Depression

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 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.

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

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 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

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 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.....