When health all goes wrong at once

[SoDoneIn]

My tooth unexpectedly broke in half yesterday. I knew being on high doses of prednisolone I’d need some dental treatment but expected only a filling or two (the usual when I’m on pred) Being immunosuppressed I need to have it dealt with quickly to avoid additional infections (I’ve had 3 in 2 months). Except I’ve now woken up with a sore throat and lost my voice. No dentist will see me if I’m sick. I’m freaking out a bit cos I can’t eat or drink anything right now a) cos of tooth and b) cos of throat.

I honestly feel like my body is giving up on me. This is all on top of the reason I need to be taking such high doses of pred in the first place which isn’t improving. The immunosuppressant medication is what makes me vulnerable so many infections.

I am scared right now. I am literally just sitting it all out waiting to see what’s going to happen. I have no one to talk to about this in real life because people just say “you’re always sick”, “ you should be used to it by now” or my favourite “at least it’s not cancer” .

My work are losing patience and have no understanding anymore (they think disability should improve it seems) and the government don’t care to support people like me (because disability only exists in the movies )

I’ve been told not to temp fill the tooth at home because it could cause bacterial growths and infection. It hurts. I feel unwell and I still have kids to sort and work to do (they’re kindly allowing me to work from home today to sort this out - deadlines unchanged so unrealistic).

I need a break. I need support. Neither of these are possible. What do I do?

What you can do:

Food and drink:

Use a straw to get liquid at least past the tooth. You can get anaesthetic sprays for your throat which will help. Meal replacement drinks will get nutrition into you - I use complan.

Do you have any painkillers? Use paracetamol and ibuprofen alternately. You can get co-codamol at the pharmacy which is paracetamol and a small amount of codeine which will also help with the pain. If you have prescription drugs take them.

Work:
Take the drugs and then do what you can.

Longer term, you clearly have health issues. Get then documented as much as possible - occupational health referral through work, make clear to work that you consider yourself disabled if this has been going on for more than six months.

Thanks but all that is kind of just the norm.

the tooth thing is new and I can’t avoid it at all. Waiting for second dentist to look to see whether it’s something they can deal with as first didn’t feel confident enough.

work are well aware of my situation and disability status but they’ll only tolerate so much and they’re at the boundary of putting up with my ill health.