How to tell the Dentist

Hi All,
I hope everyone is doing well today.  I am due for 6 month check up with the dentist, and any suggestions on how to inform the dentist would be greatly appreciated.  I thought about writing a letter.

[miked]

I've gone to the same dentist for 22 years and know his staff very well.  I had a private conversation with him and told him directly about my infection.  My goal was to protect him and his staff.

His response was interesting....he was uneducated about HCV and stated that no other patient had brought this to his attention.  With 2% of the USA population infected I'm assuming that his other patients either don't know or aren't saying.  I believe that we owe it to our heathcare workers to inform them of our status.

After studying up on HCV my dentist told me that he would be happy to continue providing services.

[doglover28]

Do you remember when dentist didn't wear gloves?  I do as a child.  
I have been going to my current dentist for over 20 years.  He wears gloves, eye sheilds etc...I would like to let him know and the other people working on my teeth, but I don't really want the office staff to know, but I guess they would.  I've been half tempted to not go, so I don't have to deal with it.

[NYgirl]

I just told the nurse straight out and she told the doc - it didn't bother me at all because I had been in treatment for a little while and it DOES GET MUCH EASIER.

Also, anytime I have trouble saying it I say I have HCV - that makes it better for me for some reason rather than saying HepC.

[friole]

Don't postpone your dentist appointment because of hep C.  In fact, your teeth need to be monitored and cleaned even more frequently during tx because the saliva dries up and it is the anti-bacterial agent in our mouths.  Also, seems that many here have reported bone loss and gum problems stemming from tx and have had to do massive dental work after tx.  So, please go to your dentist.

Mine was really cool about it -- more concerned with how I was than worried about himself or staff.  He said since they use universal protective procedures in the office, there were no worries about treating patients with hep C.  He had referred me to another dentist for an implant prior to tx and that dentist, in my opinion, was highly unprofessional about it and said no elective surgery (which he considered the implant) until after I was clear of the virus.  I told my regular dentist about this and he consulted and referred me to another dentist for the implant (which I am holding off on right now).

If you just can't tell the dentist, don't. After all, he has been treating you all this time anyay.  I personally would tell, but feel it is more important for you to take care of your teeth.
frijole

[NYgirl]

Friole is definitely right - since I started the interferon my teeth (which were never "good" because I was a drug addict / alcholic for many years) have gotten ATROCIOUS and need so so much work.  The interferon does something to destroy them so it's best to get them taken care of first if you can.

Also this mouth / germ / ulceration problem is something that does happen so having a mouth without any infection is a good thing.

I'm convinced if I got the five root canals that I need right now...I'd have less infection and less tongue bump problems.  But I just can't afford to do them all at once so it's going to take a while.

Believe me = doctors and dentists would rather KNOW than not be told and if he is a professional he won't even remark at all

[doglover28]

Thank you all for the tips.  Yeah, I was probably infected before I became his patient.  I do need to get rid of the stigma.

[NYgirl]

I wanted to get dental implants SO BAD until I found out what they actually ARE and how they DO it and then decided...nah I'm WAY to chicken for that!  I am a big baby but they are so cool...

[doglover28]

Hi,

I didn't think about the treatment messing my teeth up.  Thanks for the info.  I will have to tell him.  My conscious would keep me up at night if I don't.  That's the last thing that I need.  My daughter's peditrican was sweet to me when I took my daughter in for her physical.  Remember, I had my daughter's bloodwork done before he physcial and she tested negative. Anyway, the doctor took me in a room by myself and talked to me about it.  She was very kind.

Pam

[doglover28]

I was going to get a dental implant for a back molar that I had removed, and my insurance was going to cover it 100%, but I decided to not have it done when I found out they were going to have to build the bone up to prevent damageing my sinus area. They were going to use cow bone.  I was concerned about Mad Cow disease.

[friole]

ny -- bless your heart, Deb.  I feel for you needing 5 root canals.  I have had my share of those things.  Prior to tx I had 3/4 of my mouth fixed.  - bridges, root canals, crowns - and still need to do the last 1/4 of my mouth. (bad teeth genetically, my mom had false teeth after my birth at age 21, and years of drug use in my 20's) My dentist reminds me of it every time I come in.  I am going to scedule that last quarter in the fall, after tx is over.

kalio -- yes, I do think implants are scary.  I have already had the bone graft for it, but am hedging.  This particular tooth already had a root canal and a crown and then the root cracked.  It will be like a $6000 tooth by the time this is over.  I had my doc do a "flipper" - temp tooth - for now, and that may be all I do.  I do think the dds he refers me to is top of the line, tho.

dl28 -- the stigma is still there.  I have told almost no one about this treatment, but I did think my dentist deserved to know.  Other than my partner, no one at work knows, altho they suspect something...  I keep hoping after tx I can be more open about this and advocate for hepatitis C.
frijole

[jmjm530]

Best way is when he's working on your teeth. That way you've done your part but of course he won't understand a word you say.

[NYgirl]

I hate teeth and wish I had had them all pulled out years ago. I have huge "Osmond Brothers" teeth and have had problems with them since I was very young. It would be so much easier just to start all over (and probably cheaper too!)

It's sad the stigma we all have with this disease - nobody I've met in here is a dirtbag at all but it sure is how it's seen.  I just tell people still I am on "chemo" (which we techinically are of course) and that I have something in my blood and that I don't really like to talk about it. So they think I have cancer, leukemia or whatever.  None of their business at all.

I only told the head bosses here and that might pay off very well for me after all he's done. Thank GOD for Hippa laws. I am going to decide if I am going to leave here and sue by week 48. We'll see.

[doglover28]

Deb,
What do you do for the teeth that you need root canals in?  Do you have to stay on antibiotics?  That must be very painful.  I am sorry to hear you have that going on along with treatment.
Pam

[sfbaygirl]

Hey Elvira,

Bet you look hot in all those matching shoes and hoochy mama stuff. But I know what you mean the minute I get home the whole kit and kaboodle comes off and I am laying with my frig full of water and Tivo remote in bed and NOTHING could be better!

Today we went to see Please Stop Smoking, or some such movie. I don't remember because I fell asleep through the whole thing! I thought I was going to be sweet to my hubby and go to a movie with him. I thought a matinee would keep me a wake. As soon as the movie was over, John says, "can you go back to sleep? This is a double feature and I would like to see it."

I stayed awake for "Kinky Boots." Actually a pretty good film.

I am waiting for that day that will come, when I can comb my hair, brush my teeth and actually put on clothes that aren't the nearest and loosest and my libido comes back. Yes, all those perks in life would make it easier to deal with tx.

[Moniker]

I've told every doctor and dentist that I have hep c, and I never had any problems. Once, when I was on an operating table, about to get a hernia operation, I announced to the surgeon and all the staff that I had hep c, and it didn't stop them from operating. The operation went well. I talk about my hep c very freely and haven't had a problems.
Bob

[cuteus]

even if medical providers are supposed to use universal precautions, many don't. I have seen dental hygienists not wearing eye shields while cleaning my teeth. Bloody water made airborne by the instruments could pose a risk, even if minimal. I feel they need to know what to test for in case of an injury while doing procedures on us. I they nick their hands or fingers, how do they know what to test for? At least they can narrow it down, if needed. My dentist was fine with his approach. Now, I have to force the issue to have them remove the warning sticker on my chart...

[NYgirl]

Hey PLUS I wouldn't go to ANY dentist that wasn't wearing precautions cause of HIM!

I mean I already have TWO strains - do I need someone else to give me another?

;)

In this day and age anyone who is not smart enough to use universal precautions is not smart enough to be a doctor in my opinion...I mean honestly how much does that health care practitioner know if they don't know to glove up when examining?

Lots of people have this and never used IVDU or had a transfusion or anything - it's possible back in the "olden days" they could have gotten it from a dentist or whatever.


Time we worry about US too!  We are special and deserve to remember to think of ourselves!

[cuteus]

hum! maybe they should disclose to US if they are positive for something, especially if the nick and bleed during a dental procedure! I definetely do not need another infection of any kind!

[doglover28]

AMEN!!! Those are some very good points.  I do remember the days that they didn't wear gloves.
You know about a year ago, I got a manicure and they cut me.  The guy started wiping my blood without gloves on.  Of course I didn't know that I had Hep C then, but that's scary.  Who knows if they really clean that stuff in nail salons

[DMPA]

I told my Dentist, i had been going to him for 6 years at the time.  he never treated me differntly nor did his staff.  he did the thats sucks kind of thing and asked me about Tx and all but he's as great as he's always bee.
Although there was a BIG RED HEP C written on my file that i would see.  i don't know why it kind of made me laugh.  he was fine though he didn't double glove or anything.  I am sure he was glad to know.
I never really felt ashamed and always liked the opportunity to educate people on Hep C.  Especially when i first got it and EVERYONE was telling my husband that it was sexually transmitted.  But anyway tell the Denits if you feel like you want to.  i think you will be pleasently surprised.

[NYgirl]

Someone or two in here actually believe that they DID get infected from the nail salon.  It really makes you THINK doesn't it?

How  many times have you gotten your nails done and never thought about it.

Before I had it I NEVER thought about it at all and if I were to think about blood borne disease I would have thought AIDS.  If we have to have something we are lucky we just have hep.

[sunspot]

How

[doglover28]

Hair salon can be another source.  I was nicked once when I got my hair cut in to a wedged bob.  The little thing they use to shave the neck drew blood.  They don't sterlize those things.  Although, I didn't know that I had Hep then either.  I most likely got this from a mispent youth, but little things like that make you wonder.  

nygirl, my doc made a comment similar to yours...he said "if you are going to get a virus, Hep C is not nearly as bad as other viruses out there."  He stressed that it's treatable and many aren't.

Sunspot,
Did they do a bone graph with artificial bone?

[sunspot]

Darn good question. I have no idea but I sure will ask at my next visit. Man made or Bovine? Or is it mad cow?

[NYgirl]

Yup it's so true! I mean now they are making it so well known that women can get cancer from that HPV virus...but we all know AIDS too.  As virus goes it ain't that bad is it when you really think about it!

I know that hairdressers up here have to get an AIDS test once a year...they should HepC test them at the same time.  And logic would tell me if they can pass AIDS while cutting hair they sure could transmit our little enemy huh?

[sfbaygirl]

Geez, I never thought about a hairdresser. Luckily I don't get my hair shaved, YET! LOL.  I posted to you in a thread above about nail salons.

Now that I look like Herman on the munsters, I haven't done a thing to my hair. I was thinking about doing it myself when I get some more energy. Doesn't seem too important these days. Sorta like clothes, I have a closet full of designer stuff and all I want to put on is the closest most comfy thing I can find!

If I can get away w/o the undies, I do. What is it about tight clothes?

[NYgirl]

Dear Lilly Munster,

You know that will pass in time.  The first few months I just didn't care WHAT I put on to come to work - it was hard enough just GETTING UP to get here!...now I am matching earrings to necklaces to shoes with my outfits again because I feel better - the rash is gone pretty much (thank God for moisturizers) so those big bumpy patches have left and my hair while as thin and straight as acould be stopped falling out (I only lost half of it probably).  I gainned back a few pounds (five yay!) so I feel like it's POSsIBLE to try and work at looking good (takes a LOT of pancake and mascara hahah).

You too will get over the phase.  But...the SECOND I get home zonk bam boom Batman my makeup is OFF my contacts are OUT my hair is in a pony tail and I am in the comfiest clothes that I can find laying on my comfy bed with my lovely remote control.

:)  I have to admit sadly...I have become a BUM and i LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!  Who would ever have "thunk" that laying around in sweats or whatever could be so much dayum FUN!  

Who needs the theatre! Give me the SciFi channel and a bottle of water and I"m as happy as a pig in...pig stuff ;)

From, Elvira ;)

[FlGuy]

I think you understimate yourself, and your fears.  Anyone who emotionally signs up for up to 72 weeks of this junk is no chicken.

[stangshelly]

hey, just tell him! they should be using universal precautions anyway and its private information..protected legally..so be free to tell all who treats its not uncommon. good luck..