[eward]

#1059797

Hello All,

I have Graves‘ disease and had my thyroid removed in 1999. For me, I have never been the same physically. But my question is concerning my eyes.

I wrote an ophthalmologist in California, and I told him that I don’t have double vision, but my eyes have changed drastically, bulging, puffiness on upper and lower eye areas. I was told insurance would cover orbital decompressions. However after my eye exam he said my eyes were not severe and insurance wouldn’t pay. I traveled hundreds of miles for this appointment, but I guess I didn’t ask the right question. It was very depressing.

I feel sad that my insurance won’t cover the damage this disease has caused. My appearance really bothers me, and now it looks like I have to pay for everything out of pocket.

Does anyone know the cost of cosmetic surgeries?

Thanks for any insight.

-Ellen

[Kimberly]

#1177668

Hello – Perhaps someone who has been through these surgeries can chime in with an estimate of cost.

However, do you have the option of getting a second opinion? The doctors who have spoken at our conferences are very careful about coding any post-TED surgeries as medical, not cosmetic. In fact, one noted that if someone was in a terrible car accident, no one would even question that it was the right thing to do to get them as close to their original appearance as possible. He was baffled that TED patients went through so much grief with their insurance companies.

I know that you traveled a long way to see this doctor and probably don’t want to repeat the whole process again…but it would at least be worth looking into before you consider paying out of pocket for surgery.

Take care – and please check back to let us know how you are doing!

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