Post by robert101 on Oct 10, 2005 5:12:02 GMT -5
Hello folks,
Well, the unexpected has happened. In just the first week of making an appointment to finally see a dentist, and of being informed of the extensive work involved, I have now lost two of my front teeth.
As I'm typing this, I feel very traumatized and upset. For nearly 45 years, I had very healthy teeth with only 2 fillings. Then, I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma, went through the chemo and radiation, and have been currently in remission ever since. (4.5 years) That's the good news.
The only problem unfortunately is the side effects that I am now just beginning to experience - mainly the near destruction of about 8 upper front teeth - with two already lost ( literally crumbled as I ate a dinner, and just a few hours ago, had what I thought was a "harmless" cookie snack )
Because there had been at the time very little details on the net that I could find that fully explained the negative consequences of radiation/chemo on a persons dental profile, I only found out AFTER the fact, when it was practically too late to reverse the progressive destruction of tooth enamel/periodontal disease. My dentist of course inquired if I were aware of the potential hazards of post-chemo/rads on my teeth. When I told her that I had not been fully informed, she just shook her head in a combination of disappointment and sympathy, and went on with the business at hand - leaving me to wonder just how helpless and desperate my plight had become
At any rate, in just a few hours, I'm due to go in for another 2 fillings, with 9 more after that. Then the waiting game begins concerning the authorization of replacement crowns/root canals and God knows what else. According to my dentist, based upon prior experience, it will take from 4 to 6 weeks to hear from the Dental-Cal insurance people. They will either grant the estimated exorbitant expenses involved, or they will deny it either partly, or perhaps all of the request. In case the latter situation should transpire, I'm ready to vigorously appeal any unfavorable decision, and will plead that my health condition was completely beyond my control, and not simply due to irresponsible neglect.
Meanwhile, I'm pretty bummed out right now, even downright angry as I express more of my present feelings here. GRRRRR.....
I apologize for venting like this, despite the fact that there are people here who are obviously going through potentially worse problems than me.
Nevertheless, I just LOATHE the thought of being put through yet another traumatic emotional wringer, when it all just seems so unfair, or at the very least, unnecessary.
Sincerely,
Robert101
Well, the unexpected has happened. In just the first week of making an appointment to finally see a dentist, and of being informed of the extensive work involved, I have now lost two of my front teeth.
As I'm typing this, I feel very traumatized and upset. For nearly 45 years, I had very healthy teeth with only 2 fillings. Then, I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma, went through the chemo and radiation, and have been currently in remission ever since. (4.5 years) That's the good news.
The only problem unfortunately is the side effects that I am now just beginning to experience - mainly the near destruction of about 8 upper front teeth - with two already lost ( literally crumbled as I ate a dinner, and just a few hours ago, had what I thought was a "harmless" cookie snack )
Because there had been at the time very little details on the net that I could find that fully explained the negative consequences of radiation/chemo on a persons dental profile, I only found out AFTER the fact, when it was practically too late to reverse the progressive destruction of tooth enamel/periodontal disease. My dentist of course inquired if I were aware of the potential hazards of post-chemo/rads on my teeth. When I told her that I had not been fully informed, she just shook her head in a combination of disappointment and sympathy, and went on with the business at hand - leaving me to wonder just how helpless and desperate my plight had become
At any rate, in just a few hours, I'm due to go in for another 2 fillings, with 9 more after that. Then the waiting game begins concerning the authorization of replacement crowns/root canals and God knows what else. According to my dentist, based upon prior experience, it will take from 4 to 6 weeks to hear from the Dental-Cal insurance people. They will either grant the estimated exorbitant expenses involved, or they will deny it either partly, or perhaps all of the request. In case the latter situation should transpire, I'm ready to vigorously appeal any unfavorable decision, and will plead that my health condition was completely beyond my control, and not simply due to irresponsible neglect.
Meanwhile, I'm pretty bummed out right now, even downright angry as I express more of my present feelings here. GRRRRR.....
I apologize for venting like this, despite the fact that there are people here who are obviously going through potentially worse problems than me.
Nevertheless, I just LOATHE the thought of being put through yet another traumatic emotional wringer, when it all just seems so unfair, or at the very least, unnecessary.
Sincerely,
Robert101
to the board, Robert.
? That way, maybe others will be able to find this information in the future, before it's too late.
. If you'd like to discuss any ideas about how to raise awareness of the radition/chemotherapy and dental health issue (and how to prevent or limit damage), I'd be happy to help out...
!!
;D 
