So my teeth are falling apart. I finally got in to see a V.A. dentist as I have no dental ins. and she referred me to an orthodontist who I see on the 25th. Dentist says she expects that they will want to pull them and give me full dentures but now I'm finding info that pulling the teeth can lead to necrosis. That's pretty scary but I don't know if my teeth can be saved. The gift that keeps on giving indeed.

That's true. If you had radiaion to the H&N, and need any teeth extractions, you need to have Hyberbaric chamber treatments (HBO) before the extraction, 20 dives, and 10 dives after the extraction to help prevent osteonecrosis (ONJ). Good luck.

You should also have the work done by a dental oncologist -

Sounds like good advice. I have to go to san Francisco (170 miles) to see orthodontist. Working on a list of questions. Sounds like I may be spending some time in S.F., which is ok as the V.A. will providee a place to sleep and I haven't spent any time in the City in years.

Keep the faith, David. Thinking of you.

Kris is in the same boat as you. We are still waiting to hear what the plan is for HBO and dental removal. I'm thinking a general anaesthetic will be needed too.
I will follow your posts and updates keenly.
Tammy

Well, the orthodontist in San Francisco confirmed my fears. I need to have everything pulled and full dentures. The good news is, I can have HBO here in Chico. I was afraid I might have to stay in S.F. for that. 20 tx before extractions and 10 after. I do have to go to S.F. for the surgery. Can anyone tell me the side effects, if any, from HBO? Oh, and he said that necrosis is still a possibility but that they have had very good results. More scary stuff to deal with. Thank you so little, cancer.

I have early stage cataracts, still correctable with lenses. However, my opthalmologist believes the HBO I had did advance growth of the cataracts. Isn't it always something? My best to you with your dental work.

Most don't have a problem, unless claustrophobic. The first day was the most difficult, but after that no problems, and just watched movies, so the time went by..2hrs. I did did hear of people with cataracts, near sightedness may worsen in some cases, and actually may improve far sightedness temporarily. I guess there are some underlying issues to be considered by the doctor there, and you are closely monitored while in the tube. I needed my glucose level, bp, checked before each dive by the nurse. If my blood sugar level was low, even 130, they made me wait, and drink juice, eat cookies since the HBO may lower it, and usully did when they rechecked afterwards. A few times I had to drink something after to get my sugar up before letting me leave. Some get tired, I did, or have ear problems if having a sinus problem or other esr issues, which may cancel a treatment, but your ears should equalize on thier own or by dry swallowing. Good luck.

I had some problems initially with my ears, but when I learned the proper technique to "dry swallow" both at the beginning of the dive and at the end, I was fine. My doctor also recommended I use a nasal spray before each dive. I did have some minor vision changes afterwards, but that cleared up in a few weeks (this is common side effect).

It can be a long 2 hours so I brought a DVD with me each time to help with the boredom. You cannot take anything in the HBO chamber with you but fortunately the facility I went to had a flat panel TV mounted on each chamber so that helped with the boredom.

I'm glad you are able to have the treatment close to home. Good luck!