Tuesday, February 3, 2009

HIS TEETH...

There are some things about having a disabled child that are out of your control. Lot's of things actually, but some that really tug at your heart strings. One of the things that Ben does is bite his cheek. I'm sure everyone has done this now and again, I know I have. It hurts...a LOT. Ben was doing this often enough that we ended up taking some of his back teeth out. It helped for a little while...but more have grown in. The oral surgeon at Dartmouth performed his surgery about 2 years ago. Recently I called him back because I wanted to talk to him again about what we could do to help Ben. Basically he had his nurse call me and tell me that "there is nothing more that I can do for your son." HUH? What is THAT supposed to mean? Last night was the final straw. I was holding Ben on my chest and out of the blue he started crying. Stevie and I were rubbing his head, trying to figure out what was wrong. I had this impression to look in his mouth and that's when I saw it. His back teeth were clamped down on his cheek - he couldn't let go. No matter HOW painful it is, he won't let go...it's a reflex. When something gets between his teeth whether it's a toothbrush, a finger or his own cheek, his jaw clamps down. We spent nearly a whole minute trying to get him to stop biting. Broke my heart. We finally got him to unclench and I moved his cheek out of the way. I put a call into his PCP to see what we can do about this. In the meantime, I'm praying that his cheek heals quickly because right now it's purple and swollen.

14 comments:

Cindi said...

What does that even mean, nothing more he can do??? If he actually said that, he should not be practicing medicine of any kind...that is stupid and mean (and now I am feeling mean about it!). I will pray for quick response and relief for Ben. That must be just so frustrating...

Smilin' sunshine said...

Poor Ben, that is so painful. What is even more sad is that he can't seem to let go.
Hopefully he can get some relief soon!

KeriLyn and Matthew said...

Poor little guy :(

shirlgirl said...

I can't believe the oral surgeon said that. There must be something he can do or another oral surgeon to help our Benji. Hopefully your PCP can help you out. Give him a big kiss for me.

April said...

Oh I am so sorry! Caleb has the same clenching reflex.
Poor Ben, I hope he heals up quick and that you can find some answers. If anyone can find them...YOU can!!!!

Jo Jo said...

I'm sorry for Benji, I'm sorry you have to watch him suffer. Hugs to you both.

Adam and Anya said...

You're such a GREAT mother for thinking to look in his mouth! Those maternal instincts are such gifts. I hope he is feeling better soon!

Sarah said...

That Dr. Better look at him!
Sarah said!!!

Ashlee said...

My heart is breaking for him! I hope that doctor comes to his senses. He fixed it before he can do it again!

Wiggles said...

What the "heckle" to quote Alyssa. The doctor should know better. There is always something that can be done. Poor Ben. My heart goes out to you. My love and my prayers to you both.

Jane said...

That breaks my heart, poor little guy. I hope there is something that can be done to help him.

((hugs)) to both of you!

LL said...

ohhh, this brought a tear to my eye. (yes, the tinman cries AGAIN ;)) serioulsy, it breaks my heart...poor little guy. Kiss that cute cheek for me!!!

Unknown said...

And to have SOMEONE ELSE call for him... nothing I can do. L.A.M.E.
Why I oughta...
That's pure coward in my book.
Give Ben a big smoochy kiss from me, and I say call that Dr. back!
As if he needs his new molars now, for all those steaks you're feeding him!
[sigh]

ChefTom said...

poor little feller, how he heels quickly.