Would you like one CAT Scan or two?

I honestly can say I have had about 10 CAT Scans in my life. All of which for ameloblastoma. I have never had an issue getting a CAT Scan done, till now. I asked my doctor's secretary a while back if I had to get the scans done at Hopkins or if I could do it local. She did state I could get it done where I live. Good, I thought at that time, that would save me a 3 hour drive. However, now I find out that the place in which I am trying to get the scan done, South Jersey Radiology, can not do the procedures, at least not in one day.

(?????????)

According to SJR, my prescription states two separate scans. Well that is news to me. I usually get one scan by itself and then another with contrast. I got so mad that I just told the person on the phone to cancel my appointment all together. I felt bad as she was being very nice and I was acting like a wounded bitch. Guess I let my anger get away from me. Again. I then directly call Hopkins and left message a with the secretary asking to help get this all straighten out.


If I have too, I would go to Hopkins but I did not understand why two different procedures were ordered this time. I normally just have one. Also SJR was trying to get a hold of the doctor to find out what the exact order was and no one called them back. If I have to take a day off to get this crap done I will be very miffed.


And it’s only 10am.

Johns Hopkins #1 again

U.S. News and World Report came out with their annual Honer Roll of top hospitals. Johns Hopkins, the hospital where I had my surgery, ranked at No. 1. It has been at the top spot for the last 20 years.


Congratulations goes out to my surgical team of Dr Kofi Boahene and Dr Wayne Koch.

You can find read more about the article here.

I just want to heal

Today I received a letter from my insurance company regarding the appeal package I sent last month. I asked them to reconsider payment for the implant surgery I had last November. They denied that request.

The letter stated that this claim was not entitled to an appeal. No explanation, just that fact. It stated they would forward my information to the correct department. WHAT???

I really don't understand insurance companies. The first denial letter stated that I could appeal. But when I go through the appeal process they send a letter stating it's not entitled to be appeal. Talk about a mixed message.

It's a very frustrating position to be in. I just can not seem to heal. Physically, I want to heal and finish with the reconstruction. Emotionally, every letter that I receive rejecting the coverage is heartbreaking. It is almost as if they are rejecting me as a person. As if I do not matter. I know for them it's a business. They want to save money. But where does it end. It's hard to have hope when you have been let down and hurt so many times.

I will call them on Monday to clarify why my request was denied for an appeal. Just another day of my life dealing with amelo. But it's ok. I always keep telling myself it could be worse.

Chin up Laura, chin up.

Closing down shop.

For a little over a year I hosted a support group at Meetup.com. Although we did not have many meetings, I was glad to talk to others dealing with amelo. Communicating through the internet is great, but that never replaces seeing others face to face. Unfortunately, I do not have time to continue on with the group and give it the attention it really deserves. So I have decided to close down shop.

I have other factors in my life that need my full attention and unfortunately something had to give. I urge anyone who is looking for support to check out the Yahoo! support group.

Always remember that even though this is a rare disease, you are not alone.