My name is Michelanne. I am reaching out in the hope and absolute faith that there is someone out there that can help me. I am a 49 year old, single, working mother, and I am currently facing a crisis I simply cannot handle alone. Please allow me to share just a little bit about myself.

I have spent years under doctor’s care for everything from chronic GI problems to chronic pain. My struggles led me down a dark path that included hospitals, surgeries, addiction and finally, redemption.

For over 30 years, I have struggled with chronic GI (gastrointestinal) problems; ulcers, gall bladder, pancreatitis, acid reflux, even esophageal tears and bleeding. Through all that time, I have been under a doctor’s care and prescribed medication, including a number of antiemetics. Antiemetics are used to treat nausea and vomiting. Common antiemetics include Compazine, Phenergan and Reglan.

Approximately 20 years ago, I began having unusual dental issues. I developed what I can only describe as a tick. I began to thrust my tongue along the backs of my teeth. Most of the time I don’t even realize I am doing it. Even once I do realize, I can only stop at best for a few minutes, before starting again. At first it was little more than an annoyance, but over the years I began to do serious damage to my teeth. I have worn down the backs of them, even wearing my canine teeth into a fine, sharp point that the dentist had to smooth down. My teeth have been pushed out of place, and most recently, have become loose to the point that I require a splint to hold them in place until a more permanent solution can be found.

A few years ago, I saw a commercial for a class action lawsuit against the makers of Reglan. The suit claimed that prolonged use of Reglan can cause, among other things, tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesias (TDs) are involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk and extremities. I realized that this may be the cause of my issue. I spoke to my general practitioner, who agreed with my assessment. I then made a formal inquiry to the firm that was bringing the class action suit. After my initial assessment, I was advised that because I had been given other medications in the same class of drug, I was exempt from the suit.

Then, in 1996 I suffered a back injury while on the job. Over the course of 4 back surgeries, I was given a myriad of medication. Over time I developed a dependence upon, and addiction to prescription pain medication. The medication was very hard on my GI system. I was prone to violent episodes of nausea and vomiting, which often required hospitalization to stabilize. I spent 15 years in and out of the hospital. My children spent holidays and birthdays by my hospital bedside. My husband would bring my daughters to the hospital every morning, so I could brush their hair. One year, I was hospitalized over the Christmas holiday, and my family brought in a tiny Christmas tree, so when Christmas morning came, we had somewhere to put the presents. It was no way to live, for any of us.

Finally, in 2012, I had had enough, and I decided to get help. I went to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, and completed their inpatient detox and rehabilitation. I cannot say enough good things about the program and people at Cottage Hospital and Cottage Rehabilitation Center. They quite literally saved my life. With their help, I was able to come off all narcotic pain medication, and I have stayed off since that time. I am under the care of an addiction specialist MD, who helps me manage my pain in a safe, sober way.

One of the medications I was given to treat my pain was Actiq. Actiq by Cephalon is a solid formulation of Fentanyl, an opioid medicine 100 times more powerful than morphine. It comes on a plastic stick in lollipop form, that dissolves slowly in the mouth for absorption in the mucous membranes. Many users, myself included, claim that Actiq ruined their teeth. Litigation is currently pending against the drug company TEVA: Cephalon.

As the result of many years of neglect and prolonged use of medication that has now been proven to be extremely detrimental, my teeth have been destroyed. They are out of place. They are broken. They are missing. But more importantly, beyond the cosmetics of it, intervention is necessary, as my mouth is riddled with infection. When an infection occurs, bacteria can move out of the tooth to the bone or tissue below. This is what I am facing. As with all infections, an infection in the mouth should be treated as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of complications, including sepsis.

I have seen 2 different doctors specializing in dental reconstruction and implants. Both advised that my teeth cannot be saved, either because of infection or because of mobility. Most are just too loose to salvage. Intervention treatment includes removing the damaged teeth and replacing them with removable dentures, at a cost of nearly $10,000. Obviously, this is not my first choice, as I am only 49 years old and would like something a little more permanent. We have discussed various other options, including implants (either some or all), but that is extremely expensive.

Under the current plan, I will undergo 2 separate surgeries. The remaining teeth will be extracted. The jaw bone will be shaved to get rid of weak and/or infected bone, and create an even surface for the implants. 4 titanium rods will be implanted. These will hold the appliance (denture) in place. The appliance will then be screwed down, so it becomes a permanent fixture. The first surgery, which will address the upper arch, is set for April 21.

The top arch alone will be $27,000. I have secured a CareCredit card to help pay for procedure. Payments will be $600 a month for 5 years. And that is just for the top arch. Eventually, the bottom will have to be done, as well. As I said, I am a single, working mother. I work as an administrative assistant. I enjoy my job very much. My employer is supportive and generous, but, obviously, $600 a month is a lot of money. With the help of CareCredit, I can proceed with the surgery. I am assuming responsibility for my past actions and my future happiness. I am prepared to take on that responsibility, but it is my sincere hope that I won’t have to take it on alone. I believe with all my heart that there must be someone(s) or some agency out there that can help me, someone that has both the willingness and the resources. And that is why I am reaching out. The work that I have done in recovery over the years has taught me to trust and believe in a Higher Power that will provide. My job is simply to tell the truth, to own my past, but not live in it, to look to the future and to ask for help when needed.

I used to have a vibrant, beautiful smile. Someone once told me I had a “million dollar smile”. Those days are long gone. I no longer smile, especially not in pictures. When talking or laughing I cover my mouth with my hand. I am embarrassed and ashamed. I have worked so hard to take my life back, to create a life that I can be proud of. This is the last piece of my puzzle. The piece that will make me whole, literally and figuratively.

Because the damage is due, in large part, to the side effects of not one, but two medications, I will be contacting drug companies, legislators, patient advocacy groups, as well as highly visible men and women in recovery. In short, I am reaching out to anyone and everyone that will listen. If you or someone you know wants to help or has a suggestion as to who else I might contact, please contact me.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.