Trip to the Dentist

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mom here: Going to the dentist used to be Nevin's most hated thing to do. In fact, we tried several dentists. Nevin would go into fight/flight mode and would be out of control, he would cry and fight and scream and sweat and shake and vomit. It was nearly more than I could take...... I would shake and cry and nearly vomit (not usually during the "appointment" but usually before and after. We tried drugs....... it didn't touch his anxiety. I was to the point of accepting that he was probably going to need to be "put out" to have his teeth cleaned.
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Then a new dentist, and new hygienist. They were welcoming, reassuring and gave us hope. Kim, our hygienist was our own private miracle worker. She was and still is SO wonderful with Nevin. She never doubted that we'd be able to get Nevin to a point where he'd be able to have successful appointments. She was very patient and accommodating, yet seemed to have a sixth sense as to how far she could push Nev, without pushing him over the edge. Gently pushing, so that each time..... he allowed more. Skillfully balancing how much reign to give him as he adjusted the light, moved around in the chair and pushed buttons........ yet gently maintaining expectations and persevering towards the goal. Each time was a celebration!!

Now..... I still marvel as she does a complete cleaning and gets the x-rays that we need. I hope she's reading this (we gave her Nevin's blog addie) and knows what a BLESSING she has been to us. THANK YOU, KIM!!!