The Pain of Being a Redhead

New York Times ^ | August 6, 2009 | TARA PARKER-POPE

[ModelBreaker]

I must be a red head. Dentist can hardly get me numb or, when he does, keep me numb long enough to finish a filling or, heaven forbid, a root canal.

[RatsDawg]

I have worked as an Orthodontist Assistant for 7 years, and I would say we have very few red heads going through Ortho treatment, the ones that do seem to be much more sensitive, so I guess this would make sense.

[blam]

Lady Godiva

The Art Of Being A Redhead

[blam]

Redheads 'Are Neanderthals'

[karatemom]

But I had to dye my hair just to match my fiery personality.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

LOL...I too am a faux red (actually auburn) head. I like to think of it as “better living thru chemistry.”

L’Oreal Excellence 6R here...

[TNdandelion]

haha...My redheaded daughter hasn't experienced any problems, yet with pain blockers but she seems to be allergy prone to meds.

Of course, penicillin allergies are common but she's also allergic to propanalol (sp?) (beta blocker) and broke out in a hot, itchy rash within 30mins taking it.

[calex59]

Yes, I can see where I would have to take special care with that particular redhead not to cause pain:)

[Question_Assumptions]

I’m not a redhead (I’m blonde) but do have Celtic and Germanic background and I’m resistant to anesthesia and Novocaine. I wonder if other genes related to red-headed ethnicities, rather than the red hair genes, themselves, are responsible.

[TNdandelion]

I forgot to add, her doctor that prescribed said, “No one has problems with this drug. Must be her red hair.” lol

[libbylu]

This is me. A dentist was told me it wasn’t possible I was feeling pain.

[AuntB]

“My redheaded daughter hasn’t experienced any problems, yet with pain blockers but she seems to be allergy prone to meds.”

I seem to be allergic to all meds!

[jdub]

Sorry, but redheaded women are just different. Its not just the personality.

[Yaelle]

I have two redheaded children (and one not). One just had surgery for a broken arm, and I was asking the anesthesiologist and surgeon about this genetic trait. They didn’t believe it. Doctors do not know about this.

Save this link if you’re a redhead to show your doctors / dentists!

[Yaelle]

Would this mean the redheads would be the first to be sent down the Soylent Green chute under Obamacare?? Since they waste precious drugs that could be used on Administration Czars?

[karatemom]

Hey PaMom!!! I was Feria #63 but I went a tad lighter! I am convinced the good Lord gave women hair just for that reason!! My husband loves it. That is good enough for me! See you MOnday on the Q and R thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tamar1973]

The rest of y'all red heads must be real wimps I suppose. C'mon, we're supposed to be the master race for crying out loud!!

I'm a redhead and I have a pretty high pain threshold too. I surprise hubby all the time. The bleeding issue OTOH is no fun.

[usconservative]

I believe you. I read a study once that said red haired women have the highest pain threshholds. It was supposedly scientifically proven, but I can't remember where I read it.

[Tamar1973]

Would this mean the redheads would be the first to be sent down the Soylent Green chute under Obamacare?? Since they waste precious drugs that could be used on Administration Czars?

The ancient Egyptians used to sacrifice redheaded men to the god Osirus and their ashes were used to fertilize the crops.

[coop71]

I’m a redhead and a wimp when it comes to pain. I’m also wimpy when it comes to asking for more Novacaine or pain meds.