$7500

[XanaDUer2]

Tooth extraction, clean out infection, cadaver bone and my own platelets, months to heal, implant. I'm skipping the implant if i can.

Its been a morning plus upper lower splints making me gag. I'll nvr have a place of my own after 30 yrs of scrimping and saving.

[LiberalLoner]

1. I am so, so sorry. I know there are more affordable countries to live in than here, with

Universal healthcare, but there are many reasons people would prefer not to move.

I often mention Egypt, and see posts reminding me of lack of rights for women and other human rights abuses. Those posts are correct, of course.

But as I tell my husband all the time, we could take the savings we currently have, and survive there and not starve. If things really go south here as they seem to be doing.

I spend a lot of time watching “living in Egypt as an expat” videos as an escape.

I lived there for a year, in the Sinai, and fell in love with Egypt, with the people, the music, the food, etc.

But Trump is making Americans very unpopular everywhere now. Damn.

[viva la]

5. I keep watching videos about retiring to SE Asia.

It is amazing how advanced and modern Vietnam is, when you think of the mess we left in 1975. And how did that communist country end up being this capitalist powerhouse?

What always amazes me is how somehow developing nations can afford near-universal health care, and our supposedly most advanced country on earth (LOL) just can't manage it. I'm on Medicare (and even that isn't anywhere close to free), and it's the first time in my life I've known my healthcare was going to be pretty reliable. I even had good insurance when I worked for a state university, though I only got health insurance access there because the ACA forced it in 2014. And then years later I was laid off and lost it... but then I was old enough to transition into Medicare.

Of course, few of the US options would usually cover what XanaDUer has been through. (Dental care IS medical care!!@!!!)

[Walleye]

2. So sorry. I hope life improves for you soon. You are being asked to take too much pain.

I often think humans have to endure more pain than they’re really designed for

[viva la]

3. I'm sorry it's been such an ordeal.

But at least you're on the way back. It's got to be scary to have an infection in the bone like that.
Too bad we don't live in a civilized country that takes care of its citizens.

Is there an income-adjusted over-55 community near you? My friend moved into one in Boston recently, and it's been so good for her. When she was laid off her part-time job, they actually lowered her rent. I couldn't believe it.
You deserve some universe kindness!

[Upthevibe]

4. Kick. N/T

[Mike 03]

6. I'm so sorry too. You definitely deserve a long-overdue break from

the pain and stress.

I've always heard that dental work nowadays costs a fortune.

Maybe you can look at that day as a new beginning, though. Like, after you get through that one event you can begin a new phase of your life. Maybe study some topic you've always wanted to study but never had a chance, or plan some down time and maybe plan to do something fun, because I know it's been months and months of hell and pure agony. And I don't mean it has to be some extravagant thing you do for yourself, like travel, but just something affirming and life-affirming that you plan just for yourself and look forward to. You don't even have to tell anybody--it can be your secret plan.

There's got to be a light at the end of this tunnel (apologies for the cliché) and I so hope and wish you get there soon.

So many people are pulling for you. Just know you are in our thoughts.

[ShazzieB]

7. Are you saying that tooth has been removed?

From what you've said, I can't tell for sure, but it sounds like it. I sure hope so, because I am comvinced that it's eventually going to make a big difference for you once you get past the early stages of healing.

I don't know how much of your pain and other symptoms have been directly caused by the infection, but I'm absolutely positive that at least some of it is, and that getting it taken care of is going to be key to getting you back to some semblance of normalcy.

An infection like that doesn't develop overnight. It can smolder silently for a long time without noticeable symptoms. I'm thinking that it may have been going on for a while without your being aware of it, and when that dentist shoved your jaw the way he did, the infection was aggravated and began to worsen, which started the whole cascade of symptoms you've been dealing with. (Why he never spotted it on xrays is a mystery to me and makes ms question his competence, but that's a whole separate issue.)

I'm not saying this infection is the whole cause of everything you've going through, but it's certainly a factor. I am just about as sure as I can be that removing that tooth will make a big difference even if it doesn’t completely fix everything, and you can then move forward from there.

Even though you're looking at months of healing, I think things are probably going to start improving soon, and you may start feeling a lot better sooner than you think. An infection like that has a bigger impact on your over all health than most people realize.

The above is all based on the assumption that the tooth has been removed. If I got that wrong, I apologize, but I still stand by my belief that removing it wiil make a big difference. If I turn out to be wrong about any of this, I promise that I will admit it and apologize when the time comes, but let's see what happens first.

For now, please try to get as much rest as possible and take good care of yourself, because you DESERVE it! Keep us posted on your progress, and know that we are all rooting for you.

[XanaDUer2]

8. Ty Shaz

No, not pulled yet. My friend thinks the shove either started or exacerbated the infection. I got an appointment to see the MD and begged them not to tell the dentist.

I really don't want to pay for an implant for the back molar. Today I got my night guard and I'm scared to wear it bc I'm scared its gonna make the pain worse. So i paid a fortune for something i am scared to use. I'm in pain right now. I'm desperate to just talk to the MD.

[ShazzieB]

9. Sounds like your friend and I are of the same mind - glad I'm not the only one.

I'm sorry to hear that tooth is still in there. I thought you were all lined up with an oral surgeon and were about to get it it taken care of.

Glad to hear you have an appointment with someone and hope it's soon. The faster you get that tooth out of there, the better off you will be!

I would feel the same way about paying for that implant. If you don't want it, just say so; tell him you just want that tooth out of there. It probably won't be the first time he's heard that. Implants are hella expensive, and a lot of people can't afford them!

[XanaDUer2]

10. Its on the left where my jaw popped

In the back near the bad joint so I'm wrrd about leaving it empty. If i knew it would not matter i would. My bank account is emptying. I'm depressed. I'm getting no sympathy at all

[ShazzieB]

11. Oh, yeah, I can see how that could make a difference!

In that case, you have to do what's best for you. I'm very sorry you're not getting any sympathy from those around you, but please know you have it here!

[XanaDUer2]

13. I know

My "partner" is paying the bills or Id b gone

[WDLAL]

12. I'm so sorry this treatment is so very expensive.

I assume you’ve considered this by now, but are there any dental schools near you that might do the implant after you complete the rest of your treatment? Assuming that the implant is needed to prevent future problems.

Does your state have mediation services for dental work? I’ve read that some states do, but I have no idea how common that is.

Praying for a good outcome.

[XanaDUer2]

14. I have

None are close. No not the level of expertise i need