Hi @lane73 Just popping in to wish you well tomorrow! I know it’s a big day that you’ve been dreading. Today is a good day to take a couple moments every few hours to sit down on the sofa and lean on the back cushions. Close your eyes, open your mouth and try some mental exercises that you can use tomorrow to keep you calm and not gaggy.

I found a really great article this morning on Grounding from Clearwater Free Clinic. (I have no affiliation with this facility. Just read through their article and it contained everything I wanted to suggest! So I’m posting it here for you instead of typing out all the suggestions): https://www.clearwaterfreeclinic.org/healthhub/2025/6/19/5-grounding-techniques-you-can-use-anywhere

I use techniques like this all the time when facing activities out of my comfort zone…had many over the past several years. From our conversations I just know you’re a very sweet and lovely person. But that doesn’t mean you can’t also be assertive in expressing your opinion or expecting the dentist to be understanding of your discomfort.
So don’t apologize, just be direct with comments such as; >Bear with me please, I have a tendency to gag or I feel panicky sometimes.
>If I raise my hand (or give you a little signal) could you please pause a moment for me to catch my breath, or clear my throat.
> I value your time and expertise and don’t mean to be a pain but this will all go smoother if I know I’m able to give a signal for a brief time out to collect my wits. (That type of thing).
You don’t have to feel cowardly or any shame for your normal reactions. Hopefully your dentist isn’t a ‘bit of a pig’ as you say. (Still cracks me up). If he is, that’s on him. You’ve done nothing to warrant his behavior. It’s a shame if he is! I know you’re limited with whom you can see and he does sound very knowledgeable about your situation. So good luck tomorrow! Let me know how everything goes. Hugs!