Depression

Kyskirt

I ran medical practices for 2

I ran medical practices for 2+ decades and then worked for the big ins co.  Learned a ton of the "tricks" to get situations through the loop holes.  I've read all your  comments and with even this limited amount of info here are my suggestions;  ins companies need to know how this situation is disrupting your normal daily life.  Focus on daily activities, these basic requirements are what causes special circumstances to be approved.  The lack of nutrition is a key component, the stress (which we all know causes cancer to return MUST be a high priority). Your lack of ability to interact with others, not just on a social level.  If you can't perform activities like speaking through the drive thru for banking, that inhibits your ability to handle your financial concerns.  If ANY situation in your life affects your sleep, get it documented by your Drs.  This is a huge one.  That alone will get special consideration by case managers.  Avoid the whole personal appearance or how it affects your "feelings". Instead state, I'm spiraling into a deep depression because I can't function day to day.  Avoid saying I want my old life back and instead press how you are continually trying to adjust.  They want to see you are trying various options, constantly adjusting to this new normal and are exhausting all aspects before they pay.  If you have documented medically 3 or more alternatives a case manager will see this isn't just a personal issue.  (Don't think I am implying that it is, that is their mentality, we all know differently. Those whom have never experienced these things first hand cannot begin to try to understand.) I myself avoid social situations due to my lack of ability to project my voice (stage III larynx scc, 2013). I can't contribute to the conversations and it is just a slap in the face to me that my life has changed so drastically.  It's not fun to be reminded and to be excluded.  I also can't carry on a conversation for more than 45 mins one on one.  My family understands and we have adjusted.  I do socialize but only in small doses now.  I can image looking in every mirror, trying to eat every meal, having to interact with anybody is your slap of reality.  These go on allday everyday, you can't get away from it.  I understand, as many of us do.  Here is how I get around these awkward situations and turn them to my favor:  I explain briefly why I can't speak loudly, this not only educates people but also levels the playing field.  I then turn it into a positive.  I, like you am a warrior, we have survived something so horrific people should show you pride and give you positive accolades. I always try to make them feel no awkwardness, if I show that I can do this with a positive attitude and joke about it, it puts them at ease and then things are normal again.  Then turn it around again and be proud you survived and ask them for their smile (smile therapy got me through treatment!) you just shared a very special moment with the person and you can feel positive instead of apprehensive.  Once you are seen in places you frequent and people remember you (they will). Give them your big toothless grin and share that moment again. They may laugh, so may you and guess what when you get those teeth, this time will be a special time in your life you'll tell stories about.  Turn this into a positive.  Fight that depression harder then the cancer, everyday, all day.  Take the meds, talk to professionals, adjust to your new life and do what you need to do to avoid stresses and stay healthy.  Take care of you, all of you that includes your mental well being.  Fight and you'll get what you need, educate what is necessary to get what you need done.  Talk to dentists, patients, others who have your insurance.  Find the way.  You can do this!     

 

Noellesmom

Teeth

My husband had his teeth pulled prior to radiation for throat cancer.  Insurance paid for half the cost of his dentures, thank goodness, and they were fitted perfectly.

HOWEVER, he had to wait a year post-treatment to let swelling from radiation to subside and things to settle in his jaws.  

Jim had an excellent dental specialist: additionally, his oncologist strongly encouraged him to wait.

I just want to make sure you understand that if you get a set of dentures too soon you may regret it.  If you do manage to get insurance to pay for one pair I doubt they would pay for another.

When you are ready arrange a consultation with a reputable clinic who may know the words and ways to help you successfully apply.

Hondo

insurance

 

You sound like one very strong person, keep it up. On the insurance, I am sorry but that seems to be normal for all of us. The bad part there is no one to call to get help from unless someone in your family works for a lawyer. On your medication, you do what you need to do to feel good, I have one med that is over $500 hundred dollars, that I need monthly, the bad part is I don’t have any insurance to help because I can’t afford insurance. Wishing you the best in getting your teeth and life back

 

Tim

 

Trampcycles

portbeattie@yahoo.com said:

moving forward

i hear you . i have a lot of the same kind of things going with me .had a cancer in my sinus 12 years ago -came back -lost my top teeth then -this time cut off 1/2 upper jaw an my pallet left side -had my plate added to so the hole in my mouth would seal it sits on a scar ridge fixident keeps it in -tired big time -i drink ensure etc -hurts most of the time if i eat -all this will get better so they  tell me -stayed in jacksonville fl did 85 treatments 60 proton 25 lanacak-its been 7 weeks sence my last treatment -iam a big guy 6 ft .1 200lbs an want to cry at everything -well a lot - i got  so much better when i got my teeth fixed -god luck

bob

Proton Therapy

Bob,

I would like to hear your story regarding the proton therapy in Jacksonville. It is promoted in a way that suggests a much better outcome than what your post suggests.

 

Jim

MemphisTn

FWIW

Completed imrt August '16, I had never had a pain killer or benzo before in my life least that I knew of.  As Matt stated earlier lorenzapam and perhaps clonazepam are very much worth trying. I was completely against any benzos at first but, after a few days of feeling uncharacteristically blue, I relented. i used it s needed and though I am now over 4 months out, I still take it when I get really worked up. I would only say that, in my opinion, you should talk with a professional to make sure what your feeling doesn't warrant more than just meds.

Your in good company here, we have all been suddenly thrust into a situation we thought only happened to others : ) we are only human and there is zero misgivings about anyone who would seek help emotionally being placed in such a situation as we have been.

something to be said about a heartfelt prayer and some lorenzapam : )

mich much much love!

-pc 

cbeaz4626

SASH said:

Insurance and Teeth

It is possible to get medical insurance to cover most of the cost of implants and a permanent denture.

My insurance covered 40 sessions of HBOT, multiple surgeries to remove teeth, flatten mandible, put in implant posts, uncover posts, skin graft, etc.  They also paid 80% for the actual perment denture.  

They didn't cover the permanent posts to affix the denture to the posts.  I calculated that they covered roughly $ 172k while I had to cover about $ 3k plus my normal deductible and out of pocket amounts to have this done.  

I went through a Maxillary Facialist Surgeon who accepted my medical insurance and my dental insurace.  Talk to the doctor's insurance specialist to make sure they properly file the request and stress to them that this is "MEDICALLY NECESSARY" as it was caused from the side effects of cancer treatment.

 

Thank you.  I will talk to

Thank you.  I will talk to them.  Funny, they did pay for my posts on the bottom.  They would not pay for top posts to I am hoping to eventually have that done.  I did a gofundme which I hated to do but have been able to raise 1,500 in 4 days to help with the expenses.  I'm grateful for a great network of friends and family.

cbeaz4626

traceyd1 said:

insurance

My husband also lost teeth during his treatment.  His weren't pulled due to radiation, they were removed when they removed the his right mandible.  He was terribly self-conscious about it and didn't smile a lot when he was out in public.  Our insurance company refused to pay for the dental prosthesis and implant surgery.  The cost for his was over more than 10,000. just for the prosthetic, which we couldn't afford.  We were even told that if someone had hit him with a baseball bat they'd pay, but didn't pay for teeth when disease was the cause of loss.  He went to the Human Resources dept. of his employer and was put in contact with a patient advocate.  Within a month, we had approval for teeth.  His surgeon was amazed.  He has had his teeth for two years now and is grateful every day for the help of that advocate.  Good luck to you.

thank you Tracy.  I sent my

thank you Tracy.  I sent my info this week to our insurance advocate.  Hoping to get somewhere with it all soon.

cbeaz4626

Kyskirt said:

I ran medical practices for 2

I ran medical practices for 2+ decades and then worked for the big ins co.  Learned a ton of the "tricks" to get situations through the loop holes.  I've read all your  comments and with even this limited amount of info here are my suggestions;  ins companies need to know how this situation is disrupting your normal daily life.  Focus on daily activities, these basic requirements are what causes special circumstances to be approved.  The lack of nutrition is a key component, the stress (which we all know causes cancer to return MUST be a high priority). Your lack of ability to interact with others, not just on a social level.  If you can't perform activities like speaking through the drive thru for banking, that inhibits your ability to handle your financial concerns.  If ANY situation in your life affects your sleep, get it documented by your Drs.  This is a huge one.  That alone will get special consideration by case managers.  Avoid the whole personal appearance or how it affects your "feelings". Instead state, I'm spiraling into a deep depression because I can't function day to day.  Avoid saying I want my old life back and instead press how you are continually trying to adjust.  They want to see you are trying various options, constantly adjusting to this new normal and are exhausting all aspects before they pay.  If you have documented medically 3 or more alternatives a case manager will see this isn't just a personal issue.  (Don't think I am implying that it is, that is their mentality, we all know differently. Those whom have never experienced these things first hand cannot begin to try to understand.) I myself avoid social situations due to my lack of ability to project my voice (stage III larynx scc, 2013). I can't contribute to the conversations and it is just a slap in the face to me that my life has changed so drastically.  It's not fun to be reminded and to be excluded.  I also can't carry on a conversation for more than 45 mins one on one.  My family understands and we have adjusted.  I do socialize but only in small doses now.  I can image looking in every mirror, trying to eat every meal, having to interact with anybody is your slap of reality.  These go on allday everyday, you can't get away from it.  I understand, as many of us do.  Here is how I get around these awkward situations and turn them to my favor:  I explain briefly why I can't speak loudly, this not only educates people but also levels the playing field.  I then turn it into a positive.  I, like you am a warrior, we have survived something so horrific people should show you pride and give you positive accolades. I always try to make them feel no awkwardness, if I show that I can do this with a positive attitude and joke about it, it puts them at ease and then things are normal again.  Then turn it around again and be proud you survived and ask them for their smile (smile therapy got me through treatment!) you just shared a very special moment with the person and you can feel positive instead of apprehensive.  Once you are seen in places you frequent and people remember you (they will). Give them your big toothless grin and share that moment again. They may laugh, so may you and guess what when you get those teeth, this time will be a special time in your life you'll tell stories about.  Turn this into a positive.  Fight that depression harder then the cancer, everyday, all day.  Take the meds, talk to professionals, adjust to your new life and do what you need to do to avoid stresses and stay healthy.  Take care of you, all of you that includes your mental well being.  Fight and you'll get what you need, educate what is necessary to get what you need done.  Talk to dentists, patients, others who have your insurance.  Find the way.  You can do this!     

 

THank you.  I am fighting,

THank you.  I am fighting, every single day!!!  Feeling a little better these days and do have people from places I frequent cheering me on!

cbeaz4626

Hondo said:

insurance

 

You sound like one very strong person, keep it up. On the insurance, I am sorry but that seems to be normal for all of us. The bad part there is no one to call to get help from unless someone in your family works for a lawyer. On your medication, you do what you need to do to feel good, I have one med that is over $500 hundred dollars, that I need monthly, the bad part is I don’t have any insurance to help because I can’t afford insurance. Wishing you the best in getting your teeth and life back

 

Tim

 

Thank you.....met with a

Thank you.....met with a professional this week....feeling a little more optimistic these days.  Trying to take it all one day at a time.

cbeaz4626

MemphisTn said:

FWIW

Completed imrt August '16, I had never had a pain killer or benzo before in my life least that I knew of.  As Matt stated earlier lorenzapam and perhaps clonazepam are very much worth trying. I was completely against any benzos at first but, after a few days of feeling uncharacteristically blue, I relented. i used it s needed and though I am now over 4 months out, I still take it when I get really worked up. I would only say that, in my opinion, you should talk with a professional to make sure what your feeling doesn't warrant more than just meds.

Your in good company here, we have all been suddenly thrust into a situation we thought only happened to others : ) we are only human and there is zero misgivings about anyone who would seek help emotionally being placed in such a situation as we have been.

something to be said about a heartfelt prayer and some lorenzapam : )

mich much much love!

-pc 

Thank you......I did meet

Thank you......I did meet with someone and have another appointment set for next week.  It will eventualy get better....it did for the rest of you so I will depend on that.  My track record of getting through bad days is pretty good...I'm still here

CherieLW

I admire that you have been

I admire that you have been through so much and are a fighter. I hate that you are feeling this way.  My dad looks different because of his cancer and sometimes I feel ppl judge him. Mostly kids... But it is still sad.  If they only knew, huh?  I pray your outlook will turn around. You are lucky.  Do you go to counseling or did I miss that?  I hope things work out with the insurance. 

wmc

It is very common to get PTSD, and anxiety.

If you stop and look at everything you went through, and then the BS with insurance? It is not that uncommon to get down. I have COPD and it not careful, get the feeling I can't breathe. Then comes a panic attack. I am also a neck breather and mucus can block my airway. If you get the feeling, your heart rate goes up, now here comes the adrenaline because the heart rate went up, so you breath faster and it can put in the hospital, just because you had a sensation you could not get any air. Now you know you have enough oxygen and are getting enough, you have a meter, but that does not matter. You still can have the panic. Now I love my grandkids, but when they get going, I have to take my meds and then it's ok.  I take the mildest they make, and it really helps at times.  Sometimes just being able to tell someone it helps also.  I never had chemo or radiation. Did have the neck dissection on both sides and was cut ear to ear. They removed my larynx, and voice, but I still can voice. I do understand the not having your teeth and it bothering you. I lost all mine to infection at 28 so I have had dentures for, years. I am not like most who can take them out at night, and some just have a hard time with them. I can't go without them. I take them out, clean them and right back in. I sleep with them. When I had my surgery, I had to take them out and could not wear them for several days. That was almost worse than the surgery to me. Plastic dentures are the way to go. They are less money by a little, but they will outlast porcelain and not chip like porcelain can. I had to have a new set made a couple years back. My old ones were 20 years old, so it was time.  The first ones can take some adjustments to get them just right. A grain of salt can feel like a rock if in gets under them, and you can have small bone chips work their way to the surface and need to remove them, and then your all set.  I do recommend a denture paste like Fixodent not only to hold them better but it keeps things from getting under them.  I can eat everything like corn on the cob to apples. Just no caramels, they will stick and that one small caramel can last all day, until you get it all out.   I think you sound like you are doing better that most would be going through all that. Just never not reach out, when you need it. 

Bill

cbeaz4626

CherieLW said:

I admire that you have been

I admire that you have been through so much and are a fighter. I hate that you are feeling this way.  My dad looks different because of his cancer and sometimes I feel ppl judge him. Mostly kids... But it is still sad.  If they only knew, huh?  I pray your outlook will turn around. You are lucky.  Do you go to counseling or did I miss that?  I hope things work out with the insurance. 

Thank you Cherie.  It's been

Thank you Cherie.  It's been a tough journey but I'm on the other side now.  I did do some counseling and I am still getting used to working on the new normal we all face but it's better, day by day.

cbeaz4626

wmc said:

It is very common to get PTSD, and anxiety.

If you stop and look at everything you went through, and then the BS with insurance? It is not that uncommon to get down. I have COPD and it not careful, get the feeling I can't breathe. Then comes a panic attack. I am also a neck breather and mucus can block my airway. If you get the feeling, your heart rate goes up, now here comes the adrenaline because the heart rate went up, so you breath faster and it can put in the hospital, just because you had a sensation you could not get any air. Now you know you have enough oxygen and are getting enough, you have a meter, but that does not matter. You still can have the panic. Now I love my grandkids, but when they get going, I have to take my meds and then it's ok.  I take the mildest they make, and it really helps at times.  Sometimes just being able to tell someone it helps also.  I never had chemo or radiation. Did have the neck dissection on both sides and was cut ear to ear. They removed my larynx, and voice, but I still can voice. I do understand the not having your teeth and it bothering you. I lost all mine to infection at 28 so I have had dentures for, years. I am not like most who can take them out at night, and some just have a hard time with them. I can't go without them. I take them out, clean them and right back in. I sleep with them. When I had my surgery, I had to take them out and could not wear them for several days. That was almost worse than the surgery to me. Plastic dentures are the way to go. They are less money by a little, but they will outlast porcelain and not chip like porcelain can. I had to have a new set made a couple years back. My old ones were 20 years old, so it was time.  The first ones can take some adjustments to get them just right. A grain of salt can feel like a rock if in gets under them, and you can have small bone chips work their way to the surface and need to remove them, and then your all set.  I do recommend a denture paste like Fixodent not only to hold them better but it keeps things from getting under them.  I can eat everything like corn on the cob to apples. Just no caramels, they will stick and that one small caramel can last all day, until you get it all out.   I think you sound like you are doing better that most would be going through all that. Just never not reach out, when you need it. 

Bill

Thank you for your

Thank you for your encouragement Bill.  I was finally able to raise/save enough money for teeth.  I'm still fighting the insurance company but glad I dont have to wait on them.  I should, if all goes according to plan have my new smile tomorrow.....

PACE

New Smile

Did all go well? Do you have your new smile?  I certainly hope so!

 

Constant_Pain96

Have goals

I powered thru treatment (because it was a task, I can deal with tasks), but all support fell away when it ended.

I'd lost my job, home, partner and friends. I was in constant pain, still am (did you guess?!), poor, unable to work.   I still get bouts of depression, but have learned that they come, and they go. I fake it (being well) until I make it (feeling well)

It's 21 years on, the meds don't work for me, what keeps me going is setting myself goals, because I'm a task-oriented animal. Some things I've achieved since "it":

- cycled 100 miles in a day, twice, for charity

- got a BA degree

- learned to touch type; shorthand

- sold some of my art

- created some lovely gardens

- done lots of voluntary & charity stuff

 

It's having a To-do list that keeps me going.  Best wishes to you