I'm
still here! Just been a little hectic around here with
doctor's appointments and other daily stuff. And what is up with
alerts? I'm still not getting but one or two a day. Good thing I put
some of the journals I read on my sidebar thingy. I'll have to go
around and see what I'm missing on my own. If I haven't been to your
journals that's why. So give me time and I'll get there eventually.
Stupid AOL!
So I saw a new podiatrist yesterday. He seemed really frustrated for me and
made a comment about the last doctor that I was surprised by. He said
"geez it sounds like he just gave up on you". He then explained that
the docs can find it frustrating when treatment isn't working just as well as
the patient can. And he said the main thing is the doctor should be willing to
try other things, not just refer a patient elsewhere when something doesn't
work. I don't know, I'm not a doctor. This guy has me feeling hopeful. But I
didn't feel like the other one was a bad doctor just because the steroid
injections didn't work.
One thing about this guy I do like more than the last doc is he elaborates
more. Much more. He explained the electro therapy to me as well as the surgery
in depth, which it looks like will be the next step if this treatment fails.
The insurance will not pay for the electro therapy, so that leaves only the surgery,
but there is one more thing to try first. He suggested I get a better pair of
orthotics from the ones I have. But insurance won’t pay for those either! I
also found out that I am at a disadvantage as far as the treatment goes because
one main thing that should be done is a strict regimen of anti-inflammatory
meds ALONG with the steroids. Well, I have respiratory problems and CANNOT take
anti-inflammatory meds like Naprosyn and Ibuprofen. So where does that leave
me? Well, he started me on oral cortisone/steroids. I take 6 the first day, 5
the second, and so on until I am down to just one pill. Then I go back and see
him, re-evaluate, and probably do another round of the oral steroids. Also I’ll
be getting the orthotics even if I have to pay for them out of pocket. The
better orthotics would help immensely he feels. I also have to invest in a pair
of Crocs or Birkenstocks, although my Nike running shoes are very good he said.
But I don't want to be limited to just tennis shoes to wear! And the orthotics
he suggested will work well with any other shoes which is nice. Right now the
ones I have only will work with the tennis shoes.
Today I was a little pissed at the fact that the insurance
company does not want to pay for this and that. I can’t understand their
thinking on things! So I had it out with them today. I can't believe they would
rather pay for the surgery to go in and cut the fascia and release it, but will
not pay for a relatively inexpensive thing (compared to the surgery) such as
orthotics! And they might help and then prevent the need for the surgery! Duh!!
AND the surgery is really not a good thing because it can cause more harm than
good. Oh yeah, I have done my research on it baby! I read horror stories of
those who have had it done, and wish they didn’t. One being a 30-year-old
athlete, who was left with a life in a wheelchair after the surgery. No thanks,
I’ll pass on that!! I refuse to believe my only option after this is the
surgery and I will never consent to the surgery. No way Jose!
So now I have a case manager at the insurance company. Good in a
way because she said she'll fight to get the orthotics covered and work with
the doc on how to request them to be covered. But I don't like the fact that
someone other than a doc is all in my business and medical problems. At one
point she asked how well I’m able to care for my kids with all I have going on
medically right now. An alarm went off right away! I don’t know if these case
managers can tell someone to come take my kids away but I dare them to try it!
She advised me to see a chiropractor for my issues that I’m
having with hip and back pain now since this all started. The new doc said my
calf is tight because my fascia and Achilles are tight. As for thepain in the
back of my thigh and butt cheek, he implied a pinched nerve. The back and hip
pain, well I’m out of alignment due to altering the way I walk to accommodate the
pain. So I see a chiropractor tomorrow. I’m terrified because I have always
thought of them as a bunch of whacky gurus who want to stick a needle
everywhere to fix something else. “Got an earache? Ok well let’s stick a needle
in your eye!” Ugh, I’m not looking forward to this. But I’m going to give it a
go and see what happens. But I told him on the phone I draw the line at drugs
and needles. He claims he doesn’t use either but “manipulates” me back into
alignment. I have no idea what that means but it doesn’t help ease my mind
either!
Gosh I’m rambling here I think. I’m going to go make dinner and
then write another entry on our newest family member. Just what I need! Another
mouth to feed and another soul to care for! (psst.... Don’t tell the case manager I told
you that lol.)
I’ll be back……
