"My Wisdom Tooth Removal"

I was referred to Kings Mill Hospital by my dentist to have a troublesome, impacted wisdom tooth removed. I was seen very quickly at the hospital where I was advised on what type of surgery I would require, x-rays done and an appointment for the removal made for the end of November 2013.

I (very nervously) turned up for my surgery only to be told by the reception staff that the procedure had been cancelled as the surgeon was off sick and to wait for a new date. After struggling to find care for my 2 children I angrily went home (mainly because I had psyched myself up for this) and I had a hand delivered letter informing me of the cancellation. Fine. These things happen.

2 weeks later the wisdom tooth got very infected leading me to go to an emergency dentist who gave me antibiotics, my current dentist days later for more antibiotics and a trip to A&E on the request of the NHS Direct (111) nurse when I told her how many paracetamol and Ibropufen I had taken because the pain was so bad. Apparently I had taken too much for my weight.

I am currently breastfeeding my baby so there is a limit on what painkillers and antibiotics I can take. Although the nice male doctor in A&E suggested I stop breastfeeding. Erm, it doesn't work like that. Its my baby's food source which I have worked very hard at maintaining since her birth. That's like me taking away all your fresh fruit and veg and making you eat microwave meals every day. Her stomach will suffer and as a result, so would I. So, no, I won't stop breastfeeding. He sent me on my way........

I thought mums were supposed to be encouraged to breastfeed..........

The infection cleared up, just in time for Christmas and I still have not heard about my new operation/removal date. I spoke to my dentist who informed me that he thinks that the surgeon who does these removals is off sick and the hospital are trying to find a locum. But.......if I wish to pay to have it done privately I can have it done immediately. Of course I can! ! I'm on maternity leave.....I certainly do not have hundreds of pounds 'spare' to pay to have something taken out of me. Why, if I pay, can I have it taken out straight away? So there must be someone that can perform this kind of removal then? The cost of all my appointments, medication etc could have more than paid for the removal, I'm sure.

When you're lying in bed crying your eyes out with pain while your baby seeks 24 hour feeding and engagement and your toddler is wondering why mum won't stop crying, you wonder how hard can it be to have a tooth out and want to hurt the next person that says 'oh, I rang 111 and they sent me to the emergency dentist to have out'. Yes, well, they sent me to A&E, pointlessly.

Do you know when I can have my tooth out? : -)