The Dental Surgery

Last week I got dental surgery. Not that I want to exaggerate, but it was probably the worst experience I have ever gone through. Not only was it painful during the surgery, but the noises and sensations were gruesome. After that, I spent all week in total pain and agony, not being able to concentrate on anything else other than the damn jaw, mouth, head and ear ache. The painkillers helped only a bit. So for this reason I slipped into a sensitive, bad mood, I-hate-everyone streak this week which at times put me in situations with people that were more stressful than relieving. I could hardly even stand myself. Luckily, those who understood that living 24/7 for an entire week in total pain could somewhat alter your mood and hence they were able to see past it. Except in some occasions when I was justly told off.

A picture of pain

It was an especially hard week with Eduardo, I don't think we were ever together for more than an hour without starting up a discussion. I guess it's common and understandable to take it out on the one you are most closest to, but that doesn't make it ok.

Ice + bad mood

For some reason this week I haven't been meditating as much. My instructor once told us that when we are sick or in pain for any reason we can meditate as much as we like. I meditated less than usual, which I assume could have also contributed to my foul mood.

Some people may not believe this, but it's amazing how meditation can alter your mind and body to a more purer healthier state. It's nothing spiritual so there's no faith involved. It's purely mechanical. I once told my physician I was meditating and he congratulated me on my smart decision. Me mentioned how in medical terms, the benefits meditating has had on some patients mentally and physically is outstanding.

I have read around that Transcendental Meditation is considered a cult and after taking part of the quick one-week course, I can definitely tell why. The money issue is largely criticized at. I really don't care what the means are if the outcome is positive. And the results are visible in me. People have commented on how tranquil yet intellectually sharp I seem. I definitely feel the difference. Meditating twice a day for a few months has done wonders for me. It's important to acquire the discipline of meditating twice a day for 20 minutes, every day, no exception. But once you start feeling the results the discipline comes by itself and you enjoy meditating so much that 2 times a day is sometimes not enough. I'll talk more about meditation some other day.

Anyway, I went to the dentist today for the 3rd time this week and this time he inserted some foul-tasting gauze in my jaw that tastes like hell but cured me of my pain. I haven't felt any discomfort for the past 4 hours so my mood has lightened and I am now ready to head for the gym.

The importance of telling this disgusting story, is to say that this is part of our preparation. I decided, with Eduardo, to cure any dental ailment we might have before going to Europe. So we got checked for cavities and so forth, and it was discovered I had to remove a wisdom tooth from under my gum which was horizontally positioned on my jaw, and causing stress on another weakened molar nearby that needed work. Hence my suffering this week. But once I get all done I'll have a beautiful smile of healthy teeth and I'll be able to go to Europe without having to worry about dentists....(which I previously hated but somehow have a new-found respect for them). Eduardo had his wisdom tooth pulled out last week too but I don't think his was as bad as mine. At least his tooth had already sprouted. Mine was deep inside.