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Post by vicki on Sept 19, 2005 9:01:44 GMT -5
I think I'm too touchy about criticism... You're right, people by and large are intelligent enough to realize that they can't get definitive advice here. I now think that there is an authoritarian "doctor knows best" attitude behind those criticisms, rather than a genuine worry that people might interpret this board as a virtual dental practice. It's not you that's too touchy - I think it could be our friend the "concerned guest" and others like him. Yes I think there was an authoritarian kind of attitude behind the criticisms (and a touch of insecurity). He also probably didn't realise just how scared to death some people are and the variety of things that can be done to help and maybe felt a bit inadequate. I've come across this kind of attitude with doctors many times in my past so I assume it's probably the same with some dentists. After spending years at medical or dental school, they come out the other end clutching their piece of paper which means that of course they now know everything there is to know about their chosen profession. The trouble is that they don't because nobody is perfect and no-one can possibly know everything. Fortunately most don't have a "God Complex", are only human and just trying to do their best. But there are a few out there, who, armed with their degree, think that they rule the world (of the patient, that is!). How awful for these few then, that someone invented the internet, a place where patients have access to the same information as them and so can therefore make more informed choices and even ask questions and make suggestions! I've been asked before quite a few times (by doctor's) "So, you think that just because you've read something, that you know more than me do you?" Insecure or what! On one occasion, I did reply "Well yes, actually I do in relation to this". Thankfully I was right (otherwise I would have looked really stupid!) ;D And here I was anticipating a lewd remark, lol ;D! How disappointing... . The small, furry kind of course, preferably with their claws removed . Hey - I can do as lewd as you like!!! - just thought I'd better keep it clean!! Although, it would depend on whether we're talking male or female wouldn't it....?!!! Incidentally, I'm also pretty scared of "pussies" (the four legged furry type!) due to their unpredictable and psychopathic tendencies - so not quite sure why I chose Garfield as my avatar!
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Post by jamesy on Sept 19, 2005 18:09:52 GMT -5
Oh my. I thought this thread was way too intellectual for me, then all the "kitty" talk came up...
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Post by vicki on Sept 20, 2005 4:50:11 GMT -5
Me, intellectual? Nah.... Not all the time anyway. ;D Just got way too many scary issues going round in my head that's all... But at least I'm not alone anymore. So, you find kitty talk interesting ??!! Well, that depends on the kind of kitty we're talking about doesn't it (lewd or otherwise!)?! ;D Although I have to say, in relation to dentists... It would have to be the big stripey, growling type - like the one I encountered on holiday last year!
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 20, 2005 9:49:50 GMT -5
Should I drag Gordon over to help us move the conversation into the gutter ;D? Better not.... . Talking about avatars, he's taken great strides in overcoming his fish phobia (even petted a stingray in Orlando this year!)
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Post by vicki on Sept 20, 2005 18:31:44 GMT -5
Stingray's are great - they seem fairly harmless (stroked a few baby ones in Seaworld myself last year! ). Really cute actually - I wanted to take one home until I realised that they grow up to be larger than me, then I wasn't so keen on the idea! Should have paid more attention whilst watching Finding Nemo - I would have known then! By the way, that film should carry some sort of warning... I'd only seen bits of the trailers for it and my dad's girlfriend's daughter wanted to go and see it when it came out, so I agreed to go with her to the pictures. There was I thinking it was a nice harmless kids film featuring pretty fishes.... oh how wrong I was!!! Guess who was sat there in a cold sweat with their eyes shut and fingers in their ears during certain parts of it?! I'm not usually quite so freaked out by all things dental-related (apart from at the dentist's ) but some of the sound effects were way too real for me!!! <--- Probably a pretty accurate representation of what I looked like! Quite embarassing when you're sat in a cinema full of people half your age!!!
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 22, 2005 6:59:21 GMT -5
After reading those descriptions of various pussies , was just wondering the other day if it would make any difference to you if the dentist was female, or at least not physically "intimidating"? (as in, not too big) Believe it or not, I still haven't watched "Finding Nemo"... must do so someday soon!!
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Post by vicki on Sept 22, 2005 10:44:13 GMT -5
I hadn't really considered that aspect of it up until now, although - yes it might make some difference. I seem to be one of those people who can be easily intimidated anyway and have been in the past on several occasions by males and females of varying sizes, large and small - so I don't suppose that helps much does it?! <--- Hence the reason I have decided to attend the internal training session at work on assertiveness next month! As for my current dentist... well, he looks like he could be easily knocked over by a gust of wind and couldn't really honestly be described as intimidating (however much I'd like to in order to try and rationalise some of this terrifying fear thing) .... which makes this even more strange. I'm surprised you've not seen Finding Nemo considering your choice of avatar.... After my shock in the cinema, some 'kind' person decided that I'd appreciate it as a christmas pressie on DVD. Hmmmm.... I then decided that things were getting a little out of hand if I could be scared by a kid's film so I began to watch bits of it to see if I could get used to it somehow - and the good news is that, after several attempts I can now watch it all the way through without being quite so anymore. Sounds like a wind up doesn't it? I wish it was - I can't tell you how ashamed of myself I was in that cinema! I knew that Nemo gets kidnapped (or fishnapped?!) in the film but what I didn't realise (until I was in the cinema) was that it was a dentist who pinches him out of the sea and that large parts of the film feature things that most people on this board (including me!) would rather not see!!! Still, at least it has a happy ending ;D
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 23, 2005 9:58:28 GMT -5
Sounds good ;D!! Hopefully it will be useful. So it's really more down to their their personality/behaviour?
I know, I know... this site keeps me too busy... I'll have to watch sometime, though!
Not at all! I'd say everyone with a dental phobia feels the same way.
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Post by vicki on Sept 24, 2005 14:37:23 GMT -5
So it's really more down to their their personality/behaviour? I guess it must be... Which doesn't actually help an awful lot as it could be like searching for a needle in a haystack . I had a contact lens appointment at the opticians today which set me thinking... Personality/behaviour/trust etc has got to be a major factor because I don't actually feel freaked out or nervous at the opticians and yet they can get quite a lot closer than a dentist ever would - sometimes in a darkened room (ooo-errrr!), but despite this, I'm my usual effervescent self and completely at ease. Yet, if I was at the dentist's, even if they were stood 10 or 12 ft away (which is generally regarded as the 'public zone'), I would feel as though my 'personal or intimate zone' had been invaded. I know, I know... this site keeps me too busy... I'll have to watch sometime, though! Everyone needs something to keep them out of mischief! After reading a post on here about self praise, I decided to work out some sort of reward system for myself as I deal with this. As I've finally managed to talk (or type!) about this for the first time ever (still can't believe I've done it on the internet where anyone in the world can read it), I decided to treat myself to a new iPod Nano (had an iPod Shuffle before but it didn't have a big enough memory) - it came yesterday and it is the best thing since sliced bread!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 24, 2005 15:42:56 GMT -5
So it's really more down to their their personality/behaviour? I guess it must be... Which doesn't actually help an awful lot as it could be like searching for a needle in a haystack . Or we're barking up the wrong tree (more likely). Though the two are kinda intertwined... as in, most of the list you made out is about being put in control, and being treated as an equal. I suppose not all dentists would have the right personality for that (the "authority complex" among doctors and dentists seems to be less of a problem in the UK compared to the US, but that's just a personal observation). Anyway, as far as I can figure, you're looking for someone who's prepared to treat you as a "partner", gives you control over proceedings and lets you go at your pace? Would it help at all to meet them in a "neutral" environment first, just to remove the context a bit? That would be one trigger removed, while getting to know them. Obviously, depending on the physical layout it's not always possible, but it might be something to keep in the back of your mind. What do opticians do differently? Funnily enough, I used to have a major optician phobia as well (quite an unusual phobia, admittedly ;D). Not half as bad as my dental phobia was though (as in, I would have preferred seeing an optician to open-heart surgery ). Long story... won't go into it here! The iPod Nano looks really, really cool !! I've been busy downloading some of those hemi-sync tracks off Limewire (err, only non-copyrighted ones, of course!!) for some product testing and just put them on my iPod mini... I'm looking for good products to recommend on the new, shiny website (if I can ever figure out how to do it) - so if anyone has any suggestions for relaxation CDs that work well, let me know !
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Post by vicki on Sept 25, 2005 11:44:00 GMT -5
Or we're barking up the wrong tree (more likely). Could be, but I don't think so - it sounds about right. Although I won't know for real until I pluck up the courage to somehow talk (or hand my piece of paper over). Part of the problem I do know is that I'm probably too sensitive for my own good anyway - been told this many many times! It can be a blessing but can also be a curse. Astrologically speaking (if you believe in it - which I obviously do 'cause I've read 'the cards' for many years!) in my birth chart, most of the planets are in the water signs which means I'm supposedly very "emotional" anyway Oh well, can't have everything... Anyway, as far as I can figure, you're looking for someone who's prepared to treat you as "partner", gives you control over proceedings and lets you go at your pace? Yes, pretty much - and it would be preferable if they didn't treat me like a freak or freak out themselves when I get anxious or panic as well. Would it help at all to meet them in a "neutral" environment first, just to remove the context a bit? Might do - I've never actually tried it due to short appointments/time pressures but more my desire to get it over and done with and out of there as quick as possible. I probably come across as untalkative (which obviously isn't true! ;D) as I know I tend to give one-word answers a lot - because I find it very difficult to speak properly without stammering or talking complete rubbish so I'd rather say less and not embarrass myself. What do opticians do differently? Erm... tricky one... They're always in front of you and not behind so you can always see everything they do. I know I have a problem with people being behind me where I can't see them - probably because in all the bad situations I've described from my past, the person has always been behind me. If someone is walking behind me on a pavement it makes me feel uneasy so I usually stop and let them walk past so they're in front. I know it sounds crazy but I reckon it's probably because when I was mugged for my mobile phone a few years ago, the guy was walking behind me when he 'struck'. I suppose I would have to really really trust someone to not be worried by them if they were behind me where I couldn't see what they were doing. This is also why I can't decide whether it's better to have my eyes open or closed at dental appointments - I usually keep them closed in case I see something which makes me worse. Funnily enough, I used to have a major optician phobia as well (quite an unusual phobia, admittedly ;D). Phobias usually are 'unusual' aren't they? As I've come to realise even more since posting on this board, even if people have the same overall phobia, the reason for it and the way they experience it can be very different. When I tried contact lenses for the first time, I had a very mild anxious moment when he tried to put the lenses into my eyes - perfectly normal. I jumped and the response I got was (jokingly): "You will sit in that chair and you will sit still!" at which point I laughed and said "Yeah yeah...!" If my dentist said that to me, I would probably cry, panic or faint. The iPod Nano looks really, really cool... It is! I'm so in love with it that when I bought a mains charger for it yesterday (too much hassle to keep charging it through my PC), in my desperation to get into it and charge it up, I used a pair of scissors to cut the packaging open. Only trouble was, in my haste, I actually cut the plug off by mistake! I'm looking for good products to recommend on the new, shiny website (if I can ever figure out how to do it) - so if anyone has any suggestions for relaxation CDs that work well, let me know ! I sometimes use hypnosis relaxation CD's - lately I've been trying out one by Paul McKenna - it came with the book "Change Your Life in Seven Days" <--- Seven weeks on and I still haven't finished the book! . I've listened to the CD quite a few times - it's meant as a mind programming tool to go with the book, but works very well as a general relaxation CD as well (lasts about 30 minutes). The induction uses a similar method to the binaural beating in the hemi-sync tracks you've got, except that it's different spoken words played simultaneously through the left and right earphones/speakers. Induces a very pleasant trance-state fairly quickly.
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 25, 2005 13:14:24 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of horrorscopes myself, even though I know that theoretically, they can't actually work... weirdly enough, they tend to be right though (even when you take into account the fact that people may be influenced to behave in line with what their horoscope expects them to be like). I even pick the moderators here partly on the basis of their horoscopes... go figure !! Lots of water signs around and about, to balance the earth signs... apart from that, astrology has a high entertainment value ;D. Shouldn't be *that* difficult to find someone like that. It sort of helps if you can laugh about yourself and not take things too seriously... - and it's very obvious that you're able to do that, in other situations . So it's not a case of you being too sensitive, generally speaking (I don't think). What's different about the "dental situation"? Doesn't sound crazy at all. I think if you explained what happened to a dentist they'd be much better able to understand why you have this fear. It differs from person to person. I prefer to keep my eyes closed because I find it more relaxing (and because I had my eyes open during the experiences which triggered my phobia), but other people much prefer to keep their eyes open, for example because they get flashbacks of other, unrelated events otherwise, or because they need to see what's going on. As you said, even though this board is all about dental phobia, the reasons for it and the actual experience can be hugely different from person to person (at the start, I thought it would be possible to neatly divide dental phobia into "patterns", and there are certain patterns, but you always get exceptions from "the rule". Still, it can be useful to have some sort of mental framework). Not in my opinion ! Hope you managed to get that iPod charger sorted out ! Thanks for the tip re. the Paul McKenna CD! I'm still going through a heap of stuff, the ones I wasn't too keen on were Glenn Harrold (didn't like the accent and voice, and had to laugh out loud a few times), absolutely hated Dane Spotts (off his trolley - as Elbert Hubbard said, "A mystic is a person who is puzzled before the obvious, but who understands the nonexistent", lol). Paul McKenna seems pretty good - more lively and not too grave (always a surefire way to send me into fits of laughter). To my surprise, I found myself actually liking the Hemi-Sync series, despite the Monroe Institute connection (it's very easy to ignore the spoken words when they get too esoteric ;D). My favourite so far is the theta wave thingy (pink noise) and the TimeOut for Sleep series... If anyone has any other favourites, please leave them in this thread! (or if you disagree with the above, speak up - everyone's preferences are different, I'm sure). The one site I've only heard bad things about is hypnosisdownloads.com, but usually, opinions tend to be pretty mixed.
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Post by vicki on Sept 26, 2005 3:57:54 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of horrorscopes myself, even though I know that theoretically, they can't actually work... I think most people know that they can't really work but everyone needs some sort of escape sometimes. It's a bit like buying a lottery ticket - you think you're buying a chance to win millions but what you're actually buying is about 30 seconds of anticipation (or desperation !) while the numbers are being drawn. It sort of helps if you can laugh about yourself and not take things too seriously... - and it's very obvious that you're able to do that, in other situations . So it's not a case of you being too sensitive, generally speaking (I don't think). What's different about the "dental situation"? Usually when I'm nervous to the point it affects my speech (things like presentations where most people would be nervous) I can actually make a joke out of it usually along the lines of "hold on a minute while I put my teeth back in" <-- yeah, ironic, I know! Or my other favourite "I bet you didn't know I could speak Klingon did you?!" (I tend to create words that don't exist - Pretty much like Klingon actually! ;D). In these situations although I'm nervous, I can still speak. The "dental situation" (and certain other situations similar to things from the past - all these things seem to have strong links/parallels) is different because I'm not just nervous - I'm terrified to the point where I'm trapped on my own in a very scary parallel universe. When I actually get to the dental surgery, I can speak (although it's usually complete b*ll*cks!) up until the point where I sit in the chair, then I can't speak. The words are in my mind but I can't always move let alone speak - no matter how hard I try. I just lay there motionless (apart from trembling). This is why although I need to know what's going on all the time, I lay there praying that they don't ask me anything because I know there's a very good chance I won't be able to answer. The last dentist used to talk quite a lot which I didn't mind but he kept asking questions such as "what do you think?" etc. I couldn't answer so after a long pause, he used to end up saying things like "Come on, talk to me" and I couldn't - but not through lack of trying. Once I'm out of the chair, I'm still terrified, but there's more chance of me being able to talk. Doesn't sound crazy at all. I think if you explained what happened to a dentist they'd be much better able to understand why you have this fear. I hope so. It differs from person to person. I prefer to keep my eyes closed because I find it more relaxing (and because I had my eyes open during the experiences which triggered my phobia), but other people much prefer to keep their eyes open, for example because they get flashbacks of other, unrelated events otherwise, or because they need to see what's going on. The other reason I close my eyes is because I also get flashbacks of all sorts, both dental related and otherwise. They happen whether my eyes are closed or not though. The whole thing ends up a huge scary mess. Which can sometimes induce panic on it's own. Interestingly, the dental-related flashbacks don't happen as much since changing dentists - probably because although it's the same place, it's a different room maybe? I don't know. As you said, even though this board is all about dental phobia, the reasons for it and the actual experience can be hugely different from person to person (at the start, I thought it would be possible to neatly divide dental phobia into "patterns", and there are certain patterns, but you always get exceptions from "the rule". Still, it can be useful to have some sort of mental framework). Maybe a framework is something to consider for the website in relation to specific fears and the possible solutions so that each one is a process of identifying it, working out triggers and then solutions etc? Obviously then you get people like me who probably are "the exception to the rule" - but as the saying goes, "variety is the spice of life"! Not in my opinion ! Not in my opinion either - but they can be to people who have never experienced any sort of phobia! Thanks for the tip re. the Paul McKenna CD! I'm still going through a heap of stuff, the ones I wasn't too keen on were Glenn Harrold (didn't like the accent and voice, and had to laugh out loud a few times)... Paul McKenna seems pretty good - more lively and not too grave (always a surefire way to send me into fits of laughter). Speaking of laughing at someone's accent/voice - before I met the hypnotherapist I currently see, I met a guy a few years ago for an initial session to see if he could do anything to help, and the first session was the last - I couldn't concentrate for laughing (which wasn't very nice of me but I couldn't help it! ) He was SO SERIOUS - very typical of the "look into my eyes" type of approach that is often portrayed on TV...!
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Post by SoSoScared on Sept 26, 2005 5:32:34 GMT -5
Hope this doesn't come across as a "lecture", but I found myself disagreeing with some of the points above:
While it's true that some dentists push elective treatments, this is actually not very common. I hang around dentist-only message boards quite a bit and would have to say that most dentists genuinely have their patients' best interests at heart. Of course, there are exceptions who are in it mostly for the money (even then, the intent is usually not "malicious"). The need for treatment is usually down to people's everyday behaviours, and to a lesser extent things like genetics, which would impinge on dental health.
I understand that your feelings in this regard are based on actual bad experiences with dentists - yes, the bad apples do exist. But they're not "the norm".
I've seen dentists in private practice charge 120 (sterling) per hour, which sounds about right if you take into account the costs of running a dental practice. 300 sounds very much on the high side!
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Post by vicki on Sept 26, 2005 7:07:40 GMT -5
Hi SoSoScared Totally sympathise about the need to get out of the dentists as quickly as possible Vicki!!! These cosy chats are all well and good but they are time spent in an environment I hate!! ;D Yes I know what you mean, although since posting on here, I've come to realise that a cosy chat is probably realistically, one of the main ways to at least try and sort out my problems - however much I dread the prospect - and believe me, I'm dreading it ! But it's got to be done otherwise I'm not going to get anywhere and will probably carry on feeling completely terrified for the rest of my life. When you say 3 and 6 month appointments - do you mean check-ups? I see absolutely no need for 3 monthly check-ups that is just money making on the part of the dentist!! 6 months is perfectly reasonable. The reason for 3 monthly check-ups was to keep an eye on the situation - acid reflux completely wrecks teeth and things can apparently change pretty quickly. Every 3 months was a bit too often for my liking so I asked the new dentist (at the second appointment with him) if I could go every 6 months instead - didn't say why, but it was probably pretty obvious. Although with hindsight, it was probably a stupid thing to do. I don't actually think they're out to make money out of me, as I'm an NHS patient at the moment (I have dental insurance ready for when things start to get expensive though!). The most expensive visit I've had so far (since going back 3 years ago) has been about £15 - and that was for a white filling plus duraphat (vile tasting fluoride gunk) being applied. Plus sometimes when I've been for just a check-up they've forgotten to charge me (or it might have been free - who knows ;D - Shouldn't be as I'm not entitled to free NHS treatment!). Good luck with your treatment. Thanks
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Post by SoSoScared on Sept 26, 2005 8:08:03 GMT -5
Glad you feel able to chat to the dentist Vicki.
Sadly I have no faith in them whatsoever and see the whole thing as an endurance test! I plan to get the things I need sorted out and then they won't see me for another 10 years!!! lol.
I just wish there was some alternative to dentists. The whole procedure is so awful, populated by dentists on the make for large wadges of cash, or NHS ones who try and see hundreds of patients a day!!
In this day and age when we can put a man on the moon it seems incredible that this situation exists. I think there is a lot to be said for having the whole lot of teeth out under anaesthetic and then having false.
It would get it all over with in one fell swoop - naturally dentists would not approve as they would not make any more money out of you!!! Glad you are NHS but of course that is not free - just less expensive.
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 26, 2005 8:51:03 GMT -5
Dammit!!! I modified your first post above instead of quoting (this refers to SoSoScared's post). My sincere apologies !!!! There's no way of retrieving it either .
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Post by vicki on Sept 26, 2005 9:03:24 GMT -5
Glad you feel able to chat to the dentist Vicki. That's just the point - I can't - it scares the living cr*p out of me !! But it's got to the point where I'm so terrified that I can't even cope with being so terrified anymore. This means that if I don't do something about it then I'll probably not go back to the dentists again - which is isn't the answer either as my teeth will eventually end up manky and dropping out (or being eroded into nothing!). After trying just about every self help book I've come across (none of which have worked) I decided to post on here - in a last ditch attempt to try and get over this somehow. The one thing that a lot of people who post success stories on here seem to have in common is that they somehow communicate their fears to their dentist - there are some things that you can't do completely on your own and from reading other people's posts, I think this is probably one of them (which is why this board exists). I just wish there was some alternative to dentists. The whole procedure is so awful, populated by dentists on the make for large wadges of cash, or NHS ones who try and see hundreds of patients a day!! I used to think dentists were in the same category as people like traffic wardens and the taxman (apologies if there are any traffic wardens or tax inspectors reading this ;D), with the only difference being that they inflict physical torture in addition to the mental torture! But I know it isn't really fair to think that as there are probably loads of OK dentists out there - reading people's success stories demonstrates that. I think there is a lot to be said for having the whole lot of teeth out under anaesthetic and then having false. It would get it all over with in one fell swoop - naturally dentists would not approve as they would not make any more money out of you!!! Glad you are NHS but of course that is not free - just less expensive. Ha ha ha - ;D. Funnily enough, I used to think that as well - imagine the bliss of having a nice set of dentures and never having to go to the dentist ever again! I remember learning in history at school (a few years ago now!) that hundreds of years ago people actually used to pay for their son's or daughter's teeth to be removed so they could have dentures and no expensive dental bills in the future! If only it were that simple eh? There's only two problems with that 1) Even though I'd love to not have to go to the dentist ever again, I find the idea of dentures too awful to contemplate and am rather attached to my teeth anyway. and 2) At my last appointment, I asked (when I managed to speak) if I could have all my teeth out so I could have dentures so I wouldn't have to go there anymore. The answer I got was something like "Well, even people with dentures have to come here and they usually come here more than you think because they're always having problems with their dentures.... So you don't get out of it that easily unfortunately!". Not quite the answer I wanted to hear but I know he was right - again, if you read the posts on here, there seem to be enough people who have dentures and still need to go to the dentist.
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 26, 2005 9:11:54 GMT -5
Might be a good idea to let your dentist know that this happens to you? The two of you might be able to come up with a solution (e.g. take it in little steps and talk about something unrelated while sitting up first etc.). May well be . All I can say is - dental phobia a really messy subject, LOL !! It's sooo hard to come up with something like that, because in addition to different 'types' of phobias, you have to take into account different personalities... I realized fairly early on that it wouldn't be possible to make a website that appeals to everyone. Let's just say - it's difficult!! The same thing happened to me once during a hypnosis demonstration - I couldn't stop laughing, while everyone else around me was going into a trance... needless to say, the hypnotist guy was not too impressed ;D!
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Post by vicki on Sept 26, 2005 10:46:53 GMT -5
Might be a good idea to let your dentist know that this happens to you? The two of you might be able to come up with a solution (e.g. take it in little steps and talk about something unrelated while sitting up first etc.). Yes it probably is a good idea... Like your growing list of things to do for the website ;D, I'll add it to my growing list of things I need to communicate ... So far I've provisionally got 3 lists; 1. What I'm afraid of and why 2. What happens when I'm anxious/terrified 3. What I'd need to know/what needs to happen in order for things not to be quite so terrifying Could be longer than "War and Peace" at this rate ;D! At least if someone has the patience to either read it or listen to me stammering and mumbling my way through it (maybe in English, maybe in Klingon! ) then hopefully there's a fair chance they'll have enough patience to cope with the way I am. All I can say is - dental phobia a really messy subject, LOL !! It's sooo hard to come up with something like that, because in addition to different 'types' of phobias, you have to take into account different personalities... I realized fairly early on that it wouldn't be possible to make a website that appeals to everyone. Let's just say - it's difficult!! Yeah, it is a complicated subject - it's certainly messed with my head for a long time ! I bet it is difficult... but you seem to be on the right track so far . The same thing happened to me once during a hypnosis demonstration - I couldn't stop laughing, while everyone else around me was going into a trance... needless to say, the hypnotist guy was not too impressed ;D! I'm relieved to know it's not just me that commits the 'heinous crime' of having uncontrollable fits of laughter when someone else is trying to be deadly serious ;D!
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 27, 2005 8:44:32 GMT -5
A modern classic, I'm sure ;D. Sounds like a plan!
Certainly not! I read quite a few reviews of hypnosis CDs on Amazon over the last days, and hilarity seems to be a very common phenomenon, especially when the voiceover is veeeeeerryyyyy sleeeeeeepy! BTW, have you tried, err, what's his name... a guy called Paul Scheele (paraliminal)? Some of the titles are pseudoscience drivel, but the mixes tend to be pretty cool - very relaxing & trancey (though some people find it eery - lots of whispering etc.). My favourite so far.
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Post by vicki on Sept 27, 2005 10:42:22 GMT -5
A modern classic, I'm sure ;D. Sounds like a plan! I take it you're referring to War and Peace being a modern classic and not my multiple page manuscript on fears! ;D [BTW, have you tried, err, what's his name... a guy called Paul Scheele (paraliminal)? Some of the titles are pseudoscience drivel, but the mixes tend to be pretty cool - very relaxing & trancey (though some people find it eery - lots of whispering etc.). My favourite so far. No I haven't yet, I've come across the name though - I have a long list of things to read/listen to as I find stuff like this interesting anyway (too many hours spent surfing the net in the middle of the night instead of sleeping!). The only trouble is that the more you read, the more information about other stuff you find out and then you get hooked into reading that as well! Speaking of hypnosis sound tracks, I went on a basic hypnosis course a couple of years ago where (amongst other things) I learnt how to make my own tapes for self hypnosis (also had some useful advice from the hypnotherapist) - that's even more mind boggling especially as you're listening to your own voice. It takes a bit of practice but once you've cracked it, it's really strange (in a nice way!).
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 28, 2005 8:19:15 GMT -5
Ah, but it'll all go into your "dental adventures" masterpiece, LOL! Who else are the "big names" in the hypnosis/relaxation game? It's slightly relevant to the new website. I've noticed that the basic principle seems to be the same across different hypnosis/relaxation/self-help tracks. Paul Scheele is still my favourite - least demanding, lol, which I like. They all follow a similar theme - an introduction which often states just to listen and not to take any responsibility, followed by a soothing music piece, followed by static noise/binaural beat? stuff -cum- voices into both earphones sequence - same voice, but it comes from different directions, closer and further away, and sometimes the voice is projected straight into your own head, which is a pretty need sound effect! Once that's finished, it's followed by a counting sequence designed to wake you up, but because I've only listened to them before going to sleep (product testing!), I don't know if that bit works yet... Anyway - I also came across a site which has free downloads here: www.remotehypnosis.com/They seem to be very high quality for a freebie, but I can't figure out how to download them onto my desktop (can only listen to them in the window)? Advice appreciated! The one tape I've seen getting lots of rave reviews is on www.hypnotica.org, but its' not free. Urgh, wouldn't fancy that (I once had to transcribe 12 hours of interviews, and was still cringing by the end of it...). Also, I prefer to listen to male voices (I wonder if people prefer "preferred-sex" voices?).
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Post by vicki on Sept 28, 2005 13:29:47 GMT -5
Ah, but it'll all go into your "dental adventures" masterpiece, LOL! ...And it will be a bestseller!!! ;D Who else are the "big names" in the hypnosis/relaxation game? I think that depends on whether you're talking general relaxation techniques or more specific phobia/fear "cures"... but then again, what works for some might not work for others. I suppose it depends on what you're trying to achieve. I would imagine that the chances of finding a track to address a specific (dental) fear would be close to zero as fears are so many and varied, so the best you could hope for is a good relaxation track (which may make general references and suggestions for dental appointments). I've noticed that the basic principle seems to be the same across different hypnosis/relaxation/self-help tracks. Obviously when listening to a hypnosis track it's a one-way thing (i.e. no interaction between you and the hypnotist) rather than during an actual hypnosis session where the hypnotist can learn more about you and therefore tailor the session to your needs/requirements. This sort of induction technique seems to be a 'one size fits all' approach which works well for most people and at the very least usually induces a more relaxed, chilled out feeling - which is no bad thing - especially in my case! Paul Scheele is still my favourite - least demanding, lol, which I like... Once that's finished, it's followed by a counting sequence designed to wake you up, but because I've only listened to them before going to sleep (product testing!), I don't know if that bit works yet... The least demanding ones are my favourites too ;D I think that probably means I'm lazy though! As for the waking up bit.... according to the course I went on, it wouldn't make any difference whether it works or not. After not hearing the voice for a time, you would either fall asleep naturally (and then wake up) or you would gradually become more aware and wake up anyway. Still, it would be interesting to know whether it "works" or not wouldn't it? Anyway - I also came across a site which has free downloads here: www.remotehypnosis.com/They seem to be very high quality for a freebie, but I can't figure out how to download them onto my desktop (can only listen to them in the window)? Advice appreciated! I've now visited the site - I've figured it out for PC but not for mac. When I tried to download it at work (on a mac) it would only open in a separate window in Internet Explorer and there didn't seem to be any way to actually download it onto the mac (I'm sure there is - just haven't found it yet!). I'm now at home (on PC) and if you right-click on the download link of the track you want and choose "save target as" it should let you download the mp3 file to wherever you want - I've managed to downloaded the phobias one onto my PC (and onto the iPod) - and am listening to it now. I can't figure out where the guy is from - he has a mixed accent! It seems quite an easy-going track to listen to. While viewing this site, I noticed they link to Amazon - could be something to consider? (I don't know whether that would get the website some coverage on the Amazon site perhaps when people search for dental phobia?). Urgh, wouldn't fancy that (I once had to transcribe 12 hours of interviews, and was still cringing by the end of it...). Also, I prefer to listen to male voices (I wonder if people prefer "preferred-sex" voices?). Strangely enough, I didn't fancy it at first either! Listening to your own voice can be pretty weird (I didn't realise how broad my accent is for a start!) and I spent a fair few hours cringing as well! ;D But once I'd got over it, I found it's actually quite addictive - particularly if you've got a few meditation type CD's to add as background noise. As for preferred-sex voices - I also prefer to listen to male voices . Also, accent is usually pretty significant in my choice. I saw something on a TV programme once about the voices on in-car satellite navigation software. Apparently it can differ from country to country (probably to do with culture) generally what sex voice people respond to. For instance, apparently females in the UK tend to prefer male voices on their sat nav gear (I'm no exception - I need sat nav as I have no sense of direction whatsoever and it's either that or a very large ball of string!), whilst males tend to prefer female voices. Voice obviously is a major factor because even though you're not interacting with them (as they're on a CD or PC), you still need some sort of rapport with them for it to work. Interesting...
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Post by letsconnect on Sept 28, 2005 15:43:42 GMT -5
No, I was talking about general relaxation tapes. I don't think the ones directed at dental fears work for many people with a dental phobia. I suppose there's the usual "anchoring" etc. which works for some types of dental anxiety in conjunction with other things. I'm not a huge fan myself. I'm sort of looking at relaxation techniques in relation to cessation of habits (e. g. bruxism, overeating, smoking), rather than dental phobia . Nah... it means that you're effectively allocating your mental energy, lol ;D I'll check it out next weekend (have planned a marathon session of relaxation CDs to be reviewed ). Well, if you can figure it out, let me know! Maybe it's not compatible though. I'm just looking for free options - not everyone can afford to buy CDs and I'm not going to advocate illegal activities, if you get my drift It's a weird one - can't figure it out, either! Accents are really important, so I'm trying to find suitable ones for all nationalities. For Australia, a guy called Rick Collingwood has been recommended, but his tapes are impossible to get hold of in Europe. Easier in the US (amazon.com sells them). But as you said, you have to be able to establish rapport, otherwise it's a real turn-off (I found that with Glenn Harrold). Interesting stuff re. the sat nav systems - I would think the same goes for relaxation tapes... No, that wouldn't show up in the top 100. Gordon suggested to join the affiliates scheme, but you have to decide between UK and US, and apart from that, it would be more hassle than it's worth. Anything to keep things simple, lol.
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