missing

so, as some of you know, about two weeks ago, i had occasion to pull
out three fourths of one of my molars with a pair of needle nose
pliers. really, given the circumstances, i had no choice, and to be
honest, i felt fine the next morning. the fourth of the tooth that
remained was sharp and jagged and i figured since i couldn't get at it
with my trusty needle nose, i should probably see a dentist. this was
right before Thanksgiving so no one could get me in until last
tuesday. that was fine. went in. doc removed the rest of the tooth
and then had to dig out the root prongs. let me just tell you, if
you've never had the honor of being the recipient of that little
procedure, i recommend you skip it.

still, i've had one or two teeth removed before and i'm usually fine,
the pain is minimal, and i go on about my merry way. this time
though, i developed what is known in the world of dentistry as dry
socket. anyone else ever suffered through this? now, i'm a tough guy,
not in the beat you up in the ally sort of way, but in the pain
doesn't hurt me kinda way. i've played entire soccer seasons with
broken bones, pushed carts up hills for years with torn meniscus,
dealt with constant headaches since i was a boy.

however, dry socket has been kicking my posterior up and down the ally
for the last week. i've missed multiple days of work and been a
general bore for my kids. nothing i was supposed to accomplish has
been accomplished. the pain has been such that i've forgotten key
things, like my keys. my mind has been preoccupied with the constant
throb of pain that radiates from my jaw up into my head and down into
my neck.

i'm back at work, but i still don't feel good. but i've got my heating
pad and an ice pack on standby. here's to hoping i can make it through
the day.

ghost