OT: bummed

This morning, I drove up to Fresno and took my MRI and Lower Back Xrays to a neurosurgeon (along with already faxing all of my med records last week).  The girl in the office said that she would have the doctor review my films and then get back to me to set up an appointment.  That was first thing this morning...... Just a little while ago, I got a voice mail on my cell phone (WHY they didnt call my house phone, I do NOT know)....anyway...cell reception sucks on base, so I have no idea when she called... Long story short- the doctor thinks that I am NOT a candidate for surgery.   WTF??!?!?  I don't know what his criteria is, but almost losing bladder control is apparently not one of them. Anyway...off to talk with my primary care doctor and then get a second opinion.  Maybe I need to see an ortho doctor, I dont know?   I am just really bummed because I thought that I could get some relief from the pain that I am in and on top of that- Mike is worrying about me and he is coming home on leave next month and we were trying to get this situated before then so we would know if he had to stay longer or not. Grrrr....

Vicki I'm so sorry that things didn't work out like you had hoped they would. Just keep pushing the issue till they find some kind of relief for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you are able to get help. I'm sure you will get it all figured before Mike gets home. Take care and try to enjoy your week. Love and Hugs Jodi

Vicki, I am so sorry that some people are so ingnorant!!!  Let me know if you need me! Cheri

Get that second opinion and see if you can find out why he thinks you are not...keep pushing until they take care of you!


Shells

Vicki- I am so sorry this is happening.  You need to find out WHY he thinks you are not a  candidate.  Maybe it is beyond his skills.  I found that out with my knee surgery, when my Ortho surgeon sent me to another one for surgery.  You are a strong person and a heck of a fighter.  You can and will get through this.  Be strong.  I know t is hard at times.   BTW- I don't know if I ever told you that Perry had his back fused 10 years ago.  Best thing he ever did and has never looked back.  That is why he was so well prepared for the neck surgery last summer.  Perry also had to quit smoking (last summer) for the fuse to take and the healing process.  His surgeon said it might not fuse (or take longer) unless he stopped.   Luv You!!! Leann

 

hi leann, turns out that is exactly the reason- so off to try to find another doc that will take tricare and that specializes in the spine... thank you!

Vicki, Dr MADSEN is in Visalia and he takes Tricare. PA Greene from Ortho at base referred Rick to him. He was really nice and complete. There were also Nureo Surg docs in Hanford, but I have not heard good things about the hospital there. Madsen works out of Keweah Delta and I have been impressed with the care of Keweah Delta. Hugs, Jenn

I called Dr. Madsen's office- they aren't taking any new Tricare patients right now because they are renegotiating their contract.  I set up a consult with a Dr. Michael Brown in Hanford...  heard of him?

I haven't heard of his work but I think he works out of Porterville and Hanford. let's hope he finds something.

oopsies... I meant Michael Baker..