thanks Lisa
The dentist I normally go to rang at 9.00am this morning and i got a 10.40am appointment to start the root canal.

I just had to bite the bullet and go with him and credit card the cost.
He was great. I ended up having 4 roots canalled and the stench that came out and the taste from the infection was vile. I can only imagine what it was doing to my body!
He was also a legend with the cost and instead of the first part being $500.00 - he did it for $350.00 - and the way that he did it meant that i go $150 back on my health insurance - so out of pocket so far $200!!! What a champ!!!
Got 3 more visits to go - but he is going to try and do the rest in two visits as well.
So glad that it is done and that I went with my original man that I trusted.
thanks so much for the advice everyone!!