From Fear to Confidence: The Incredible Journey of the ‘Most Difficult Patient’ to a Renewed Smile

Probably the most difficult patient in the world.

I am, or at least for a very long time certainly was, the most difficult patient in the world.

Before seeing Dr Pedro, I had been on antibiotics for a year with successive infections. I couldn't sleep for nights on end due to a marking, I fainted at the surgery, I postponed and cancelled treatments and untrusted many times all those connected to a dental clinic.

I arrived at Dr. Pedro's like this. I rarely made it past the waiting room. I'd hope for a minute's delay, and as soon as that happened, I'd leave and cancel. The times I did make it past the waiting room, I faced one of my biggest fears.

Slowly, very slowly, I began to enter the consulting room. First just to talk, eventually to do very little, and one day to do everything that was needed.

I realised, almost immediately, that I could trust in Dr. Pedro's competence and thoroughness; I never doubted that. But what made me face this great fear, little by little, was his empathy and composure. His disconcerting calmness in moments of panic, allied with his honesty and willingness to find solutions.

We built a relationship that allowed me to believe not only that he would do what was best for me, but also that he would do it on my terms, with the calm and respect my situation demanded.

And so the day arrived when I told her to do what was necessary. I went with fear, I didn't sleep the night before and I'm sure that on that day I didn't smile or was particularly friendly to anyone. But I walked out of the waiting room, went into the office, and didn't leave at the beginning or in the middle.

And after that? I came back.

And I will return whenever necessary. With a better quality of life and with the certainty that what Dr. Pedro did for me is what sets him apart. Because of Dr. Pedro, at the next dinner with my grandchildren, I will be able to sit with them and eat any meal they want. I hope they don't ask for minced meat, there's no need.

And so Dr. Pedro transformed the most difficult patient in the world into a success story with a good quality of life.

Thank you, Dr Pedro. And next time, if you're running late, I'll wait.