If you have been following my saga, you will remember that I saw my surgeon a couple days before I left for vay-cay. You can read all the gory details about that here.
My MRI was scheduled for 6pm the night before we left for our trip. UGH! It sucked. I hate MRIs. And I hate that this was my THIRD ONE. They give me severe anxiety. But I made it through fine.
While I was on vacation, my surgeon's secretary called to tell me the MRI looked fine. There were no tears, but he recommends PT to strengthen my knee. I asked his secretary if he mentioned anything about the arthritis. He was supposed to compare my MRI from last year to this one to see if the arthritis was about the same or got worse. The secretary said he didn't mention that. WHAT THE FUCK!? THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF ME GETTING THE MRI, REMEMBER!? I told her that I would like her to ask him about the arthritis and call me back.
Then, she asked me where I would like to go for PT. I told her that my doctor told me that he would fine a PT that specialized in sports medicine- particularly runners and weigh lifters. I explained that while I am not a professional, running is very important to me, and I have had horrible PTs in the past. My doctor promised me he would find me the best person who would be dedicated to helping me out. It seems he did not make any recommendation at this point, so again I had to ask the secretary ask about that.
Needless to say, I was PISSED. The two things I wanted info on- that my doctor PROMISED me- was not communicated to me through his secretary. I swear, these orthopedic doctors are only interested in you if you need surgery.
I got a call three days later from the secretary. The doctor reviewed the MRI again and said the arthritis is VERY minimal and did not change from last year. Now I am thinking... WTF? If this "VERY minimal" arthritis is causing me the same pain as I had last year before my surgery... why did I need surgery? Wouldn't it have been the arthritis last year too? But then again, if this arthritis is "VERY minimal", why does it hurt to simply drive and walk!?
I AM SO CONFUSED AND ANNOYED. You think when you go to a doctor you will get answers, but you won't. Well, that is my experience with this whole knee situation.
As far as physical therapy, at the time of this posting, no one has contacted me about physical therapy. I don't know where they were sending the order to or who my doctor is recommending for me (if he has even gotten around to looking into that) but no one at all has contacted me.
I was talking with my friend and she said I should ask for both MRIs and reports and get a second opinion somewhere else. Sounds like a good plan. I am just so tired of all of this.
Thanks for listening to me complain.
I got a call three days later from the secretary. The doctor reviewed the MRI again and said the arthritis is VERY minimal and did not change from last year. Now I am thinking... WTF? If this "VERY minimal" arthritis is causing me the same pain as I had last year before my surgery... why did I need surgery? Wouldn't it have been the arthritis last year too? But then again, if this arthritis is "VERY minimal", why does it hurt to simply drive and walk!?
I AM SO CONFUSED AND ANNOYED. You think when you go to a doctor you will get answers, but you won't. Well, that is my experience with this whole knee situation.
As far as physical therapy, at the time of this posting, no one has contacted me about physical therapy. I don't know where they were sending the order to or who my doctor is recommending for me (if he has even gotten around to looking into that) but no one at all has contacted me.
I was talking with my friend and she said I should ask for both MRIs and reports and get a second opinion somewhere else. Sounds like a good plan. I am just so tired of all of this.
Thanks for listening to me complain.
Do you think I should get a second opinion?
I am lost, what should I do!? I need someone with a clear mind to give me advice.
I am lost, what should I do!? I need someone with a clear mind to give me advice.
Oh man, that is so annoying! I would definitely get a second opinion if I were you. At least you already have the MRI so you can bring that with you and shouldn't have to get it done again. Or just do your own search for a real awesome PT.
ReplyDeleteHow has your knee been? I would ask for everything and get a second opinion, or ask friends/family for PT recommendations.
ReplyDeleteA couple of things--I have noticed that I can't wear flip-flops/ non-running shoes or sandals without my knee aching at night. Barefoot is fine--go figure.
Is it time for new running shoes?
Has your knee been better with stopping the compressive stretching?
I did stop that couch stretch because you mentioned it, but it didn't really seem to help. I have slowly started couch stretching again but not for as long as increments as before.
DeleteI have read that walking barefoot is so good for you and flip flops are BAD! I wore sandals when we walked the strip in Vegas and it was a bad idea... I wanted to look cute though. At least they weren't heels!
Hey Meg--I am so sorry you don't have really any more answers or info than before. I can totally understand how over this you must be. I don't think a second opinion would hurt but I know the thought of that is exhausting. Hugs to you. Chin up, girl.
ReplyDeleteTry driving to Hershey Medical Center. Might as well go for the big guys.
ReplyDeleteI made an appt. this morning at Bone and Joint Institute of Hershey! Thanks for the rec!
DeleteWhere ever you go for PT, make sure they have a copy of the MRI. That's what I did when my PT asked me about it. He actually explained things a little better to me. I can't wait till we can get together and talk about all this. We have such similar experiences!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have the MRI disc to show my 2nd opinion dr. and PT- if I end up going. (Which I will if 2nd opinion recommends it!)
DeleteHonestly at this point I don't think getting a second opinion is option - it seems pretty mandatory. There's no way that you should have to live with chronic pain like this!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you're having such trouble. My dad went through that earlier this year. For three months he had to see a million different doctors all of which diagnosed him with something different (including lupus and leukemia!!!!). Finally they just said that he's a unique case and that he's going to be fine and to just come back for more blood work in a year. WTF. I honestly don't even know what to think, but he feels fine and his symptoms have gone away. I guess sometimes it's hard for doctors - even specialists - to know what's wrong, but I know it's super frustrating. I hope that the next doctor you speak with can give you some better insight and take your case more seriously.
Thank you for sharing the story about your father. It motivated me to go seek that second opinion!!!
DeleteI guess I have had too much trust in doctors. I trust that if they are not sure, or if there could be several avenues to explore, they would explore them. Even if it means referring me to someone else. I don't expect doctors to know everything about everything, but I do expect them to refer me to someone more specialized if they think it will help. I am BEYOND FRUSTRATED and everyone's comments are validating my feelings! I just scheduled an appt. in Hershey.
the entire scenario blows.
ReplyDeleteChronic pain is so frustrating and finding the right person to really help is so hard.
Def go for another opinion and keep at it. Don't give up. I know it is frustrating but.....
I second the idea of getting a second opinion. Your doctor is annoying and frustrating ME and it's not even my knee!
ReplyDeleteKeep looking for answers!
Rest, walking, and driving bother it. Yesterday I ran 5 miles and it felt great all day. Today I lifted (upper body) and stretched. It is pulsating, but not *bad*. It's been worse.
ReplyDeleteI got a little angry for you reading this! sorry I'm so behind. :( Keep us up to date on the second opinion!
ReplyDelete