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.

The Black Hole

Black Hole: An object that is so compact that its gravitational force is strong enough to prevent light or anything else from escaping. (Or keeps messages from being received at the Hopkins Dental Office)

I have officially named that office The Black Hole. The doctor never got my message. Humph! That was what I was told after I called the office back today. If this was the first time that happened I could let it go. But this is the zillionth time. Ok, I am exaggerating but you get my point.


The doctor did call me back right away, thankfully. He did apologize for not receiving my message. I was not sure if he looked at my file so I explained why I was calling. He understood but said that we needed to start the next process in getting my implants exposed. He stated that would resolve the issue of the loose cap causing the irritation and bleeding. **blink**

That's it? That's all I get? I don't know what I was expecting but that sure was not it. But I guess he is right in that I need to get a move on with this. I am just flat out scared. I am scared that my insurance company will not pay. I am scared that this dental office in incompetent. I don't know even if I want to deal with them anymore. But it's easier to deal with them then to start over. Not very logical but it's how I feel.

Guess I have some thinking to do.