food fall from the other side of the house.  I suppose this is good because he has almost no sense of smell.  In a fox hunt, the fox would win.  Chuckie is not a service dog .  Indeed, if Chuckie sees some food, he totally forgets the disabled person.  It’s time for Chuckie to chow down.

Is it the dog’s fault

This is not his fault because he was not trained to be a service dog to help a handicap person.  After substantial efforts to bring down Chuckie’s weight we have finally been successful.  We have tried changing Chuckie’s food.  But this did not work.

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Exercise

We have tried exercises for the dog.  But with arthritis, Chuckie was not amenable to exercise.

Limit the food

We have tried to limit Chuckie’s food intake.  This has mostly worked.  Although, Chuckie is constantly trying to find more food.  The extra weight made it difficult for the dog to walk.

Lose the weight

He walks much better now that he is at a reasonable weight.  He has lost 10 pounds.  He has gone from 45 lbs. to 35 lbs.

Where does he sleep?

Chuckie does not have a dog bed.  We have tried many.  Chuckie largely ignored most of the dog beds.  He sleeps wherever he wants.  Right now he is sleeping next to my hospital bed.  Sometimes when my bed goes up and down, it wakes Chuckie.  Chuckie has a flea collar.  I don’t know whether Chuckie has a flea problem, but we keep the collar on him.

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Adams Flea and Tick collar

We use Adams Flea and Tick collar for dogs.  We get it from Amazon.  It provides 7-month protection against adult fleas and ticks.  It is a fast acting treatment.    It keeps working even when wet.  It is adjustable and one size fits all.  Adams Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs begins killing fleas and ticks immediately.

24/7 relief

It provides 24/7 relief from biting fleas. The active ingredient works its way to the surface of the collar and is rubbed onto the fur of the dog. The active ingredient moves through the oils and from hair to hair to cover the entire body. For continuous flea and tick protection, replace the collar every 7 months. The collar kills ticks for 5 months and aid in their control an additional 2 months. This collar will keep working even when wet.

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Flea Away

We also use Flea Away The Natural Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Repellent for Dogs and Cats.  Flea Away is a vitamin complex, specifically formulated for dogs and cats. Flavored with real liver,  the pet will love them! What makes Flea Away different from alternate flea repellents is that fleas don’t get on the dog or cat’s skin and bite before finding chemicals and going away.

The power is in the odor

The pests simply stay away from your pet because of the odor (undetected by humans) that your pets skin gives off. With Flea Away the dog or cat’s skin gives off a natural smell caused by the special safe mixture of vitamins. If your dog or cat has an allergic reaction to flea bites, then Flea Away is the way to go. The fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are naturally repelled before biting your pet.  It is a tablet.

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What to do about a dog’s arthritis?

For Chuckie’s arthritis we use Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewables.  It provides complete joint health brand for dogs.  It has MSM, a naturally occuring, organic, sulfur-containing compound.  It is formulated from more than 10 years of clinical use and research.  It is ideal for dogs under 60 pounds.

Recommendations

These products have helped maintain Chuckie’s health.  These products are highly recommended.  I don’t know whether they will work for your pet, but they work for Chuckie.

Comments

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Is it a turkey sandwich?

I am eating a turkey sandwich and something hard is in the right side of my mouth.  I think maybe it is a bone. I better spit it out of my mouth.

Is it a bone?

Well, it is not a bone. It is an old dental cap.  I call my dentist office, and they want me to com in the same day.  I am bedridden with Multiple Sclerosis.  I can’t just come in when I want.  The handicapped van, my aide, and my driver have to be ready.

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When will my dentist be available?

My dentist will be in the office on Monday, so Monday it is.  I make sure my aide is available on Monday.  I make sure the van is ready, and the battery is charged, and I make arrangements for a driver.  It is summertime, and this means I wait about a week.

Just another crazy Monday

Monday arrives and I get ready to go to the dentist.  I have my aide dress me.  I am patient lifted to my power wheelchair.  My driver is waiting. The van ramp works, and we are off to the dentist.  Thank heavens the air conditioning works in the van.

We arrived

We get to the dentist.  My driver leaves the dentist office.  I tell them in the dentist office that my cap came off.

Time to wait

I sign the usual dental insurance forms, and then I wait in the office.  Shortly thereafter I am called into the dentist’s room, and I wait for the dentist.  The dentist arrives and I tell him my cap fell out.  He looks at the cap and asks if I trIed to glue it back in my mouth. I told him I was eating a turkey sandwich when it came out.  I knew this was an old cap.

How Old Is The Cap?

I thought it might be ten years old.  The dentist checked my records and it was a six year old cap.  He cleaned the cap, and glued it back into my mouth.  This cap is from an upper back right side tooth.  It has nothing to do with the lower mouth bridge work that I recently had done.  I waited 20 minutes for the glue to dry and I was good to go.

Previous Bridge Work

I had previous bridge work done.  The bridge work on the right side hurt almost as much as a root canal.  However, since this was not a root canal, I figured it would eventually settle down, which is what happed.  The new bridge work hardly bothers me now, but it took a month to settle down.  This is the bridge work that needed two extractions.  The dentist put the bridge right over the open wound created by the second extraction.  This took a month to heal properly.

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Heading Home

I called my driver.  She came to the dentist office, and we headed home.

Afternoon Dental Visits

This dental visit occurred during the afternoon.  I have Multiple Sclerosis and by the afternoon on a hot summer day, I have Multiple Sclerosis fatigue and the heat is making me even more exhausted.  Even with air conditioning, I am tired.  I make it home, and I am patient lifted into bed, where I finally get to rest.  My next dental visit isn’t scheduled until, December of 2019.

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Dentist time.

It is dentist time again.  Usually, when the dentist puts in a temporary bridge, this is my second bridge, it falls out shortly thereafter.  In fact, a temporary anything tends to fall out shortly thereafter.  This not because my dentist is a bad dentist.  He is definitely not.  I like my dentist, and he is a very good dentist.

It is in the glue.

It is just that this office doesn’t use strong glue for the temporary.  To my surprise, this temporary bridge stayed in for a month, and was taken out by the dentist.

To the dentist.

As usual, I am dressed and patient lifted into my power wheelchair.  I wait for my driver.  When she arrives, of course the van ramp doesn’t work.  This time it takes three tries to get the ramp to work.  Finally, it works and I’m off to the dentist.

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At the dentist’s office.

When I get to the dentist, the van ramp works and into the dentist’s waiting room I go.  I sign the usual dental insurance forms. I am called into the dentist office thereafter.

The permanent bridge.

My permanent bridge is ready and the dentist puts it into my mouth.  He gets it to fit.  He files it down a little and it fits fine.  Apparently, one of my teeth are loose but the permanent bridge fits.  I ask him about my two other broken teeth.

The billing guy

I ask him if insurance will pay for the teeth.  He does not know and he said I should call someone who does his billing.  He mentions in passing that these teeth are molars, way in the back of my mouth and once the extractions are done, no bridge will be put into my mouth because these teeth are so far back that I don’t chew on them anyway.

Do I really need to call the billing guy?

Well then I said, I don’t really need to call your billing guy.  He said that I’m right and he threw out the phone number for his billing guy that he was writing.

Let’s do a cleaning

After the permanent bridge was in, I asked about a cleaning.  I had to wait until the dental assistant who does the cleaning was ready.

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X-ray time

I was taken for a complete set of x-rays.  After the x-rays, I saw the dental assistant, and he did the cleaning while I sat in my power wheelchair.

The front desk

Then I went to the front desk to arrange for my next dental visit.  It turns out that this will not be for six months. I set up a December 2019 appointment.  I left the dentist’s office after calling my driver.

Time for a fill-up

We stopped off to get gas.  Home is where I went after that.  The van ramp worked and I went into my house.  I was patient lifted from my power wheelchair into my bed.  I was undressed and a hospital gown was put on me.

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Time to return to the dentist.

It is time for another visit to the dentist.  Once again I am dressed and patient lifted into my wheelchair.  I am a paraplegic because my Multiple Sclerosis has progressed to where my legs are largely useless.  I wait for my driver in the house.

Rampless

When she arrives I go to my van, but the ramp does not come out. It takes two tries to get the ramp to come out.  Finally the ramp comes out after two tries, and to the dentist office we go. The ramp comes out with no problem once we arrive at the dentist office.  I sign the usual dental insurance forms, and I wait in the waiting room.  The wait is not long.  The dentist is busy today.  He has many other patients.  I wait in my wheelchair in the room where the dentist does his work. Finally, the dentist returns.

Extraction incomplete

I tell the dentist that it seems like he did not complete the extraction the last time.  He says no and that there might be some gauze left in my mouth.  He starts to poke around my mouth with some instruments, and then he gives me two injections and continues poking around my mouth.  Then he starts drilling.  He continues to poke around my mouth.

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Extraction part two

Then he turns to me, and says, well, you were right there was a piece of the tooth left from last time, and he had to complete the extraction.

The mold

Then he took a mold, and it felt like he left some of the mold in my mouth.  He told me no that he had taken the mold and put a temporary bridge in my mouth.  I was finished for the day after he made sure the temporary bridge fit properly in my mouth.

Back to the waiting room.

I went to the waiting room, called my driver from the waiting room and into the van I went.  There was no problem with the van or the ramp.

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Time to wash the car.

We stopped off at a car wash.  We headed home. Once home, I pushed the button to open the van door and let the ramp out.  The door opened, but the ramp did not come out.  My driver pressed the button on the key and the door closed and then opened, and the ramp came out.

Home at last.

Into the house I went. I was home.  Then I navigated the wheelchair into the bedroom, and I was patient lifted into my bed.  I was undressed and went back into my usual hospital gown.

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Not as close as a blade.

This is a review of the SweetLF 3D Rechargeable 100% Waterproof IPX7 Electric Shaver Wet & Dry Rotary Shavers for Men.  I have been using various Norelco electric shavers for many years.  The Norelco electric shavers gave me a reasonably close shave considering they were electric shavers.  I don’t think that any electric shaver gives as good or as close a shave as a blade.  I started using electric shavers as a teenager.

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Variety is the spice of shaving life

I tried a variety of electric shavers including a number of Remington electric shavers.  I knew I had to switch from the blade racers that I was using because I had too many cuts from the blade racers I was using.

Acne

It wasn’t that the blade razors were bad, it was that as a teenager I had a really bad case of acne.  I cut a lot of acne pimples off my face as a teenager.  This was mostly unintentional, and I desperately needed to find a better way.  Eventually, I discovered Norelco electric shavers.  The shave was reasonably good, but cleaning the electric razor was a chore.

This is not my father-in-law’s Norelco

I got my father-in-law a Norelco electric shaver, and I would regularly go to my in-law’s house to clean my father-in-law’s Norelco electric shaver because it was too difficult for him to clean the shaver.  My father-in-law has since passed away, but the problem with Norelco electric shavers has remained.

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The shave is good, I need more

They provide a reasonably good shave, but are difficult to clean.  I got a Norelco electric shaver for my son.  One day I checked his razor, only to find that he never cleaned the electric razor.  Of course, I cleaned it for him but I thought there must be a better answer.

And now for something completely different

One day I got so fed up with cleaning the Norelco that I decided to try something different.  I read some reviews and I decided that this SweetLF 3D Rechargeable 100% Waterproof IPX7 Electric Shaver Wet & Dry Rotary Shavers for Men was worth a try.  It is relatively low priced for an electric shaver.

Razor burn

It gives a relatively good shave.  The first time I tried it, I got a fair amount of razor burn.  It has self-sharpening rotary heads, and it has been steadily improving with use.  By the third shave, I now get a shave (and no razor burn) that rivals the Norelco electric shavers in closeness.

Is it easy to clean?

But what I love most about this shaver is that it is amazingly easy to clean.  It is a wet/dry shaver, and to clean it I just pop open the top (there is a little button to press), and I run water over the shaving heads.  I do this on the top of the heads, and the bottom of the heads and clean the top hair compartment with running water.

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Unplug the shaver

There is a warning to unplug the shaver first.  This is probably a good idea, but I am handicapped, really can’t do that, although I try to be careful and not run water by the lower part of the handle.  It comes with a brush for cleaning but I have so far never needed it.

Short cord

It comes with a cord, but it is very short.  If you are like me, you will buy a longer cord.  However, depending on how long a cord you need in your bathroom, you may not need to buy a longer cord. Remember to get a cord with a micro usb connector.

Where is the ac adapter?

Another issue with this shaver is that it does not come with an ac adapter.  If you happen to have a spare ac adapter from an extra iPhone, like I do, then there is no problem.

Laptop capable, but really

While it’s true that you could just hook it up to your laptop, let’s get real, how many of us leave an expensive laptop by the sink in the bathroom?  If you don’t have a spare ac adapter, I suggest you buy an ac adapter.  They are relatively inexpensive, and much less expensive than replacing an expensive laptop that accidentally fell into a wet sink.

Cool display

USB QUICK-CHARGING & LED DISPLAY- Enjoy up to about 120 minutes of shaving (or approximately 30 full shaves). The shaver only requires 1 hour to charge and is very convenient for your daily use and for travel. There is also a visible 5 level battery remaining indicator gauge  on the razor so you can quickly see exactly how much power you have left before needing to charge the shaver.  I have never had a problem with the charge. and it arrived almost fully charged.

4-direction floating heads

A SMOOTH AND CLOSE SHAVE – With 4-direction floating heads, the 3D rotary shaver automatically adapts to the contours of the face, neck and even the jaw, and provides a comfortable and close shave everytime.  Well, most of the time.  Now that the self sharpening shaver has worked itself in after three shaves, it now provides a comfortable and close shave.

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Trimmer, please

POP-UP TRIMMER & ONE TOUCH OPEN – Skin-friendly and convenient pop-up beard trimmer easily trims sideburns, moustache and any facial hairstyle. It also features an easy one-touch open tab to quickly trim unwanted facial hair. The trimmer actually works much better than my old Norelco electric shaver.

Can be used with gel

WET AND DRY & FULL WATERPROOF – The IPX7 body is waterproof and allows you to use the electric shaver whether wet or dry including even in the shower. It easily adapts to either shaving foam or gel for a better and closer shaving experience.  I don’t doubt this, but I have to admit that I use an electric shaver without any foam or gel.

Not noisy

QUIET HIGH SPEED MOTOR – The premium quality motor is not only efficient but quiet as well so you can enjoy every moment shaving.  Frankly, I am more concerned with th shave, and easy cleaning, but it is nice that it is not too loud.

Whole body washable

With the whole body washable design, you could shave in the shower, and rinse the shaver head under the tap thoroughly after use.  This makes use and cleaning very convenient.

3D FloatingHead

It has a 3D Floating Head that gives a 360 degree close to the skin shave. It fits the curve of your face and neck perfectly, gives you a reliable close shave every time.

Double-TrackIt has a Double-Track Close to the face cutter so that the contact surface is increased, so save greatly your time and energy when shaving.

Extreme Shaving

It has an Extreme Shaving System with  automatic grinding technology and the blades are self-sharpening, which will not pull the beard or damage your skin, its sharpness can last longer than normal blades.

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Recommendation

This SweetLF 3D Rechargeable 100% Waterproof IPX7 Electric Shaver Wet & Dry Rotary Shavers for Men has three rotary shaving heads.  It works so well that I have bought two – one for me and one for my son.  It is highly recommended and I suggest that you give it a try.

Comments

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The search for something.

I have been pre-diabetic for some time.  I have been looking for something that could keep me pre-diabetic, and prevent me from becoming diabetic.  At least, I was hoping to find something that would slow down the process of becoming diabetic.  I’ve tried supplements that contained a variety of herbal ingredients, only to find that they made me sick to my stomach.

This post and the product herein are not intended to treat, prevent or cure any illness.  Please consult with your physician before use.

Your results may differ from my results.

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One day, I decided to try White Mulberry Leaf Extract.  It did not make me sick to my stomach, and so I decided to stay with it.  I had no way of knowing whether it was actually helping me, but at least it did no make me sick.

Hoping for the best

I continued to take the White Mulberry Leaf Extract, and I was hoping for the best.  I would take one pill before breakfast, and an other pill before lunch.

Four months later

It was not until 4 months later that my blood work up showed that my A1c had leveled off.  It had been as high as 6.6, and now it had leveled off at 6.4.  This is not to say that everyone’s results will be the same as my results.  It does seemed to have helped me.  The bottle claims that it provides healthy glucose support, healthy appetite control, and it is rich in antioxidants, proteins and fiber.

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It works in Asia

I have heard that in Asia, type 2 diabetes is treated with Mulberry Leaf.  Some say that there are chemicals in White Mulberry Leaf Extract that slows the absorption of sugars in the gut.

Stablize my glucose levels

White Mulberry Leaf Extract seems to have helped me stabilize my glucose levels.  Please discuss this with your doctor before trying it.  It worked for me and I hope it works for others.

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Questions or Comments

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave me your questions and comments below.

Back to the Dentist.

It is time to go back to the dentist.  This is always a project for me and my aide.  I have Multiple Sclerosis and I am a paraplegic.  My legs don’t work.  I need to be changed.  I am patient lifted into my power wheelchair.  I maneuver the wheelchair through the door ways in my house, which is easier said than done, because the wheelchair was bought to fit in the van, not to be used around the house.

My Multiple Sclerosis progresses

As my Multiple Sclerosis has progressed, the power wheelchair has to be brought into my bedroom, and I am patient lifted into the power wheelchair.  I then go to the garage using a specialized ramp that was built for me.

The same driver

Then I wait for my driver, who was the same driver I had the last time I went to the dentist.  This does make it easier because I don’t have to give as thorough driving directions.

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My mistake

I went up the ramp without incident.  When we got to the dentist office, I made a mistake.

The key vs. the inside button

The key needs to be pressed twice to open the automatic van door, and the van ramp should come out automatically.  The button in the van to open the door automatically should only be pressed once. Sure enough, I pressed it twice, and the door would not open.  I had to press the button three times to finally get the door to open. Then it opened and the ramp came out.

I go solar

I disconnected the solar charger which I use for the van.  It helps keep the battery charged.  I don’t use the van that often and the solar charger keeps the battery going.  I went into the dentist office and signed in and signed the insurance form.

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Who’s a Teamster?

I am a Teamster.  How is this possible?  I previously worked at the New York City Houing Authority.  I have been told that when there was a vote for the union that the staff, there are many more clerks and typists than attorneys, decided to vote for the Teamsters Local 237.  The staff attorneys also became Teamsters.  This has turned out to be a godsend in my retirement.  It has means my whole family has dental insurance, eyeglass coverage, and prescription drug coverage.

The wait

Then I waited to be called.  Shortly thereafter, I was called and I spoke to the dentist.

To extract or not to extract

I mentioned that he had told me previously that I was likely to have an extraction of a lower right tooth that was cracked.  Then the dentist told me that he did not think he would do the extraction today.  Then he left the room.  Then he came back to the room, and said O.K., I’ll do the extraction.

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Many injections later

He gave me what felt like 5 injections, and he proceeded to work on the tooth.  Finally, he removed the tooth and I could feel his finger searching in my mouth for the tooth.  He found it, and out it came.

Easier than he thought

He remarked that the extraction was easier than he thought.  He thought the tooth would be in many pieces, but it was only in two pieces.

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Extra gauze

He gave me additional gauze which I ended up not using.  I took the gauze he put into my mouth out, I spit it out, about 3 1/2 hours later.  He also mentioned using ice for the pain.  I am notorious for not having much pain, and I never needed the ice.

Uneventful ride home

The ride home was uneventful.  It was difficult to talk with all the gauze in my mouth.  The van door and ramp worked without any problems.

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Try, try again.

It’s time for another trip to the dentist.  I tried to go to the dentist last month, but my mobility van ramp would not come out.  My new driver seemed to try everything.  She tried to pull out the ramp by hand to no avail.  She repeatedly opened and closed the van doors.

Telephone call to the mobility company

It was only after a telephone call to the mobility company was there information about the little yellow switch on the floor of the van that can release the ramp mechanism.  They should tell people about this before selling the van to someone.  Please see my blog post on the issue.

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I tried to go to the dentist again

Anyway, I was once again ready to attempt a trip to my dentist.  It was time for the usual routine.  I had a diaper change.  I am a paraplegic from my Multiple Sclerosis.  I was clothed in my hospital bed at home.  I was patient lifted into my power wheelchair designed to fit in the van.  This is a different power wheelchair than I use around the house.

Garage to driveway

I make my way down the specially designed garage ramp which gets me out of the house and into the garage.  From the garage, I can open the garage door and go out the garage to the driveway and into the mobility van.  I went to the van and pressed the van button on the remote controlled van key and nothing.

The grinding noise

I heard a slight grinding noise which means something was happening but not even the van door would open, let alone the van ramp which is supposed to come out after the side door opens.  I had my new driver close the driver’s door ad then open and close the van’s side door.

The charmed life

This worked like a charm.  The side door then opened automatically when I pressed the van button on the remote (actually I had to press the button twice, but this is normal).

Up the ramp

I could then go up the ramp.  This took me two tries.  I haven’t had to do this in a while, and I went too far to the right.  I need to bear to the left to avoid falling off the ramp.  It worked the second time.

In the van

I was in the van.  When I get into the mobility van, I lock into the (EZ) easy lock system, which really isn’t so easy, but it locks me and the power wheelchair into the van.

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Solar powered

I have a solar charger which I disconnect for the duration of my trip to and from the dentist.  See my products page.  It keeps my van charged even though it is not used that often.  Also, twice a week, we have been starting the van and letting it run for half an hour to keep the battery charged.

We have arrived

My new driver and I finally arrive at the dentist office.  The van door and ramp work.  Getting out of the van is easier than getting into the van.  Somehow, going down the ramp and out is easier than going up and into the van.

Talk about the blog

Meanwhile I wait in the waiting room and tell one of the employees at the dentist office about my blog.  Thereafter, I go to the dentist office.  This dentist is very good, because he is willing to work on my teeth while I sit in the power wheelchair.

No transfer

No transfer is needed.  The power wheelchair does not recline, at least it will not recline without removing multiple screws.  It is meant to stay secure in the van.  The idea is that you don’t want movement in case of an accident in the van.

First root canal since Gilenya

I talk to the dentist and discover that he will put in the permanent bridge on the left side of my mouth (lower side), and he plans on doing a root canal on my right side of my mouth (lower side).  This will be the first root canal I’ve had since I started taking Gilenya for Multiple Sclerosis in 2007.  I was part of the clinical study.

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The factory

In this dentist office, they do root canals as a matter of routine.  They work on multiple patients at the same time and have multiple dental offices at this location.  Some might consider it a factory. But this system seems to work well in today’s world of dental plans and insurance.

Grind the bridge

He put on the bridge, it has been so long that my teeth moved a little, and he had to grind the bridge some so it would fit.

Permanent bridge

He gets the bridge to fit and in my mouth it goes with the permanent adhesive.

One root canal to go

Now, it is time for the root canal.   He gives me a couple of injections.  We wait for the area to numb. He performs the root canal.

No pain

After the root canal, he tells me that it was infected. Anyway, now it is all cleaned out.  He tells me that it may not be so good that I had hardly have any pain, because then I don’t know how bad the infection was.  I have to admit that I thought something funky was going on in that area, but I thought it was the cracked tooth I have there.  However, I really had no pain.

Next time

I made an appointment for three weeks, and then we’ll see about extracting the cracked tooth.

Homeward bound

The return home was uneventful and the van door and ramp worked well.

Mother-in-law

I have to apologize for neglecting the website recently.  My mother-in-law recently passed away.  She was 95 years old, and we regretfully have had to deal with various related issues.  I would like to get back into the full swing of things, but this may take a little while.  Anyway, I feel better that I was able to do this blog post.

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I can do it and so can you.

Since I’m disabled, a paraplegic, and I have Multiple Sclerosis, I cannot do many DIY projects.  One that I was able to do may surprise you.

Round cushion

Our kitchen chair has a round cushion that has come loose.  All the screws holding the cushion to the chair had come out.

The screws are gone.

There were no loose screws, they were all missing screws.  I could lift up the cushion and see that there were no screws.  Frankly, the cushion is not heavy and it was easy to sit in my power wheelchair and just lift the cushion up and see that there were no screws.

In the kitchen

I am now working with my OT (Occupational Therapist) in the kitchen.  This provides a nice table and chairs to work with for the OT.  I don’t obviously sit on the kitchen chair.  I stay in the power wheelchair and reach for things that the OT puts on the table and chairs.  She put some things on the chair without screws and sure enough they fell on the floor.

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Get the screws.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any screws and I had to order them from Amazon.  I only needed three screws for the chair.  However, as is usual for Amazon, I ordered 195 wood screws.  Amazon likes to ship things in bulk.  This certainly gave me a choice of a variety of screws.  It also gave me a lifetime supply of screws, if I don’t lose them first.

It is metal.

The kitchen chair has a metal frame. It is much heavier than the cushion.  I do not recommend this unless you have good balance in your seat.  My wheelchair is a 17 inch wheelchair, which means it is small and hugs me on the sides.  I am also seated well in the back of the chair and will not fall.  Also, see my blog on the fall I took when I was not seated well.

Flip it.

Well, I lifted the chair up and flipped it over onto the bench.  The bench is in the back of the kitchen and it is built into the kitchen.  I held the chair with my left hand and screwed with my right hand.  I am right handed.

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The third one is the charm.

The first two screws went into the wood in the cushion without any real problem.  However, the third screw would not go in.  I decided to select a smaller, by that I mean a thinner screw.  This took and after a few turns was going into the wood.  Most any Philips screwdriver will work.  Even a short stubby screwdriver will work.  I finally got all the screws in place and tightened them.

Down is easier.

I was ready to take the kitchen chair off the bench.  For me, taking things down is easier than lifting things up. This is a good thing because I was starting to get tired from the lifting and tightening the screws.  At this point, I could just slide the kitchen chair off the bench, bring it down to the floor and turn it over while it was on the floor.

The OT is in shock!

At his point I positioned the chair at the table and the job was finished.  When I told my OT what I had done she was in shock!  She went to the chair and turned it over in disbelief at what I had done.  As I say, difficult things take time, the impossible takes a little longer.

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Conclusion

Fixing a chair by yourself may seem challenging but it is definitely doable and rewarding when done.  Make sure you select the correct size screws.  You don’t want any unnecessary holes in your chair.

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