No problem. The only thought that I have on this is that I found out that I can
get total disability through VA if I can prove that I can not work and I know
that is possible with SSA. The problem is like you said is that I have to do
what VA wants when it comes to the MM and related problems with it such as the
allergies. I dont do what VA wants and refuse treatment or surgeries, then that
will ruin my chances for either one or both as SSA will check the records and
well, you know how that goes. There are other surgeries and treatments that I
have read and heard about but not had done to me. Maybe cutting the nerve would
be better for me than something else. But I am not going to let them mess with
the other ear. I'll let you know how it goes, most likely just like it always
goes, get told the some old story.

Hugs and Hope that your day will be better.
Ernest



----- Original Message ----
From: Joan_Alatariel <joan.alatariel@...>
To: menieresdiseaseclub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 2, 2008 4:31:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Meniere's Disease Club] Ernest - Meniett or shunt?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. I guess I am in the same
position you are and at the mercy of the Medicaid system. I just find it so
stupid that they are willing to do surgery which is clearly more expensive
rather than try something less evasive. The ENT said they would try to appeal
and get the Meniett paid for but I won't let it go on too long since I refuse to
wait another year and a half for some relief of my symptoms. My theory though is
if they are going to do the same sort of surgery then I would rather have them
snip the balance nerve rather than put a shunt. I am just tired of having these
symptoms. Know what I mean? I just want my life back and if it means being deaf
than so what. I can live with that easier than I can live with the dizziness,
pressure, nausea, etc.. Maybe that's a cop out but big deal. It's my choice
right? LOL

Let me know how your appointment goes too. I don't have an appointment scheduled
again until we get the official denial to pay for the Meniett device and then I
will appeal it. If the appeal is denied, I will call and schedule the shunt
surgery. I guess I will see the specialist again on the day of my surgery.

Hugs,
Joan/UT
----- Original Message -----
From: ErNeSt
To: menieresdiseaseclub @yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Meniere's Disease Club] Meniett or shunt?

Hi Joan,
Joan, no offense taken here and I am darn proud to have served my country to
have our freedom. Thank you for your respect, means a lot to me. I understand
what you mean. The new goveneror of Kentucky is already doing things I dont
like, pulling funds from our universities to build bridges and so forth, messing
with our childrens education, but the people put him there, I voted for the
other guy. I wish that I knew of some what to help you with the payment and the
choices that you have to make. As with anyone else here, all I can do is let you
know what I was told. As far as my MM goes, I have to deal with the Veterans
Affairs with mine and I still have to do what they want to do, I have no choice
in the matter....period. I got this MM the last 2 years I was in the Army. They
decided right off the bat, in 1998, to do the shunt tube surgery and it worked
fine for me. I did lose some of my hearing do to that and I was told that I
would. I did not want it
and i was fighting it, but it happened. I did not have any symptoms for years
and it was like I never had the problem at all. I rode the rides at Disney land
and all that kind of stuff. Then in June 2006, BAMM, you thought that I was
gone, but I am back. Started going back to the VA hospital again, they wanted to
do the surgery again, so in March 2007, did it again, failure and made it worse.
I totally lost all of my hearing in that ear now.Currently now, they want to do
the germicine shots (SP?) . OH, I only have this in one ear, but feels like it
is going to the other ear as I have the feeling of fluid in that ear sometimes.
I dont want anything done to the other ear, I am not going to lose my hearing my
my other ear. Anyway, I dont know on the merret or the shots as I have not had
either done on me. I am not sure about getttng the shots. My next appointment is
not until Feb. 25th and sometime in March. Right now, I am not worried about
that as much
as I am about being possible diabetic as I am having the symtoms for it and that
may be messing with my MM. I wish you luck on your choice. Please let me know
how it goes.

Hugs and Hope that your day will be better.
Ernest

----- Original Message ----
From: Joan_Alatariel <joan.alatariel@ comcast.net>
To: copinglist@yahoogro ups.com
Cc: menieresdiseaseclub @yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:56:32 PM
Subject: [Meniere's Disease Club] Meniett or shunt?

I had my Meniere's specialist appointment today. First off the doctor was really
nice and patiently explained my options at this point and of course the risks
involved with each. His goal is to preserve as much of my hearing as possible so
of course he wants to try the Meniett first. My only other option is a
Endolymphatic shunt. So Meniett or surgery?
It sounds like a simple choice right? WRONG! This is the USA where we are free
as long as we have money and don't need to rely on the state for health
insurance! I am so upset that it took me this long to write down my thoughts. I
mean no offense to Ernest (our resident vet) or anyone else who has served in
the military to fight for our freedom. All vets do what they are told and have
done their part to help us remain free from communism or some other hostile take
over. I truly respect our vets and those who have fought for our country. It's
the politicians I hate. All they know is kickbacks and what will I get if I vote
your way?

Now for the not so happy news ... the Meniett is NOT covered by any insurance
except Medicare which of course I do not have. Ernest, you were right about it
not being covered but my ENT is willing to fight to try to get it approved
anyway ... even if it is as a rental only. I have friends in the system and I
already know it will not go through. It makes no sense that I am going to be
forced to have evasive surgery knowing all the risks an how high the risk of
infection is in the operating rooms here in Utah. I am not at all pleased. I am
tired of fighting and tired of such stupid rules. It would only only make sense
that insurance companies would avoid surgeries whenever possible but apparently
that is way too logical! There is no way I can pay for The Meniett on the $600 a
month I make caring for my cousin at home. I will fight to a point but you all
know that the last thing I need is more stress in my life! The ENT will not do
the gent injections since
he feels my hearing is good enough to not risk losing more of it unless the
shunt does not work. Now tell me all of you who have had this illness a lot
longer than me ... once they cut in to me once the point of having shots after
that?

I'm sorry to be so down but it's been a long day. He took me off of Diazepam and
put me on a new vestibular med called Robinul or Glycopyrrolate (the generic).
It's not suppose to cause the loopy feeling or knock me out like Diazepam does.
I hope he is right. Are any of you on this medication? If so, what has been your
experience? I tried to look it up on WebMD and it looks like it belongs to a
class of drugs known as anticholinergics. It may help symptoms of cramping and
abdominal/stomach pain by decreasing stomach acid and slowing the intestines.
Can someone please explain what the heck that has to do with being an
antivestibular drug??? Am I losing my mind? LOL

Hugs,
Joan/UT

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