Help Request for a Friend

[gacook]

Originally Posted by Rawknees'Turbo

For those that are watching, the cutting/Frankenstein-like work is going to be done on September 10th (all pre-op appointments are done at this point, with both the primary dentist and the surgeon/MD) - my friend is understandably scared shiitless, but is looking forward to this life changing event. It sounds like the recovery period is going to be very trying (10+ weeks of that), especially the first 24-48 hours - fortunately she will have excellent support from another friend that lives is the same apartment complex that she does, during that time (is going to stay with her initially).

On a funny side note, I have an acquaintance who suggested she go to a dentist in Mexico that he knows to have the work done and the cost would be about $800 (versus $25,000) - I thought to myself, who does that shiit, gambles with their lives like that in order to find a deal?!?! Wild!

First off, good on you, Rawknee.

Second, I know A LOT of people who go to Mexico for their dental needs, as it's the same doctors here in the states (often) who don't have the same red tape down there. Perfectly clean, certified, everything. And yes, they save many thousands. some insurances even cover it.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

^^^

I did not know that about Mexico, Guy - looks like I was talking out my azz on that one!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

For those who are interested, the GFM has collected $2200 so far (the bulk of which, by far, has been from Pelican guys) - am so grateful for the help!

Combined GFM and insurance monies are close to $4K - that definitely takes some of the sting out of the huge costs for Toni's teeth project.

[Steve Carlton]

Can some of the work (or billing for it) be done after the first of the year to get a fresh $1,500 from her insurance for 2022?

[cabmandone]

Hump day bump for Ronnie's friend Toni.
Any updates Raw?

[gordner]

Hoping the tenth goes well for her!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Can some of the work (or billing for it) be done after the first of the year to get a fresh $1,500 from her insurance for 2022?

That is a great idea - not going to delay the work, however, and no way the surgeon would be game for delaying billing . . . the dentist might have been but I've already paid most of his costs. Wish I would have thought of that myself, sooner!

Originally Posted by cabmando

Hump day bump for Ronnie's friend Toni.
Any updates Raw?

Thanks for the hump , I mean bump, Nick! Nothing new to report other than all dates are set, as well as transportation, meds needed, etc. Everything is looking good so far.

Originally Posted by gordner

Hoping the tenth goes well for her!

Thanks a lot for the fundraiser bump, Gordner - it really helps!


The fund, 90% of which is Pelican peeps doing, is up to $2250.00 - awesome!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Another hundo dropped in there from my ol' parents, so sitting at $2350.00 currently (most of that from Pelican guys) - awesome! This Friday is the big cutting day - the cuttee is nervous but also excited for the future after all of this is done (will be complete at some point in December, barring any problems). Thanks again to all!

[gordner]

Just as a point of interest, my dad last year had extensive dentistry done in Puerto Vallarta, with excellent results at about 10% of the cost. I do think it is not uncommon.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Cutting is underway! All of your GFM donations have been put to use! So awesome!

[Steve Carlton]

On the 2022 insurance, maybe some follow up stuff can be put off till then.

Keep us posted! If I'm not mistaken, there needs to be a lot more collected so it's not mostly you, right?

[Rawknees'Turbo]

^^^

Will keep posted and will also ask primary dentist about follow-up dates.

It would be great to collect more to help offset the extreme costs of this (will be just under $28K when it is all said and done) - I am paying half of the cost and another friend is paying half, so is a big financial hit for me, but something that just had to be done since I was able to make it happen (thankfully). The GFM really helps and the generosity, especially from guys here, has been downright inspiring.

Today's procedure was a complete success! I am beyond impressed by the surgeon's skill, efficiency and also his welcoming personality (which means a lot to those he is cutting on). The temporary teeth literally blew me away - I shiit you not, there is no way that anyone could tell they are not real . . . literally amazing workmanship. The shape of her mouth and lower jaw was instantly transformed way beyond what I had a mental image of.

Lots of pain and bleeding the the next few days, and very strict procedures for what she can and cannot do in the next 24 hours, with regard to the temp teeth.

She had no issue with the IV sedation, so that was good. Toni was lucid and talking (as much as possible with a bunch of gauze in her mouth, which has to be changed out very frequently over the next two days), and was even able to look in a mirror at the work which was done (very happy with it, other than of course about the pain, bleeding and swelling).

Appointment with primary dentist this Monday, and follow up with surgeon in two weeks to make sure that everything is okay with the implanted posts . . . many other appointments with dentist and surgeon between now and mid-December when all this is done.

[cabmandone]

Hope she has a speedy recovery!

[matt930s]

Thanks for the update Rawk!

[Superman]

I've always been proud to be a Pelicanhead.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Superman

I've always been proud to be a Pelicanhead.

No doubt! Beyond being a site for car enthusiasts, it's a site with a lot of caring people who are willing to offer a helping hand to people in need.

Pelicans ROCK

[Rawknees'Turbo]

They sure do!

BTW - what I've done with the GFM money is to add that to the small insurance amount and then take the combined total off the top of the overall cost, that way Toni is able to feel like that is her part of the deal; in other words, it's not going in my pocket or anything (I hope that makes sense).

Everything still good, per the other dude (a mutual friend that lives in the same apartment complex in Dallas that Toni does, and is staying with her for the next few days to help out . . . I live about 65 miles away and all of the work is being done out here, simply because I was familiar with the primary dentist, suggested Toni meet with him initially, and she was then all-in despite the long commutes from home). A lot of pain and swelling still, of course (she has pain meds and is also using cold compresses as recommended), but the bleeding has pretty much stopped so she's much more comfortable not having gauz stuffed in her new grill full time.

Thanks again for all the help!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Here is a little update for those who are following this project . . .

A really good day today - bleeding has ceased, so no more gauze-in-mouth needed, and she is doing the best she can to reduce facial swelling with reusable cold packs (lots of them to rotate in and out of the freezer) . . . some bruising developing around her eyes but not an alarming amount. She's mainly sleeping, but is upright enough to drink Ensures and water (has not even tried super soft foods yet - maybe tomorrow). Overall, everything is going well.

BTW - yesterday the surgeon's nurse wanted me to look at the fresh work before leaving, and fuukin gnarly comes to mind (a gore fest of sutures, blood and hardware . . . people who do that sort of work have supersized ones swangin!). Of course I said, "Damn, that looks awesome" (no mention of gore fest for Toni's ears to hear ).

[sc_rufctr]

Thanks for the update Raunch... Well done!

[Skip Newsom]

Another hondo showing up about now.

Thanks for showing what people can do for each other when there's a need, earning a set of wings if you keep that up...