1st time in 'the chair' in 25 years, Guy's Hospital, London
One effect of the Radiation Therapy will be a significant change in the jaws ability to "heal" from below the gum line dental surgery.
So significant is this that not only did Mr Terry make this perfectly clear at my last consultation with him, but so to did Dr Lei at my first consultation with her. This examination was to determine whether I would need any preventative and\or preemptive dental work prior to RT. It looks unlikely. Apart from cleaning ( which they will do for me ) my teeth appear to be in reasonable condition. I do have 4 unerupted wisdom teeth but as they are not out yet they can stay where they are. Dr Mary Burke and the "Senior / Specialist" she had look at my X-Rays were both delighted that both Mr Terry and Dr Lei had been drumming this home, "finally the message is getting through" they both agreed.
Another effect of the RT might be 'dry mouth' reduced production of saliva, and I have agreed to take part in a clinical trial of a treatment for this, more to follow on that another time.
I was an hour late for this appointment, I had set my watch to the wrong time. The receptionist didn't think that they'd be able to see me that day, but asked me to wait anyway. Thankfully for me Dr Burke found time to see me, almost immediately. So signing up for the clinical trial seemed the least I could do, and maybe the results might make things a little more bearable for the others that will come after me.
The Dental Departments at Guy's Hospital falls under the Sedation & Special Care Department up on the 26 floor of the Tower, the views over London are worth the visit alone.
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| The view from 26 floors up, South towards The Elephant & Castle |
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| The view from 26 floors up, North towards The Tower of London |
Edited by Jo W, with thanks
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