Root canals are finished! They got them all done in marathon format on Friday afternoon. It wasn’t pleasant but it wasn’t terrible either. I didn’t really have any pain but I was quite out of it for a while. It only cost about $50 too! I can’t believe how cheap dental work is here! For every test and procedure I have had done so far it has only cost me about $150. I think that they did a great job as well. There was a minor tremor while I was getting the root canals done which was a little nerve racking but it didn’t last long. They didn’t even stop working on me during that time. Even the local anesthetic wasn’t too bad. That is usually the worst part of going to the dentist for me.
I went to a pre-hospital orientation session to explain how things would go when I was admitted and to tell me what to pack. I think I know why they can do things so cheaply here. It’s because nothing is provided. I have to bring my own hospital yukata (like a hospital gown in the style of a kimono), hair net for the surgery, drinking straws, Kleenex, cutlery, plate, cup, and I have to bring a garbage bag for any garbage I might produce while there. I have filled out requisition forms to bring in a laptop as well so I am not bored to tears while I am in there. They are suggesting that I will be staying for 5 days which by North American standards is quite excessive for day surgery. The TV is coin operated and I am renting the futon I will be sleeping on. I don’t think I am allowed to sign myself out early either. You sign a contract on entering that basically says you will do what they tell you to do. But we will see what actually happens. If I am feeling fine then there is no reason for me to be there eating their disgusting rice porridge for which I must bring my own salt.
My friends who have been in Japan much longer are telling me the best advice is not to make a fuss because it will only upset everyone. You are better off just doing what they say and not asking any questions about it. This makes sense because I won’t understand them anyways. I have every confidence in their abilities anyway, if anything, they will be too thorough. Also, I have decided that I am definitely going to Thailand this Christmas. There is no reason that I won’t be well enough and I have already paid a deposit. I may come home earlier because my school will be a bit upset about all the time I am taking off. That’s fine though because the holiday was longer than I really wanted anyway. I can’t believe it is just five weeks away! Christmas is coming up so fast. Time just flies by here. I can’t believe I have been here for three months already.
Well wish me luck everyone, although I am sure it will all go fine. I will not have internet access after Wednesday so I will update you on how the hospital wet and hopefully take a few pictures too. I am such a tourist! I don't have the pictures with me right now so I will do one more post before I go in of pictures of my house that I took last week.