Ha! Why should I be stuck with only strep throat? It's me - nothing is ever normal! So fever and throat kept getting worse. Went back to dr's on Friday (and had to cancel my trip to VA for the wkend which sucked) and it turned out that in addition to strep, I developed infections on my tonsils. So after blood tests and more of the dr feeling how large my glands had swollen, she switched me to Biaxin. She also mentioned that if I got worse over the weekend I'd have to go to casualty to make sure I didn't have an abscess. Now the problem here is she mentioned the A word. It's illegal to mention the A word near me, b/c somehow my body gets ideas from it.
Well, thankfully my throat improved over the weekend, but why leave things like that? If something is getting better, then something else needs to get worse, right? Well that's my body's inane logic. So of course the bum started to hurt. I tried to ignore it, figured it was b/c I was spending a lot of time on the couch, blah blah blah. It's easy to try to rationalise these things away. Of course it never works.
So today I went back to my dr so she could check out my throat - happy it was improving but definitely not 100% yet. I'm not greedy, I'll take what I can get. Since I was there, and missed a lot of work last week (though to be fair I went in everyday except Tuesday, even burning with fever, because the office was moving and I had to sort it out) I asked her to just take a glance at my bottom and see if I was hallucinating. It's happened occasionally...
No such luck this time, she suggested I head downstairs to my CRS to see if he could take a look at me. It's so nice having most of my dr's in the same building, really saves on commuting times/costs! So I went downstairs where they know me oh so well. The receptionist was like - do you have an appt? I told her the situation and she said to have a seat. I thought I'd just make an appt, but she conferred with some people and then they spoke to Dr. A and what can I say, I've just got that special affect that he wanted to see me then and there. He probably thought I was imagining it again and just get rid of me. Well I shouldn't say that, he's actually quite sensitive to my plight and I believe would really love to suss out why I keep getting these, well, you know the word. So he came in, I told him, he took one look at me and was like, yep you've got an -------. So it didn't develop in my throat, but lucky me still got one on the other end! He wanted to do surgery tmrw morning but I told him I'd missed so much work last week. We agreed to Thursday, and he conferred w/ my dr about drugs in the meantime, so now I'm on Biaxin AND Flagyl. So I can't even drink myself silly about this blasted situation! I'm hoping I hold out until Thursday as I really want to miss the least amount of work possible. Fingers crossed!!!
Oh - and my blasted neck is still killing me! ARGH!!!
Showing posts with label Dr. Aranoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Aranoff. Show all posts
02 August, 2010
16 March, 2010
More catching up...
Maybe separating it by body part will be easiest:
1)Neck was still a wreck so continued through beginning of January. I felt we weren’t getting anywhere and well, obviously my PT agreed, because she broke up with me. We both thought I needed to see another doctor. I was at my wits end and wasn’t sure which direction to go in seeing as though I’ve been to every kind of doctor I can think of. I got the name of a spine surgeon – Dr. Michael Neuwirth - from my hand dr. I made an appointment to see him after my hand surgery (see below). He said that he wanted to do the following: a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and osteophytectomy with a 2 level anterior cervical fusion using structural allograft and an anterior cervical plate. I think I walked around in shock that day. Not only did this sound huge, the doctor didn’t take my insurance and at the time Beth Israel still wasn’t out of negotiations w/ UHC. After flipping out for a couple of days and emailing the dr with my million and one questions – I started to think more sensibly. I realised I needed more opinions. My friends that are chiros were already dead set against it. Can’t really blame them. I made an appointment with my physiatrist, and continued to research. What I found were reports that once your spine is fused, it puts more pressure on the adjacent joints and they begin to degenerate. That was the last thing I need because my spine is already degenerating faster than most people my age. I saw Dr. Panagos about a week later and told him what was going on – still the pain was horrific and I have no life other than work and the couch. He felt the surgery was pretty heavy duty as well and not necessarily the best idea. He’s seen patients have that type of surgery and not any relief. He was v. nice and you could tell he really cares about his patients, and empathises with the length of time I’ve had to deal with the medical and insurance companies spinning me around and around. Something really needs to be done to sort out the medical industry in this country. I should know! He gave me another exam and said there were a couple of injections into the muscles he was thinking about. I think his feeling was that the muscles might be causing more pain than the spine. Heck I’ll try anything that is not the surgery at this point. The first idea was Botox – yes I was shocked. Supposedly it can release the muscle and help with the nerves and calm the area down. I don’t know the technical aspects but that was the gist. It is v. expensive and he wasn’t sure we’d get approval from UHC. Miracle of miracles we did. It had to be ordered from a special pharmacy and sent overnight as it has to be kept refrigerated. I had the injection almost two weeks ago. Dr. P said it would take about two weeks to work, and he didn’t do too much as he didn’t want me to get too lax, and said we could “top it off” if need be. Well, so far I’m not seeing much improvement. Two weeks will be in two days, and I’m meant to ring him and let him know what is going on. The first weekend I was a little sore but felt ok. Then last week most of the week I was in a lot of pain from the injections. I had 8 into various muscles on my right side. I was a bit better this weekend – even cleaned my kitchen b/f the neck flipped out - and then once I got to work and sat all day at the computer I was a wreck again. I changed the setting on my chair to make sure I am sitting more upright to see if that helps as well. It’s not easy though, the chair keeps changing back itself! Anyway, the neck is not happy right now. Did go to the gym at lunch – been trying to give the legs a bit of exercise a couple of times a week since I can’t really do too much with the rest. So, still trying to be positive and hope it miraculously kicks in any minute. Fingers crossed.
2)Hand surgery #5! Wow – who ever thought I’d be saying that? This was minor COMPARED to all of my other hand surgeries. Thankfully!!! It was for Dequervain's tendonitis Dr. Melone did my surgery, like I would let anyone else touch my hands, and it went pretty well. I wasn’t very nervous – think I was in shock that I had to have another hand surgery – or medical procedure – again. I swear it is non-stop. Surgery was 21 January at Beth Israel Hospital. Of course they were in the middle of a dispute with UHC (they’ve finally resolved but I read somewhere it would only be retroactive to 1 March, which doesn’t help me – so not happy at all as I owe over $2000 to the hospital – at least the dr’s were covered though) and I just couldn’t put this off anymore. I’d been waiting for a long time and my patience had run out. Two years was just too long to be sleeping with a splint. I requested the first surgery as it is one of the most important things to do. Seriously, you can’t eat, you’ve not slept the night before, so it motivates you to get it over with as soon as possible. That and since I have been on e of those patients that made everyone else’s surgeries get delayed, I know better. So at the hospital at 6am! Of course they don’t tell you the doctors don’t show up until 8.30! Beth Israel has quite a system. They gather a group together in the waiting room, then bring you back to changing areas. They say you can see the person you came with after you change. Just so you know, they don’t . I had to beg to let my mother come up before my surgery as there was no way I was going in w/o seeing her and I knew she was freaking out as well since she thought that we could see each other later too. This is what we were told. Beware of liars…I get changed, then they take you one by one to ask a couple of questions. After that they take the group of you up in a lift to the floor above, and walk you to the pre-op/post-op room. After waiting for a while, timing depends on where you are seated, the nurses seem to start at the far end and work their way down, a nurse finally came to ask me a million questions and do blood pressure, pregnancy tests, etc. I asked her if my mother could come up and gave her a whole spiel about how I have had so many surgeries and my mother and I have a “thing” and I need to see her b/c I won’t go into the OR w/o seeing her. I was nice and she was like ok, then fobbed it off on another nurse. The other nurse was v. busy, thing she was the head nurse, and forgot, so I gently reminded her and then she did it right away and someone sent up my mother. She was so relieved, as was I. Of course it is also nice to have company when you still have another hour or so to wait for the doctor. The anesthesiologist came by and we went over everything, Dr. Patel was his name. He was v. nice and good sense of humour. Nothing worse than a doctor w/o a personality! So we’re waiting and waiting and then at about 8.20 my tummy felt wonky so just to play it safe I went to the loo. Of course this was when Dr. Melone comes in, so my mother told him where I was and he walks down and even though I’m still in the loo – being perfectly fine –have the craziest tummy – he’s outside calling my name. I came out and was like – hello – I had to use the toilet! But all in good fun, we get on v. well. He was saying he couldn’t believe it’s our no. 5 and how long we’ve been doing this – for 18 years! The intern/resident dr was all shocked like how can you be so casual w/ him? I think they’re all scared of his reputation but I’ve never been intimidated – heck it’s my body – I’m going to deal with the doctor as I please. Besides, he is a v. funny guy when you get to know him. Unfortunately he still supports Georgetown basketball – his greatest flaw. I went to SU so we argue about Bball.Dr. M signs off on my arm and I get wheeled into the OR. I was actually looking forward to this b/c my neck had been killing me and I had not slept in forever, so sedation sounded like a gift from G-d! They did a local on my hand and wrist, about 3 or 4 injections, and you are awake because they want to make sure the area is numbed up. Afterwards they knock you out – the best part! Afterwards they bring you back to the same room you started out it – and I was so tired but relaxed. My neck didn’t hurt for a whole hour, so I didn’t want to get out of the bed. I kept asking for more pain meds and not to be moved as I was afraid my neck would start to hurt again. I have to say everyone was most accommodating. They let my mother come up for a couple of minutes to see me then sent her away until I was able to move to the chair area where they have some snacks and drinks to eat. All in all nothing like the other hand ops – a lot less painful for sure. I had to wear a splint for about 11 days, then they took that off and the stitches out, gave me some exercises to do and sent me home. Wrist is still a bit sore and swollen, and they didn’t warn me that my thumb would be numb-ish for a while, but all in all it’s good.
3)I had to have another abscess drained the week of Christmas. Again, no idea what caused it. Then this week that area started hurting again. Seriously, I really would think I’m a hypochondriac if it was not proved that there is something wrong when I get to the dr’s office. I went to Dr. A on Friday and he said that – yes, get ready for it – I had another infection but it was a fistula this time. I don’t even know what to say or do anymore. This is ludicrous. There is no proof that I have Crohn’s – even the dr’s say that – but yet I keep getting these infections. He put me on both Flagyl and Cipro for a week (in the middle of the week at present) and going back on Thursday at 2pm. Yes, it is a miracle I’m not in a mental institution yet. Plus you can’t drink on Flagyl so tmrw will be the first St. Patrick’s day I’m sober since university. Well, I need to do my laundry anyway…
1)Neck was still a wreck so continued through beginning of January. I felt we weren’t getting anywhere and well, obviously my PT agreed, because she broke up with me. We both thought I needed to see another doctor. I was at my wits end and wasn’t sure which direction to go in seeing as though I’ve been to every kind of doctor I can think of. I got the name of a spine surgeon – Dr. Michael Neuwirth - from my hand dr. I made an appointment to see him after my hand surgery (see below). He said that he wanted to do the following: a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and osteophytectomy with a 2 level anterior cervical fusion using structural allograft and an anterior cervical plate. I think I walked around in shock that day. Not only did this sound huge, the doctor didn’t take my insurance and at the time Beth Israel still wasn’t out of negotiations w/ UHC. After flipping out for a couple of days and emailing the dr with my million and one questions – I started to think more sensibly. I realised I needed more opinions. My friends that are chiros were already dead set against it. Can’t really blame them. I made an appointment with my physiatrist, and continued to research. What I found were reports that once your spine is fused, it puts more pressure on the adjacent joints and they begin to degenerate. That was the last thing I need because my spine is already degenerating faster than most people my age. I saw Dr. Panagos about a week later and told him what was going on – still the pain was horrific and I have no life other than work and the couch. He felt the surgery was pretty heavy duty as well and not necessarily the best idea. He’s seen patients have that type of surgery and not any relief. He was v. nice and you could tell he really cares about his patients, and empathises with the length of time I’ve had to deal with the medical and insurance companies spinning me around and around. Something really needs to be done to sort out the medical industry in this country. I should know! He gave me another exam and said there were a couple of injections into the muscles he was thinking about. I think his feeling was that the muscles might be causing more pain than the spine. Heck I’ll try anything that is not the surgery at this point. The first idea was Botox – yes I was shocked. Supposedly it can release the muscle and help with the nerves and calm the area down. I don’t know the technical aspects but that was the gist. It is v. expensive and he wasn’t sure we’d get approval from UHC. Miracle of miracles we did. It had to be ordered from a special pharmacy and sent overnight as it has to be kept refrigerated. I had the injection almost two weeks ago. Dr. P said it would take about two weeks to work, and he didn’t do too much as he didn’t want me to get too lax, and said we could “top it off” if need be. Well, so far I’m not seeing much improvement. Two weeks will be in two days, and I’m meant to ring him and let him know what is going on. The first weekend I was a little sore but felt ok. Then last week most of the week I was in a lot of pain from the injections. I had 8 into various muscles on my right side. I was a bit better this weekend – even cleaned my kitchen b/f the neck flipped out - and then once I got to work and sat all day at the computer I was a wreck again. I changed the setting on my chair to make sure I am sitting more upright to see if that helps as well. It’s not easy though, the chair keeps changing back itself! Anyway, the neck is not happy right now. Did go to the gym at lunch – been trying to give the legs a bit of exercise a couple of times a week since I can’t really do too much with the rest. So, still trying to be positive and hope it miraculously kicks in any minute. Fingers crossed.
2)Hand surgery #5! Wow – who ever thought I’d be saying that? This was minor COMPARED to all of my other hand surgeries. Thankfully!!! It was for Dequervain's tendonitis Dr. Melone did my surgery, like I would let anyone else touch my hands, and it went pretty well. I wasn’t very nervous – think I was in shock that I had to have another hand surgery – or medical procedure – again. I swear it is non-stop. Surgery was 21 January at Beth Israel Hospital. Of course they were in the middle of a dispute with UHC (they’ve finally resolved but I read somewhere it would only be retroactive to 1 March, which doesn’t help me – so not happy at all as I owe over $2000 to the hospital – at least the dr’s were covered though) and I just couldn’t put this off anymore. I’d been waiting for a long time and my patience had run out. Two years was just too long to be sleeping with a splint. I requested the first surgery as it is one of the most important things to do. Seriously, you can’t eat, you’ve not slept the night before, so it motivates you to get it over with as soon as possible. That and since I have been on e of those patients that made everyone else’s surgeries get delayed, I know better. So at the hospital at 6am! Of course they don’t tell you the doctors don’t show up until 8.30! Beth Israel has quite a system. They gather a group together in the waiting room, then bring you back to changing areas. They say you can see the person you came with after you change. Just so you know, they don’t . I had to beg to let my mother come up before my surgery as there was no way I was going in w/o seeing her and I knew she was freaking out as well since she thought that we could see each other later too. This is what we were told. Beware of liars…I get changed, then they take you one by one to ask a couple of questions. After that they take the group of you up in a lift to the floor above, and walk you to the pre-op/post-op room. After waiting for a while, timing depends on where you are seated, the nurses seem to start at the far end and work their way down, a nurse finally came to ask me a million questions and do blood pressure, pregnancy tests, etc. I asked her if my mother could come up and gave her a whole spiel about how I have had so many surgeries and my mother and I have a “thing” and I need to see her b/c I won’t go into the OR w/o seeing her. I was nice and she was like ok, then fobbed it off on another nurse. The other nurse was v. busy, thing she was the head nurse, and forgot, so I gently reminded her and then she did it right away and someone sent up my mother. She was so relieved, as was I. Of course it is also nice to have company when you still have another hour or so to wait for the doctor. The anesthesiologist came by and we went over everything, Dr. Patel was his name. He was v. nice and good sense of humour. Nothing worse than a doctor w/o a personality! So we’re waiting and waiting and then at about 8.20 my tummy felt wonky so just to play it safe I went to the loo. Of course this was when Dr. Melone comes in, so my mother told him where I was and he walks down and even though I’m still in the loo – being perfectly fine –have the craziest tummy – he’s outside calling my name. I came out and was like – hello – I had to use the toilet! But all in good fun, we get on v. well. He was saying he couldn’t believe it’s our no. 5 and how long we’ve been doing this – for 18 years! The intern/resident dr was all shocked like how can you be so casual w/ him? I think they’re all scared of his reputation but I’ve never been intimidated – heck it’s my body – I’m going to deal with the doctor as I please. Besides, he is a v. funny guy when you get to know him. Unfortunately he still supports Georgetown basketball – his greatest flaw. I went to SU so we argue about Bball.Dr. M signs off on my arm and I get wheeled into the OR. I was actually looking forward to this b/c my neck had been killing me and I had not slept in forever, so sedation sounded like a gift from G-d! They did a local on my hand and wrist, about 3 or 4 injections, and you are awake because they want to make sure the area is numbed up. Afterwards they knock you out – the best part! Afterwards they bring you back to the same room you started out it – and I was so tired but relaxed. My neck didn’t hurt for a whole hour, so I didn’t want to get out of the bed. I kept asking for more pain meds and not to be moved as I was afraid my neck would start to hurt again. I have to say everyone was most accommodating. They let my mother come up for a couple of minutes to see me then sent her away until I was able to move to the chair area where they have some snacks and drinks to eat. All in all nothing like the other hand ops – a lot less painful for sure. I had to wear a splint for about 11 days, then they took that off and the stitches out, gave me some exercises to do and sent me home. Wrist is still a bit sore and swollen, and they didn’t warn me that my thumb would be numb-ish for a while, but all in all it’s good.
3)I had to have another abscess drained the week of Christmas. Again, no idea what caused it. Then this week that area started hurting again. Seriously, I really would think I’m a hypochondriac if it was not proved that there is something wrong when I get to the dr’s office. I went to Dr. A on Friday and he said that – yes, get ready for it – I had another infection but it was a fistula this time. I don’t even know what to say or do anymore. This is ludicrous. There is no proof that I have Crohn’s – even the dr’s say that – but yet I keep getting these infections. He put me on both Flagyl and Cipro for a week (in the middle of the week at present) and going back on Thursday at 2pm. Yes, it is a miracle I’m not in a mental institution yet. Plus you can’t drink on Flagyl so tmrw will be the first St. Patrick’s day I’m sober since university. Well, I need to do my laundry anyway…
16 June, 2009
Good and bad
Well it's been quite a weekend. Thursday's prep was okay, it definitely could have been worse. I took the two tablets that came w/ the prep at noon, for lunch I had jello and 8oz of broth around 14.00 and around 16.30 started to cramps all over. I figured I should go home then in case they got worse. I started the drink about 17.15 when I got home, just wanted to get it over with. Unfortunately the doctors office said I couldn't take any valium that night to help sleep so I knew it was going to be a rough time. I drank about 8 oz. every 10-15 minutes. I made sure it was cold and I used a straw and put it way back on my tongue so the taste wasn't as bad as it would have been. I also had lemon sucking candies between each glass and that definitely helped. A few times my throat just closed up and I had to spit it out - it had a mind of it's own. I didn't really have to go to the loo for over an hour, and I was pretty much done with it by then. On and off for a little while and then just gassy for the rest of the night. I slept for a little while but was up for good at 3am! My mother was sleeping over and she woke up around 4.30am and we were up for the rest of the am.
We left the house extra early at arrived at the doctors office at 7.50am for an 8.15am appointment. Unfortunately we were told after a few minutes that the doctor had been called into emergency surgery. It happens. I said I really didn't want to have to do the prep again and they assured me they'd get the procedure done that day, and to come back at noon. I was none too happy, between my neck / shoulder agony, starving and lack of sleep. We went all the way back home and miraculously I passed out for a couple of hours. Before we left to go back to the doctors I rang to make sure he was still going to be there, and was told yes, definitely come in. So off we went again. When we arrived at exactly noon, I had a funny feeling. By 12.23 I told my mother that in 7 minutes I was going to go postal. At this point I was beyond hungry and in a lot of pain w/ my neck. Then one of the staff asked me to come to the back with my mother. I knew that wasn't a good sign. He said the doctor was still in surgery and they were expecting him at 14.30, but there was no guarantee. I could 1)wait, 2)wait for another doctor but that wouldn't be till about 15.00 or later, or 3) reschedule. I said 3 wasn't an option as I barely have any days left off and unless they were going to pay me, it wouldn't work. Wasn't keen on a different doctor doing it, but the main thing was it was even a longer wait. I went with my gut and said I would stick it out for Dr. A. Thankfully they also let me take a clonazepam to relax and gave me an ice pack for my neck. For the next two hours my mother and I sat in the back waiting. Thankfully at 14.35 one of the staff came back and said to change. I let out with such a scream! Who would ever have thought I'd be that excited for a colonoscopy. When the doctor came in I gave him a kiss! He was v. sweet and said he wouldn't have not shown up for me. I really do like him, it's so hard to find good doctors and I am v. lucky I have a few v. v. good ones. They knocked me out and all was over within half an hour or so. Dr. A said I had a v. good looking colon and he had taken biopsies but really didn't think they'd say anything. So it's v. good all looks well but we still don't have an answer as to why I keep getting the peri rectal abscesses. Oh well, I've never been easy to diagnose so why start now?!?
After we left the office on the way to get some food, I received a call from Dr. Panagos' (physiatrist) office saying that they would have to reschedule my appointment for the 16th to the 22nd. I nearly lost it and started crying. I said there was no way I could make it another week and a half without some pain relief and please to sort something out. They asked if I was an existing patient and I said yes, and then they said they'd have the doctor ring me. It was already about 15.30 at this point and I didn't think I'd hear from him by the end of the day.
Amazingly he rang me on Saturday am. He even apologised for ringing on a Saturday. I told him he could call me whenever he wanted! He suggested taking Naproxen 500mg twice a day (not doing a damn thing) and taking two valium for sleep (doesn't help, the clonazepam seems to work better but still not a great sleep). I told him my MRI was scheduled for that afternoon and he said that was good and he should have the results by Tuesday. I did email him yesterday to tell him how painful the MRI was, and that the hospital said the images would be online by Tuesday (today) morning at the latest. The last time I had one 8 months ago for my neck, lying down didn't hurt anything like it does now. 20 minutes of lying flat on my back almost killed me. I could barely move my arm and neck after the test and the tech even had to help me up. I was such a wreck for the next day even! They did give me a disc then with the images but I have no idea what that means. Dr. P emailed me back last night and said he'd ring me today after he saw the images but sadly it's 15.50 and I've still not heard from him. I did leave a message with his nurse but haven't heard from her either. I am just hoping he has a solution for pain relief and we can schedule it soon so I have something to look forward to, because I am so wiped out from this pain I just keep wishing Henry VIII was still around so he could chop my head off!
And the best news of all has nothing (sadly) to do with my health but it's still amazing. I am an aunt again! Now I have a beautiful niece, she was born v. v. early on Saturday!
We left the house extra early at arrived at the doctors office at 7.50am for an 8.15am appointment. Unfortunately we were told after a few minutes that the doctor had been called into emergency surgery. It happens. I said I really didn't want to have to do the prep again and they assured me they'd get the procedure done that day, and to come back at noon. I was none too happy, between my neck / shoulder agony, starving and lack of sleep. We went all the way back home and miraculously I passed out for a couple of hours. Before we left to go back to the doctors I rang to make sure he was still going to be there, and was told yes, definitely come in. So off we went again. When we arrived at exactly noon, I had a funny feeling. By 12.23 I told my mother that in 7 minutes I was going to go postal. At this point I was beyond hungry and in a lot of pain w/ my neck. Then one of the staff asked me to come to the back with my mother. I knew that wasn't a good sign. He said the doctor was still in surgery and they were expecting him at 14.30, but there was no guarantee. I could 1)wait, 2)wait for another doctor but that wouldn't be till about 15.00 or later, or 3) reschedule. I said 3 wasn't an option as I barely have any days left off and unless they were going to pay me, it wouldn't work. Wasn't keen on a different doctor doing it, but the main thing was it was even a longer wait. I went with my gut and said I would stick it out for Dr. A. Thankfully they also let me take a clonazepam to relax and gave me an ice pack for my neck. For the next two hours my mother and I sat in the back waiting. Thankfully at 14.35 one of the staff came back and said to change. I let out with such a scream! Who would ever have thought I'd be that excited for a colonoscopy. When the doctor came in I gave him a kiss! He was v. sweet and said he wouldn't have not shown up for me. I really do like him, it's so hard to find good doctors and I am v. lucky I have a few v. v. good ones. They knocked me out and all was over within half an hour or so. Dr. A said I had a v. good looking colon and he had taken biopsies but really didn't think they'd say anything. So it's v. good all looks well but we still don't have an answer as to why I keep getting the peri rectal abscesses. Oh well, I've never been easy to diagnose so why start now?!?
After we left the office on the way to get some food, I received a call from Dr. Panagos' (physiatrist) office saying that they would have to reschedule my appointment for the 16th to the 22nd. I nearly lost it and started crying. I said there was no way I could make it another week and a half without some pain relief and please to sort something out. They asked if I was an existing patient and I said yes, and then they said they'd have the doctor ring me. It was already about 15.30 at this point and I didn't think I'd hear from him by the end of the day.
Amazingly he rang me on Saturday am. He even apologised for ringing on a Saturday. I told him he could call me whenever he wanted! He suggested taking Naproxen 500mg twice a day (not doing a damn thing) and taking two valium for sleep (doesn't help, the clonazepam seems to work better but still not a great sleep). I told him my MRI was scheduled for that afternoon and he said that was good and he should have the results by Tuesday. I did email him yesterday to tell him how painful the MRI was, and that the hospital said the images would be online by Tuesday (today) morning at the latest. The last time I had one 8 months ago for my neck, lying down didn't hurt anything like it does now. 20 minutes of lying flat on my back almost killed me. I could barely move my arm and neck after the test and the tech even had to help me up. I was such a wreck for the next day even! They did give me a disc then with the images but I have no idea what that means. Dr. P emailed me back last night and said he'd ring me today after he saw the images but sadly it's 15.50 and I've still not heard from him. I did leave a message with his nurse but haven't heard from her either. I am just hoping he has a solution for pain relief and we can schedule it soon so I have something to look forward to, because I am so wiped out from this pain I just keep wishing Henry VIII was still around so he could chop my head off!
And the best news of all has nothing (sadly) to do with my health but it's still amazing. I am an aunt again! Now I have a beautiful niece, she was born v. v. early on Saturday!
18 August, 2008
Saturday morning
I woke up and my bum was burning. So I looked. Seemed after the torture of the cauterization the day before - it hadn't even worked!
Just my luck.
I'm not even going to bother to ring the doctor since I'm seeing him on Friday. There is no way I'm letting him cauterize anything again as it was so painful and no success.
I'm pretty much hitting bottom right now.
Just my luck.
I'm not even going to bother to ring the doctor since I'm seeing him on Friday. There is no way I'm letting him cauterize anything again as it was so painful and no success.
I'm pretty much hitting bottom right now.
15 August, 2008
Just when you thought it was safe...
to get your hopes up, they get smashed. In many ways lately but the one I'm talking about now is my bum wound. At the last appointment with my surgeon, he said the fistulotomy was healing wonderfully. I was happy, it was all good. This morning something didn't feel right, it hurt and I looked. Good thing I did as it sort of looked like a purplish blood blister type of thing. I rang the doctor and he said to come in. I figured I was going to see him next week so I'd just go today instead. Long story short, he doesn't know quite what it is. He did cauterize it though. Turns out the middle part of the wound is healed, and on one end it's taking longer, which we knew. But the other end has opened up. He said it doesn't look infected, which is definitely good, but depending on how it looks next weed (I have to go back on Friday) he may put me on antibiotics.
I realise I sound very defeatist at the moment, but why can't anything in my life just be simple and easy? I'm at my wits end.
I realise I sound very defeatist at the moment, but why can't anything in my life just be simple and easy? I'm at my wits end.
25 July, 2008
some good, some bad
I tried to take it easy this week to recuperate from the previous few weeks. Tuesday I went to the pool, and was so tired. It's amazing how missing 5 days in a row made me feel out of shape. Then again, it could be because I was so exhausted. I tried to go yesterday but whomever is running this place decided it wasn't such a good idea, as there was one obstacle after another. (The ladies changing rooms were closed, then no showers, etc). So instead I met my friend that just moved across the street on 34th and we hung out on the roof having cheese and wine. Not a bad way to enjoy the lovely weather last night. Wish every summer night was that lovely. No humidity and a nice breeze - perfect!
Wednesday I went to the chiro where they tried to sort out this tingling down my arm. My doctor even cracked my bad, which he rarely, if ever, does. That's what a mess it was. After the bad news was dropped on me - my daft insurance company has decided to NOT let me go to the chiro anymore - just like they did with my PT for my hip. We had a long talk and it seems United Health that owns Oxford now just lost a HUGE lawsuit and so they will be denying everyone and everything.
See: A Guide To Insurance Company Denials and Medical Loss Ratios
Pretty ironic when Ann Fleishauer, the Director of External Communications lets the OptumHealth website make this statement:
"About OptumHealth: As one of the nation's largest consumer health services companies,
OptumHealth makes health care easier and better for employers, health plans, public sector entities and the 61 million people with access to its services. The Company's goal is to optimize health, well-being and financial security, while lowering benefit costs and helping consumers
make informed decisions about their health through standalone or integrated services. OptumHealth is a company of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.OptumHealth.com"
(OptumHealth, which is the in-house division that deals with UnitedHealth and Oxfords coverage for PT, chiropractic, etc.)
The last thing OptumHealth (previously ACN)/ UnitedHealth seems to be doing these days is making health care easier and better. All they are doing is taking away services so that the higher ups and investors are making a lot more dosh. It's all for profit, which, when comes to health care, is NEVER a good thing.
These links explains about the lawsuit:
UnitedHealth sued for racketeering
Hospitals Sue Groups For Health Racketeering
UNH: 4,000 job cuts, $895 lawsuit payout
It's no secret that health care in this country is a mess and it needs to be changed so that everyone is covered. I don't profess to have the answers, but am paying attention to all that is going on. One thing that sounds a bit iffy to me, since it has profit orientated insurance companies involved, is the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) campaign.
Some interesting articles about all of this:
AHIP CEO busted by outraged American - with damning audio
AHIP Murder By Spreadsheet Deceive America Tour
Sure, the insurance industry wants to hear from you. Sure.
Fights Over Health Claims Spaw a New Arms Race - Insurers and Doctors Try for Upper Hand; Firms Help Both Sides
The Truth About "Healthcare for America Now"
Ok, sorry to go on about that but when you're in my situation you get worried about these nasty tactics the insurance companies do.
Other than that, Wednesday night was brilliant, saw George Michael at the Garden and he was amazing! I was dancing and afraid that would be a bad thing in the long run but thankfully my hip has not gotten too bad from it, even though it was hurting before the concert. When George is singing you just can't help to dance!
Yesterday I saw Dr. Aranoff for another post-op check up. He was very excited and surprised about how well I've been healing and in just 5 weeks! He said this procedure is always more risky with women in that area because of the thin muscle. Thankfully that seems to be okay and now I just have to see him once every month until it's completely healed. That was very good news!
Wednesday I went to the chiro where they tried to sort out this tingling down my arm. My doctor even cracked my bad, which he rarely, if ever, does. That's what a mess it was. After the bad news was dropped on me - my daft insurance company has decided to NOT let me go to the chiro anymore - just like they did with my PT for my hip. We had a long talk and it seems United Health that owns Oxford now just lost a HUGE lawsuit and so they will be denying everyone and everything.
See: A Guide To Insurance Company Denials and Medical Loss Ratios
Pretty ironic when Ann Fleishauer, the Director of External Communications lets the OptumHealth website make this statement:
"About OptumHealth: As one of the nation's largest consumer health services companies,
OptumHealth makes health care easier and better for employers, health plans, public sector entities and the 61 million people with access to its services. The Company's goal is to optimize health, well-being and financial security, while lowering benefit costs and helping consumers
make informed decisions about their health through standalone or integrated services. OptumHealth is a company of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.OptumHealth.com"
(OptumHealth, which is the in-house division that deals with UnitedHealth and Oxfords coverage for PT, chiropractic, etc.)
The last thing OptumHealth (previously ACN)/ UnitedHealth seems to be doing these days is making health care easier and better. All they are doing is taking away services so that the higher ups and investors are making a lot more dosh. It's all for profit, which, when comes to health care, is NEVER a good thing.
These links explains about the lawsuit:
UnitedHealth sued for racketeering
Hospitals Sue Groups For Health Racketeering
UNH: 4,000 job cuts, $895 lawsuit payout
It's no secret that health care in this country is a mess and it needs to be changed so that everyone is covered. I don't profess to have the answers, but am paying attention to all that is going on. One thing that sounds a bit iffy to me, since it has profit orientated insurance companies involved, is the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) campaign.
Some interesting articles about all of this:
AHIP CEO busted by outraged American - with damning audio
AHIP Murder By Spreadsheet Deceive America Tour
Sure, the insurance industry wants to hear from you. Sure.
Fights Over Health Claims Spaw a New Arms Race - Insurers and Doctors Try for Upper Hand; Firms Help Both Sides
The Truth About "Healthcare for America Now"
Ok, sorry to go on about that but when you're in my situation you get worried about these nasty tactics the insurance companies do.
Other than that, Wednesday night was brilliant, saw George Michael at the Garden and he was amazing! I was dancing and afraid that would be a bad thing in the long run but thankfully my hip has not gotten too bad from it, even though it was hurting before the concert. When George is singing you just can't help to dance!
Yesterday I saw Dr. Aranoff for another post-op check up. He was very excited and surprised about how well I've been healing and in just 5 weeks! He said this procedure is always more risky with women in that area because of the thin muscle. Thankfully that seems to be okay and now I just have to see him once every month until it's completely healed. That was very good news!
21 July, 2008
Wiped out
It's been 44 weeks since my hip surgery. I thought I was doing pretty well but the last two weeks made me feel otherwise. I have been running around more in the last two weeks than I had done since having my hip surgery, and with all that running around, my right hip has not been a happy camper. It may also be a combination of that and the fact that I've been leaning more on my right side when sitting because of the fistulotomy. Either way, the hip is not happy. Because I was going to be running around so much this weekend and it had already been hurting me, I used lidocaine patches on Saturday and Sunday. I would not have made it through without. Last night when I was able to just relax my hip was so tight. Actually they both were and my legs were very achy as well. I even iced my left hip to try to calm that side down. There were also a lot of stairs involved over the weekend, much more than what is "normal" for me.
To add to this loveliness, my right hand/wrist is acting up again and really hurting. I had stopped using the splint but really have to start again as I am not even going to contemplate another surgery right now. My neck is so messed up that I'm having tingling down my right arm and hand. Thankfully I have the chiropractor on Wednesday, though I wish it was today. On Thursday I have a check up with Dr. A for the bum. I finally had the courage to look at it a couple of weeks ago as it was really hurting and I wanted to make sure it didn't look infected or anything. All I can say is it was pretty disgusting, and big. The doctor definitely did lie when he said how big and deep it would be. I checked it again yesterday and it seems like the upper part of the incision has started to or closed up a bit, which I'd like to think is a good sign. It's hard to tell though and I don't really like looking so it's good the doctor can check this week. I've been going to the pool about twice a week and it feels fine so that is a very good thing. It still hurts to sit, especially on hard chairs, and I can't wait for that to stop, along with having to take sitz baths every day. I will definitely not miss that!
BTW - Natalie Douglas was completely brilliant with her "Cafe Society" show! If you ever get a chance to see her you should.
To add to this loveliness, my right hand/wrist is acting up again and really hurting. I had stopped using the splint but really have to start again as I am not even going to contemplate another surgery right now. My neck is so messed up that I'm having tingling down my right arm and hand. Thankfully I have the chiropractor on Wednesday, though I wish it was today. On Thursday I have a check up with Dr. A for the bum. I finally had the courage to look at it a couple of weeks ago as it was really hurting and I wanted to make sure it didn't look infected or anything. All I can say is it was pretty disgusting, and big. The doctor definitely did lie when he said how big and deep it would be. I checked it again yesterday and it seems like the upper part of the incision has started to or closed up a bit, which I'd like to think is a good sign. It's hard to tell though and I don't really like looking so it's good the doctor can check this week. I've been going to the pool about twice a week and it feels fine so that is a very good thing. It still hurts to sit, especially on hard chairs, and I can't wait for that to stop, along with having to take sitz baths every day. I will definitely not miss that!
BTW - Natalie Douglas was completely brilliant with her "Cafe Society" show! If you ever get a chance to see her you should.
05 June, 2008
update
I'm loving Dr. A. He said that all looks ok and I didn't need to have anything done. He also said he was glad I called him b/c I should always do that so he can check it out. Much better attitude than most dr's. He said he'd be happy to do the colonoscopy if the other dr's wanted it but I said I wasn't really in any state and he felt it wasn't a necessity so I am putting it off for now. Only time will tell if that is the right decision, but I do feel like it is. He doesn't think that anything would show up as well to change the course of treatment.
As for my right hip, I love those lido patches! They fix me right up. Of course the left got jealous and wanted one so started to act up but I've done a fair job of ignoring it today and tonight.
Dr. A also answered my q's about anesthesia (not general - woo hoo!) and wound size (not as big as I had started to imagine) so I felt much better after our convo today.
So all in all I haven't felt this happy in a few months! I know I still have to have the surgery but Dr. A seems very competent and positive about it so I'm going with that! (touch wood)
I could get into how bad my right hand/wrist has been but why ruin a good post? :-)
As for my right hip, I love those lido patches! They fix me right up. Of course the left got jealous and wanted one so started to act up but I've done a fair job of ignoring it today and tonight.
Dr. A also answered my q's about anesthesia (not general - woo hoo!) and wound size (not as big as I had started to imagine) so I felt much better after our convo today.
So all in all I haven't felt this happy in a few months! I know I still have to have the surgery but Dr. A seems very competent and positive about it so I'm going with that! (touch wood)
I could get into how bad my right hand/wrist has been but why ruin a good post? :-)
consultations
After speaking to Dr. A yesterday, I tried ringing my internist Dr. Rosen. She was out so I sent her an email. I love technology. She rang me back this morning. It's good to have a doctor you know for so long and knows all your intricacies. She doesn't feel I should necessarily have the colonoscopy before since there is an infection to begin with, so that was good news and I'm happy to go with that theory. I really wasn't in the mood to have to go through that right now as well.
I also had asked her about my previous colonoscopy. I couldn't remember when it was, but it was way back in 1994! Another good thing about keeping the same doctor, they have all your records! It showed a little inflammation (colitis) but was non-specific and not something anyone was concerned with. I had been going through a lot then and having tons of tests so she wasn't thinking it meant much, even in hindsight. That' a relief. I am totally stressing about going to Dr. A's later though.
On a hip note, I've done a lot of walking the last four days and today my right hip is telling me to stop it. But still, it's a lot more then I've done in a long time, so I'm looking at it as progress. :-)
PS- I've just decided I'm throwing on a lido patch on the right hip - I can't deal with anymore pain!!!
I also had asked her about my previous colonoscopy. I couldn't remember when it was, but it was way back in 1994! Another good thing about keeping the same doctor, they have all your records! It showed a little inflammation (colitis) but was non-specific and not something anyone was concerned with. I had been going through a lot then and having tons of tests so she wasn't thinking it meant much, even in hindsight. That' a relief. I am totally stressing about going to Dr. A's later though.
On a hip note, I've done a lot of walking the last four days and today my right hip is telling me to stop it. But still, it's a lot more then I've done in a long time, so I'm looking at it as progress. :-)
PS- I've just decided I'm throwing on a lido patch on the right hip - I can't deal with anymore pain!!!
04 June, 2008
Answer
Just spoke to Dr Aranoff and he said since there's still an abscess I have to come in for him to drain it and possibly put a clamp on it??? I have no idea what that means. Tomorrow at 11.45 is the designated time. He says it will be quick and I can come back to work after, and it needs to be done as he couldn't do the fistulotomy until it is cleared up anyway (he hadn't mentioned that before), so I don't have a choice -what else is new!?!
Also he said that since my drs want me to have a colonoscopy, that I should maybe do it b/f the surgery too. I will discuss that with him tomorrow but am not looking forward to that prospect.
Have I mentioned how much fun it is to be me lately???
Also he said that since my drs want me to have a colonoscopy, that I should maybe do it b/f the surgery too. I will discuss that with him tomorrow but am not looking forward to that prospect.
Have I mentioned how much fun it is to be me lately???
?'s
After my dr's appointment last night, I have a list of questions to ask Dr. Aranoff about the upcoming surgery. My dr. wants me to see if he would do a colonoscopy at the same time, so I wouldn't have to be put out twice. I don't know if I'm up for this, but I will ask. She and my internist want to discover why this all happened.
I also wanted to ask some other q's re: anesthesia, wound care, etc. My dr. wanted me to tell him also that the abscess is about the size of a cherry now and not oozing much as the current wound is almost completely healed over. So I really don't have a clue if I will be making it till the 20th or going in sooner. I did just realise that Dr. A is out of the office today so I won't hear back till tomorrow. Fun fun fun.
At least I slept last night, I love those klonopins! First time I've slept through the night since I can remember. I knew the weather was going to be crap today so felt like I should at least get some sleep. Still pretty groggy though. Thankfully it's dead at the office so I don't have to worry. Tomorrow & Friday the big guys are in so it will be much busier.
I also wanted to ask some other q's re: anesthesia, wound care, etc. My dr. wanted me to tell him also that the abscess is about the size of a cherry now and not oozing much as the current wound is almost completely healed over. So I really don't have a clue if I will be making it till the 20th or going in sooner. I did just realise that Dr. A is out of the office today so I won't hear back till tomorrow. Fun fun fun.
At least I slept last night, I love those klonopins! First time I've slept through the night since I can remember. I knew the weather was going to be crap today so felt like I should at least get some sleep. Still pretty groggy though. Thankfully it's dead at the office so I don't have to worry. Tomorrow & Friday the big guys are in so it will be much busier.
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