Re: I've got the ball a rollin'

March 17, 2005

If you don't mind tell me about this relapse. I have heard about it

a few times but am totally unaware of how it can happen.

Jane

>

> Last friday, March 11, I finally got my braces on. I have only

been

> waiting for them since August of 04. I am paying for them out of

my

> own pocket, so I had to reschedule my appt. 2x. On top of that, I

am

> getting divorced, and right now, I'm not sure I will even have

> insurance when it is time to do my surgery. I have to have bottom

> and possibly top done. About 12 yrs ago, I wore braces for 3 yrs

and

> had my bottom done. Unfortunately, it relapsed completely. Does

> anyone have any ideas about insurance for me? Has anyone else

> started the process while going through a divorce? I guess I will

> just take it a day at a time right now and figure something out

when

> it gets closer.

>

> Carolyn

March 17, 2005

Sadly, it's not unusual for issues about divorce to emerge in the

middle of the process of getting one's mouth fixed. It didn't happen

to me, but it's been a frequent thing on these sites. I don't know

whether it's that the spouse found some control as long as the one

with the problems had the problems, or what. But it's a really hard

time to have to deal with multiple issues. And I would add my

salutes to my spouse, and the others I've known, who have been

wonderfully supportive and helpful to their beloveds who have

undergone these procedures. It's scary, for everybody, and those who

assume supportive roles are in for special credit, I think.

You have my sympathies.

I think I would want to see my previous ortho and surgeon, and ask

what their opinion is about the reason(s) for the relapse, if that's

feasible. If not, be sure that your new putative surgeons know, in

advance, as well as your orthos.

One suggestion that some folks have found helpful is the use of a

school of dentistry. Sometimes their rates are less expensive, if

you can be comfortable with having supervised students working on

your mouth and face, and if you don't mind being on exhibit.

Some folks have used home equity loans. I'm no accountant, but if

that's a possibility for you, it may offer some tax breaks.

And best of all, find a job that can offer you a group insurance

plan that covers the surgery.

Sorry you're in such a spot. It may also be that ortho without

surgery would at least help, temporarily, although your ortho of

course needs to know what your long-term plan is...

Best,

Cammie

>