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I was circling the drain when she agreed to help me. I have the slow progression form of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Normally people die within three years from diagnosis. It’s been almost ten years since I received my bad news. A year ago, my A.L.S doctor informed me that my condition had stabilized and I would live my normal lifespan. Afterward, at a restaurant, I broke down and cried. Not from the good news, but because I had to endure this disease for years to come. 

I have been suffering upon suffering for the last three years. My right lower molar [#32] filling had fallen out and my past dentist thought it was impossible to be replaced because of my condition. The molar became a continuing source of infections and unbelievable pain. Through past falls and decay, I lost all but one of my front upper teeth. And the last front tooth was in advance decay.

I have little tongue movement from side to side. I eat by pushing the food forward to the front of my mouth to chew. With only one upper front tooth that became an impossible task. I was wasting away. I survived on Ensure for the most part. My A.LS. doctor told me to seek out a dentist to replace my front teeth and have that molar repaired. I let too much time pass. After the pain raised to a level that caused me to scream, I asked my wife and this site’s government benefactor to find someone to help me.

When the dentists were told that I had Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, they refused to see me. It took my team a month to find Doctor Andrea Joy Smith. Andrea presented me with a plan for recovery. Andrea and her staff have shown me compassion and respect. I can’t talk, I have to type on my tablet to answer any questions or give any alerts. Andrea’s skill level is a marvel to me. Yes, I was awake for these procedures. Andrea has the same quality that I have, I’m not a quitter. That #32 molar took an hour to be extracted as the roots were as long as she has ever seen and the roots broke from the tooth.

Before Andrea started to remove the #32 molar, she said, “You won’t feel pain from this area again.” Of course, I had my skepticism because there be a wound from the molar extraction. To my surprise, she was right and I told her a few weeks later on my next visit, I typed; “You were honest with me. You said I wouldn’t feel pain from that area again, you were right, no pain.” 

It is amazing luck that Doctor Andrea Joy Smith’s office is a straight one-mile shot for me to travel. I ride the public transit bus to her office and back. Her staff makes sure that I reach the bus stop safely for my return trip home. And Doctor Andrea Joy Smith calls my wife to let her know I’m on my way back. The Doctor or her staff has called my wife to see how I was doing after my procedures on the first day and second day afterward. Doctor Andrea Joy Smith also gave my wife her cell phone number for a just in case problem. I didn’t run into any difficulties. #24 was also in advanced decay and causing me pain.