Arleen

Hi Everyone:
Sorry to keep you waiting. Before I get into my appt, I just want to say thanks for caring, and in case I forget, TC - have a great time visiting mummy bear. I hope she's feeling better. She will when she sees you and your little swimming fishie son. When do you come back, because I'll miss you here?

Okay, the good news is I really like this dentist. The bad news is his prices are outrageous. So, what to do??

Reception is a cosy little alcove with an upholstered love seat and arm chair. It felt like sitting on someone's screened in sun porch. There was a large doiley in a shadow box frame containing a note from a patient thanking him for taking her pain away after she'd suffered for years. Also a showdow box containing a note from Janet Travell, on white house stationery, with other white house memorabilia. Above is a picture of JFK. The place was cosy and not at all pretentious.

The dentist was very personable and down-to-earth. He was very chatty, but in a good way. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to ask him my 2 million questions, which is unfortunate, but time just ran out, even though I was with him for an hour and a half. Unlike neuro #1 and #2, his enthusiasm for what he does shows. It sounds like he has all the equipment (EMG, tens, and I believe the magnet tracking thing). I'd be surprised if he follows the straight course that it seems many LVI grads too (he isn't a LVI grad).

His business card says DDS, dental surgeon, fellow of the American Academy of Pain Management and C.P.P. (Certified Pain Practitioner)- I don't know what kind of certification this is or who does it. He is Chinese and he said because of it, he integrates some Chinese teachings into his practice. It sounds quite holistic. So, I could go to get my teeth looked at, but my appt may also involve having acupuncture (which he does), or a massage , etc. It may involve taking vitamin supplements, or similar if, once he's observed me for a while, he thinks my body or immune system is lacking something.

Even though this was a consult ($200), he was very thorough in getting an understanding of my problems. He asked me to list what I considered my major problems (I think he had me rank these). I gave him the list of my history, without dentist's name, but near the end of the appt. gave him the list that had names. I think he was just curious (nosy) to see how others had treated my problems. He didn't single anyone out on my list, but has a distain for some of the pain and hospital clinics that patients are shunted to (join the club, so do I!). It seemed like he really wanted to understand what all I'd been through. He also did a quick manual exam. He pressed around my jaw, ears, several areas inside my mouth near the joints, shoulders. Lots of pain. He watched carefully for my reaction to his pressing, and had me rank which areas hurt more.

Which reminds me, TC, I picked up the tomograms this morning from TMJ dentist #1 (the one who had the hissy fit when I decided not to have impressions done). I'd anticipated problems, but when I called his office last week, the receptionist said to come and get them. Today, no problems. They may me sign a piece of paper saying I'd picked them up. The report of the dentist at the lab where the x-rays were taken says that my condyles are markedly retruded on both sides. Today's dentist had a look and explained the x-rays to me. He said on one side the condyle is forward, not retruded, and on the other side it's pushed right against the jawbone - so he said the report wasn't quite right, although it's the same lab and doctor he uses. He said he'll probably send me for further x-rays there, as he felt a couple of them weren't as clear as he'd like.

He said that the process of helping me was a long one - possibly a year, although sometimes he's surprised and things go a lot quicker. He also said that once he gets the jaw and muscles all in place, my teeth are probably going to be completely off, so they would need something done. No one has said this to me. I was rather hoping that once the jaw was back where it should be, that the teeth would therefore assume their old positions and all would be well, except that I might need one or 2 teeth built up (or wear a permanent splint instead). It freaks me out. We briefly talked splint, although no particulars - it could be one splint, or two - I don't know. I asked about him using the equipment each time he does an adjustment - he said he doesn't always feel it's necessary. I'm wondering, since he has all the training with Janet Travell, maybe he can tell by feel what's doing with the muscles??? since his approach seems much more to do with having an awareness of the whole body. He also has a 1-800 number, so that if you're travelling anywhere in Canada/US and have a problem, you can reach him.

Okay, now here's the really bad part, and I will have to call the office for much further clarification. He requires a $3,800 downpayment up front, then each appt is $600!!!! Appts would likely be 1-1/2 hour, no extra for adjustments. There isn't a separate cost for the splint apart from the lab fee charge (anyone know what kinds of fees labs charge?). I asked what the $3,800 was for. He said this is time spent not in the office thinking about my case, etc. I will ask his receptionist for much more specifics about all these charges, and what extra charges I might expect. I'll also have to call my insurance company tomorrow to see what's what. These charges sound outrageous and yet I don't get the feeling at all that he's some sleazy character dentist out to grab what he can.

So, it's between him and neuro #1. Neuro #1 probably does everything much like Diane and Cheryl (and Robyn in future, and Navy) can expect. I didn't see any passion or concern from neuro #1. I told neuro #1 that low noise and humming sounds were driving me crazy and was there anything he could suggest, he said you'll have to come for treatment. He kinda smile and made a joke of it, but I felt like he wasn't going to tell me anything unless I was a patient coming for a proper (and paid) appt.

Hope everyone is well today. Cheryl, are you still up? Navy? Hi Diane, you're probably sleeping, getting ready for another busy day. I'm glad your problems ended up being your sleep position and nothing more serious. Must have given you quite the scare. Navy, sounds like you're well on your way. Your dental appts sounded great, although I haven't had a chance to tell you I'm so glad you've found someone good.

So, sorry yet again, for another very longwinded story.
Hugs,
Arleen

[This message has been edited by Arleen (edited 07-03-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Arleen (edited 07-03-2003).]

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Arleen