It’s My Imagination

Medical Issues

February 25, 2008 on 2:37 pm | In Some of This Some of That | No Comments

I just got off the phone with my mom. She and her sister, my aunt, are driving to Long Beach, CA right now to get on a cruise ship. I’m so jealous! I’m not a big fan of cruises, but I could sure use a good vacation!

Like I said, she’s traveling with my aunt. My aunt is not the easiest person to travel with because she has difficulty walking. As a girl, she suffered from polio and was left with damage in her knees. She’s had a difficult time getting around as she’s gotten older, her knees have become more and more painful and stiff. Whenever I see how difficult walking is for her, I wonder if it wouldn’t be possible for her to have knee replacement surgery. For her, it may not be as beneficial now as it would had she done it when she was younger.

Younger patients with advanced osteoarthritis can receive a total knee resurfacing system and can regain full motion in their knee. I really wish this less invasive technology had been around when my aunt was younger, maybe she wouldn’t have put off having the surgery until it was too late.

Tags: knee replacement

Orthodontics

February 25, 2008 on 10:22 am | In Family Health | 2 Comments

We did it, we finally found an orthodontist and my daughter had her first appointment last week. It was a consult and we don’t plan to start the actual procedure until April, but I wanted to get all the financial information set up. Let me just say, braces are expensive!

We do have dental insurance and it will cover $1500. That leaves us with a balance of almost $4800. I know it’s well worth it, but shew, that’s a lot of money. I was able to finish our annual benefits enrollment yesterday and will put the money into a Health Savings Account, so at least we’ll be paying it with pre-tax money.

After getting her braces on, she’ll be wearing them for 15-18 months. She’ll have them off before she starts high school. I think she’s anxious to get started, she doesn’t like having crooked teeth.

Have you had to pay for orthodontia?

Tags: braces, orthodontics