Hey all,

I've not posted much information in a while. But here goes. I completed 20 dives with the hbo therapy on Monday. I met with the oral surgeon on Wednesday. I had some muscle relaxer shot into the muscles surrounding my jaw in an effort to achieve maximum opening. Although I was able to open my mouth a lot more than usual, it still is not nearly enough to allow for the dental tools that would be necessary to remove a few teeth.

I'm scheduled for the procedure to be done in the O.R. next Friday so that I can have the needed teeth removed and a partial made. I'm looking forward to getting it over with.

I'm glad that I was able to have the HBO therapy as it really eases my fear of the ORN.

Now I have a bit of a struggle with my insurance company over whether this procedure is going to be medically necessary or for cosmetic purposes. With every thing that I've been through, this is the first isseut that I've ran into with my insurance company. My ENT and the oral surgeon / dentist are writing letters on my behalf in order to get this approved for me.

Regards,

John

John,
After my initial 20 dives, I had to have 10 more after I had the extraction done. Are you scheduled for 10 more??
Also, be sure that your doctor and dentist make it clear that this is a procedure to benefit the function of your mouth, not the look of it.
Take care,
Minnie

Minniea,

Yes, I'm scheduled for another 10 dives after I have the work done.

I found out yesterday that my procedure has been approved by my insurance company. My ENT and the oral surgeon both wrote letters on my behalf.

I'm scheduled for next Friday. I'll let you know how everything turns out.

Regards,

John

my dad is also scheduled for HBO treatments. and it was approved by his insurance!!! same as you guys 20 days then teeth extraction then 10 more days!! Unfortunatly it is in portland and thats 2 hrs from there. they (my parents) are goin to stay in their camper trailer at an RV park.
anyway, this mornin my dad found a lump on his neck around his jaw....I am very worried about this, I felt it, its hard and very noticeable. he is going to try to get into see his oncologist tomorrow....it has been 1-and a half years from his treatment.....
I am very worried...

Jen,

The best thing your dad can do is what he's doing, and that's getting an expert opinion. Try not to worry to much. I know that's easier said than done. My whole family worries about me every time I get a runny nose or a cough.

I would push the oncologist to see him, don't take no for an answer.

let us know how it turns out. Good luck with the hyperbaric treatments. They seem to have worked well for me so far.

I see from your post that your parents have a camper. Camping is one of my favorite things to do.

Regards,

John

thanks John! Feels good hearing that! I really pray it's just some swelling or something...I am just sooo nervous.

I didn't realize how popular the HBO treatments were. My dad said it's pretty neat, there are little TV screens and they have about 500 movies for you to choose from, or you can just watch cable tv...My dad likes TV =)
they also love camping and they have a nice trailer with all the ammentities of home...so it will be somwhat of a little vacation!
thanks for responding!
J