Leah B.
Humble Servant
Earlier I put in prayer request that I would finally get correct dx and care for an extremely painful jaw condition that I have been suffering from since mid-###. The doctor, a highly specialized dentist, was FANTASTIC. One thing I found out is that my jaw space is ### mm smaller than the norm. Another thing I found out is that I have lacerations on the inside of my cheek from repeatedly biting it. Let me explain: These are involuntary, repetitive jaw movements that I can not stop doing. She is pretty sure it's a neurological condition that is causing the movements and is going to research to get me the best neurologist possible. I am very happy to get some resolution. I was a bit taken aback at one thing she said though, that is, that I might not be ALLOWED to self-pay. I might have to get pre-authorization from my insurance company to see a neurologist. I don't understand why. I paid HER cash today with no insurance. Why can't I just pay the neurologist too? Does the insurance company OWN me? Please understand that I don't want any more delays. Please also understand that part of the reason I am in this condition for so long is it was misdiagnosed as TMJ, and the insurance company doesn't cover TMJ unless you need surgery. [But as an aside, these very same people who don't cover TMJ care would happily pay out thousands of dollars for hormones and gender reassignment surgeries if I told them I was a man trapped in a woman's body -- America 2025. LOL.] But back to point: I already shelled out about $### out of pocket to go see a total quack of a "TMJ specialist." He saw all of the jaw movement too, but he told me a bunch of garbage that didn't make any sense and just plain old ripped me off. Then on top of that, it was all the providers this insurance company DID pay for including a general doctor who SAW all these uncontrollable facial movements and told me I looked "crazy," as well as a chiropractor who made a fortune doing absolutely nothing for me, who are also responsible for my years of endless suffering, pain and sleep deprivation to begin with. I mean, it's not that I WANT to pay out of pocket, but I just don't like the idea that the people who are in control of my health care are potentially THAT MUCH in control, like they can literally dictate which doctor I go see. As a matter of fact, I think it's disgusting. All this being said, I want to stress again that I am very, very happy about today. This extended visit cost under $###, and this doctor was amazing. At least I know somebody is squarely on my side. At least I know there are still some doctors left who know what they're doing that you can actually trust. And now to my prayers, all in Jesus's name: Please pray she sends me her report very soon. Please pray that I get to see the best neurologist possible very soon -- better if the insurance company pays but if I have to pay to get the best, so be it. I am in agony. I truly am. I'm also scared. If I have what I strongly suspect I have, I will need to take medication for the rest of my life. This medication carries a risk of Parkinson's disease. The sick part is I got this condition from taking drugs I should never have been put on to begin with. I was misdiagnosed, I believe deliberately. I was also never warned about this horrendous medication side-effect; nor was I ever monitored for signs of the side-effect. Anyway, you don't know me, and I'm not going to tell the story -- but it's true. So called "doctors" turned me into a freak for fun and profit. I'll never get over what these people did to me.