Arthritis, Osteoarthritis
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Thu, 07/02/2009 - 10:45
Finally made that rheumy appointment and found hope
When I call for appointments, it's rare that I find a helpful and hopeful person on the line. But I found one today! I've been nervous to make this appt. to find out how widespread my arthritis is. She was so kind and let me talk. She said Dr. would have supplements I can take w/my meds and that they would help alot. And that he'd help me to slow the progression of this. I know I have arthritis in my hands,toes,neck and back. I'm concerned I also have it in my ankles,hips,knees,elbows,wrists and shoulders. I guess that covers every joint! I am really not feeling well at all. It has rained here for 4 days in a row! I'm glad that someone out there in the medical field took the time to talk to me and listen today. She gave me a ray of hope. I will thank her when I see her.
Faith M
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L4/5 discectomy 11/98,disc decompression surgery 10/01 (failed),C5/6 fusion 2/02,L4/5&L5/S1 discectomy 4/02,C6/7 fusion 4/04, L4/5 discectomy 4/05(failed)diagnosed with permanent nerve damage,2 level lumbar fusion 1/08,C4/5 fusion 1/09 and too many epidurhal/ nerve blocks to count. Surgeon said I have 2 more fusions in my future.
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That's wonderful, Faith! It's so refreshing to actually get the respect (every human deserves) from a health care professional. It just doesn't seem to happen often enough if our spiney family is any indication. I would guess on average it takes years to earn respect from doctors (if able to stick with them), or to find one that gives you the "benefit of the doubt" and treats you respectfully right off the bat. Strange that the one place I have found I get the greatest amount of respect from everyone I speak to is the one place I can't go to for continued care: The hospital.
I'm very happy for you, and hope this means you will find an understanding and sympathetic ear from this Rheumatologist and his staff, and get the care you need to obtain a more "livable" existence!
~kat (my posts are from my own experiences only, I'm NOT a Doctor!)
(user error?)
"Whyme" previously known (or unknown) as "Jusserfinn"
Where did my sig go?
For some history, I guess just click on my name
Hi Faith,
I know how you feel, it was a turning point in my life over 20 years ago. I hope you have the same good care and communication that I have received.
Keep us posted here on your new journey.
Ranger
Hey Faith!
Way to go! Glad to hear you finally took that big step. I sure hope the app't goes as well as your initial contact with the office staff. I truly don't think you will be disappointed. My rheumy is the one dr who looks at me totally, the whole "big picture." Just hang in there until you see him. And let us know how it goes right a way . Hugs,
Marti
DDD, spondylosis, bulging discs, osteophytes at C5-C6 and C6-C7,bulged disc and osteophyte pinching the nerve root at C-5-C-6, cervical facet joint arthritis. RA and OA problems in hands, feet (Surgery 7/21/08 to straighten and fuse toes)and right shoulder(3 surgeries '02,'04 and '06.)
You have all given me such supportive and positive feedback on this. I appreciate it! I may not have made this appt. without all of you strongly suggesting it. I have some hope now that I can get to feeling a bit better. This summer everyone wants me to travel. My parents wanted me to go to Spain, my brother wants me to go to Jersey Shore and my sister-in-law wants us to go to Arizona. It's been dissapointing turning everyone down but I don't feel up to traveling. But oh how I'd LOVE to go! I hope this Dr. has some new tricks up his sleeve,I'm actually looking forward to this appt. Marti I hope you're doing ok, how did your appt. go? Thanks for the hug and here's one right back at ya!
Faith M
L4/5 discectomy 11/98,disc decompression surgery 10/01 (failed),C5/6 fusion 2/02,L4/5&L5/S1 discectomy 4/02,C6/7 fusion 4/04, L4/5 discectomy 4/05(failed)diagnosed with permanent nerve damage,2 level lumbar fusion 1/08,C4/5 fusion 1/09 and too many epidurhal/ nerve blocks to count. Surgeon said I have 2 more fusions in my future.
I just wondered how your surgery went that fused your toes? Are you glad you had it done?
Faith ~
Glad you found someone to listen to you -- it is so rare!! Hope the rheumy can provide some relief.
spondylolisthesis at L4-5; stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5
radiculopathy for about 3 years
PLIF (L4-L5)in Jan '08 (PEEK cage, rods & Screws, BMP); continued radiculopathy....
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan '09; continued radiculopathy;
Bulging discs L3-4 & L5-S1; crazy screwed-up S1 nerve
***** I have no medical training and am in no way connected with the medical profession, other than doing my part to keep them at full employment. My posts are based on personal experience and knowledge gained through the adventures of living. Take them for what they are worth....