Coachie
senior
United StatesWhen do you go to the pain specialist on Union Street? Do you already have your appointment or are you waiting for it to be made?
Fusion Long ride to a successful Fusion
- Thread starter wanttoride
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Audrey,
I know what you mean by people acting like you have the plague when you have MRSA! I have had that reaction before, but the PT place that I am at now, isn't like that!
They have treated me with nothing but respect since the first day I met them. After I was "cleared" of MRSA, Katie stopped using gloves so she could get a better feel for my muscles.:rolleyespink: She is always very clean between each patient, so I never worry!:biggrin:
I know what you mean by people acting like you have the plague when you have MRSA! I have had that reaction before, but the PT place that I am at now, isn't like that!
They have treated me with nothing but respect since the first day I met them. After I was "cleared" of MRSA, Katie stopped using gloves so she could get a better feel for my muscles.:rolleyespink: She is always very clean between each patient, so I never worry!:biggrin:
OP
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wanttoride
senior
that is GREAT, Sonja! Coachie: I have to call my PCP on Monday and probably see her after the episode yesterday. I'm guessing she'll see me asap. Hoping to get an appt. with "Peter Arybadjis" at Maine Rehab within 2 weeks. Do you know who your appt. is with? The name "Jonathan Borkman" was also thrown out there. He is based out of Augusta and comes to Bangor once a week (?). From what they tell me, both docs are very good. No harm in meeting and talking with either one of them, but if we don't "mesh", then I won't go back. Gotta give him/them a chance, however. Nothing borrowed...nothing gained.
I'm doing a little better today...still "jittery", but don't feel like I'm gonna explode if somebody looks at me the wrong way. Good day to lay low and watch a movie!
I'm doing a little better today...still "jittery", but don't feel like I'm gonna explode if somebody looks at me the wrong way. Good day to lay low and watch a movie!
Coachie
senior
I'm supposed to see Dr. Arybadjis, but my appointment isn't until August 30th and that is just for an informational seminar. I don't think I actually see him until a few weeks after that? Good luck getting in as soon as two weeks...
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wanttoride
senior
Hey Coachie! Yup...that's the same guy they want me referred to. I wonder if he's booked up till August 30th? I'm thinking if you can't get in before than, chances are, I won't be able to either. But you can bet...I'm gonna push really hard to get in within a couple of weeks...either to this Dr. Arybadjis or this Dr. Borkman. I'll be pleading my case pretty heavy. I'll keep you posted. Maybe going to the ER will make me able to get in quicker? I can only hope so. I see Dr. Kelly on August 26th. It is at that appointment that we'll decide to either go with the wider spacer, or do fusion...so I've got some time to do more research and wear "Miss Peg"!
Did you have a good day today?
Did you have a good day today?
Hi, Yeah Ellsworth is "town" for us. Live in Deer Isle.
If you ever feel you need a second person to go appointments, etc., I'd be glad to drive up. I'm a nurse and know how important it is that we not go through medical stuff alone.
I was interested in comments re: Dr. M in Bangor. I know several people who rave about him. I was slated to have my TKA with him originally but ended up doing it closer to home because that OS is actually very good.
I had a friend who had her TKA with Dr. K in Portland and was very pleased with her results. I still can't believe that either he or Becker won't help out Coachie. Life can be so unfair!
If you ever feel you need a second person to go appointments, etc., I'd be glad to drive up. I'm a nurse and know how important it is that we not go through medical stuff alone.
I was interested in comments re: Dr. M in Bangor. I know several people who rave about him. I was slated to have my TKA with him originally but ended up doing it closer to home because that OS is actually very good.
I had a friend who had her TKA with Dr. K in Portland and was very pleased with her results. I still can't believe that either he or Becker won't help out Coachie. Life can be so unfair!
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wanttoride
senior
Dr. BECKER! Yes...that's the other one that is so very good at OA in Portland. Like I was telling "Coachie"...the only way I got in was by writing a very pleading letter to any doctor there that would be willing to meet with me and discuss my case. The Dr. that responded was Dr. Kelly. The letter was pretty detailed, but was a couple of pages long with details and copies of notes from my PT person who was equally as frustrated with Dr. "M" as I was.
I was on the "Becker Protocol" for after surgery exercises. Never met the man, but New England Rehab RAVED about both of them!
Like all surgeons, each one has wonderful outcomes and ones that are not. It's how they (those surgeons) handle the patients that don't come out "perfect" that make what matters most.
Had I not had a "kick ***" attitude, some medical experience and good people backing me and believing me, I'd still be with the crooked prosthetics and probably have a spinal cord stimulator by now. To be neglected by Dr. M and passed off as a pill seeker and weak when it came to pain made me stand up and FIGHT...for I knew something just was not right!
I have a friend that lives in Deer Isle. She shows mini horses. I have them also!
I was on the "Becker Protocol" for after surgery exercises. Never met the man, but New England Rehab RAVED about both of them!
Like all surgeons, each one has wonderful outcomes and ones that are not. It's how they (those surgeons) handle the patients that don't come out "perfect" that make what matters most.
Had I not had a "kick ***" attitude, some medical experience and good people backing me and believing me, I'd still be with the crooked prosthetics and probably have a spinal cord stimulator by now. To be neglected by Dr. M and passed off as a pill seeker and weak when it came to pain made me stand up and FIGHT...for I knew something just was not right!
I have a friend that lives in Deer Isle. She shows mini horses. I have them also!
Coachie
senior
I honestly don't think that Dr. Becker or Dr. Kelly are going to say anything different than Dr. Walsh or Dr. Bush has said since both of them do revisions as well. That is why I am not currently pursuing them. It isn't that I am not trying or that I don't care, it is that I seriously don't think they will see anything that the other revisionists have not seen yet. If I had seen just one orthopedic then I would agree that I need to see someone else, but I have now seen 4 different orthos and two of them have experience in revisions.
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wanttoride
senior
All I can say "Coachie" is that after seeing Dr. Kelly and having him order that CT Scan that show the alignment from the hip to the knee to the ankle, I was very thankful that I went down. Even though most orthopedic surgeons do revisions, it's what they will do before you are set for surgery. If they only look at xrays taken in the office and not order special xrays, MRI's, etc. then they (in my opinion)don't really want to help. They are surgeons and sure...they'll do a revision because you are in pain.
I think you are in good hands with Dr. Walsh. I would push the idea that where you had a non-cemented knee, you are really wondering if it has/hasn't adhered where the normal xray cannot see. So...get those tests or special xrays/CT scans that will tell him. I am not familiar as to whether or not a bone scan can tell you if the pieces are adhering well. Then again...it all depends on the views that are taken. Bangor would not do the CTscan view that Dr. Kelly ordered. They felt it unnecessary because the office xrays showed that "everything was fine". So...I went to Portland and had them. Good thing I did!!!!!!
I think you are in good hands with Dr. Walsh. I would push the idea that where you had a non-cemented knee, you are really wondering if it has/hasn't adhered where the normal xray cannot see. So...get those tests or special xrays/CT scans that will tell him. I am not familiar as to whether or not a bone scan can tell you if the pieces are adhering well. Then again...it all depends on the views that are taken. Bangor would not do the CTscan view that Dr. Kelly ordered. They felt it unnecessary because the office xrays showed that "everything was fine". So...I went to Portland and had them. Good thing I did!!!!!!
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wanttoride
senior
Went to see my PCP as a follow-up to this weekend's nightmare. She took me off the Amytriptyline and agreed with the ER doc that I need to get into the right Pain Specialist for my condition (including the RSD) and that he should manage my pain meds.
I'm hoping to get in to see him this week, as both the ER doc and my PCP have it as "urgent" and to squeeze me in. Again...I've gotten pretty good at pleading my case, so I'm hoping my track record continues with getting into the "Dr. A." within the week, if not two. RSD is not something that is kind to me if I wait to get onto a pain med! Have not heard back as to an appointment, so at 8:00am, I'll be on the phone.
I'm feeling better today.....taking 10mg Lexapro for the next couple of days, then back to my regular 20mg daily after that. The Adavan has helped me "keep my cool", but my hands aren't shaking today, and I haven't felt like having my husbands hand for lunch! LOL
Tomorrow will be even better, I'm sure...especially if I get an appointment with the pain Doc. Still gonna lay low at home....me and "Peg"! :wink1:
I'm hoping to get in to see him this week, as both the ER doc and my PCP have it as "urgent" and to squeeze me in. Again...I've gotten pretty good at pleading my case, so I'm hoping my track record continues with getting into the "Dr. A." within the week, if not two. RSD is not something that is kind to me if I wait to get onto a pain med! Have not heard back as to an appointment, so at 8:00am, I'll be on the phone.
I'm feeling better today.....taking 10mg Lexapro for the next couple of days, then back to my regular 20mg daily after that. The Adavan has helped me "keep my cool", but my hands aren't shaking today, and I haven't felt like having my husbands hand for lunch! LOL
Tomorrow will be even better, I'm sure...especially if I get an appointment with the pain Doc. Still gonna lay low at home....me and "Peg"! :wink1:
Coachie
senior
So how do I get myself listed at urgent? I thought calling everyone every day and saying that I was desperate would be enough, but no one called me back again today so I am still without any pain control.
On another note, Audrey, did you read in the BDN or see on the news about the man who killed his ex-wife, two children and then himself in Dexter? That is my school district. Any prayers/thoughts you all could send our way would be appreciated. She taught at the primary school (kindergarten), her daughter was on my basketball team, and her son would have been in our high school next year. We are all absolutely devastated. Such a sad day for our school and community. :cry4:
On another note, Audrey, did you read in the BDN or see on the news about the man who killed his ex-wife, two children and then himself in Dexter? That is my school district. Any prayers/thoughts you all could send our way would be appreciated. She taught at the primary school (kindergarten), her daughter was on my basketball team, and her son would have been in our high school next year. We are all absolutely devastated. Such a sad day for our school and community. :cry4:
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wanttoride
senior
I thought of you when I saw what happend in Dexter. Tragic, to say the very least. Been sending thoughts and prayers your way constantly!
I guess the only way to be on an "urgent" list is to have your PCP or doctor tell them that your case is urgent and have them push to get you in just as much. You've got to have that "stamp" from another doctor to get ahead. I made sure my PCP wrote "urgent" and "asap" on my slip before leaving. I'll be making follow-up calls today, you can be sure!
I guess the only way to be on an "urgent" list is to have your PCP or doctor tell them that your case is urgent and have them push to get you in just as much. You've got to have that "stamp" from another doctor to get ahead. I made sure my PCP wrote "urgent" and "asap" on my slip before leaving. I'll be making follow-up calls today, you can be sure!
Coachie
senior
Good luck getting an appointment! Let us know what you find out!
Dewy
member
Coachie,
Does PCP mean Primary Care Provider ie GP (General Practitioner)?
Could the problems you are having in getting referrals in sensible timeframes just be due to your GP being useless? I'm not saying he/she necessarily is, but just wondering if this is a possibility given that Wantoride appears to be having better luck with her GP referrals, but both of you are being persistent and assertive?
If this is a possibility, is it easy to change GPs? I don't know how it works in the US, but in the UK, it is simply a matter of going to the surgery that you want to transfer to and filling in a form (and bringing in ID), and you can then use the new GP.
Does PCP mean Primary Care Provider ie GP (General Practitioner)?
Could the problems you are having in getting referrals in sensible timeframes just be due to your GP being useless? I'm not saying he/she necessarily is, but just wondering if this is a possibility given that Wantoride appears to be having better luck with her GP referrals, but both of you are being persistent and assertive?
If this is a possibility, is it easy to change GPs? I don't know how it works in the US, but in the UK, it is simply a matter of going to the surgery that you want to transfer to and filling in a form (and bringing in ID), and you can then use the new GP.
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wanttoride
senior
Hi Dewy! Yes....PCP stands for "Personal Care Physician". And yes..you are right. You MUST have the backing of your PCP and their staff to push for you to get in to who you need to see. Strength in numbers, and having somebody in the office that will advocate for you also. Not that I have friends in every office, but I know who gets things done and who doesn't.
Coachie
senior
My pcp is actually a very good doctor- it all comes down to scheduling. Unless your case is labeled as urgent or an emergency, then you get scheduled with everyone else.
Coachie, I think that's the point that Dewy was trying to make. While your GP may be a very good doctor who has done well for you in the past, he (or she) does not seem to be communicating the urgent situation you find yourself in to those who might be able to help you.
It might be worth a try to see a different GP and find out if they could better advocate for you to see a specialist.
It might be worth a try to see a different GP and find out if they could better advocate for you to see a specialist.
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wanttoride
senior
I just got a call from Maine Rehab and I have an appt. for Monday morning. Again...I will echo what Jamie has said above. You MUST have a PCP/Dr./specialist who is willing to advocate for you and go the extra mile to "get you in". All this "knowledge" comes from being put on the back burner and getting nowhere on my own. Once I learned that I have to push my providers to get results, and then THANK THEM DEARLY, I get results.
I used to be a dental assistant and also ran the schedule for a 9 chair, 2 dentist office. There is ALWAYS a way to see a patient if they advocate correctly (screaming at me on the phone never worked!) and especially had the backing from their physician or the ER. Of course, we all want to be seen THAT DAY, but if you can get in within a week's time, you've done good!
I immediately called by PCP's office and told them that I had an appt. with "Dr. A", and made them aware that I really, REALLY appreciated the quick fax over to the office and the follow-up call they made today to make sure somebody was working on the referral. I also got a call from the ER doctor that saw me this weekend, which was really nice, too! Thank you notes are DEFINETELY in order! :ThankYou:....and big "thank you's" to all of you BoneSmart buddies that held my hand in the beginning and told me to be strong and fight for what I wanted. Had it not been for somebody (sorry...I can't remember who it was) suggesting to me to write that letter, I never would have met Dr. Kelly. Again...THANK YOU!
I used to be a dental assistant and also ran the schedule for a 9 chair, 2 dentist office. There is ALWAYS a way to see a patient if they advocate correctly (screaming at me on the phone never worked!) and especially had the backing from their physician or the ER. Of course, we all want to be seen THAT DAY, but if you can get in within a week's time, you've done good!
I immediately called by PCP's office and told them that I had an appt. with "Dr. A", and made them aware that I really, REALLY appreciated the quick fax over to the office and the follow-up call they made today to make sure somebody was working on the referral. I also got a call from the ER doctor that saw me this weekend, which was really nice, too! Thank you notes are DEFINETELY in order! :ThankYou:....and big "thank you's" to all of you BoneSmart buddies that held my hand in the beginning and told me to be strong and fight for what I wanted. Had it not been for somebody (sorry...I can't remember who it was) suggesting to me to write that letter, I never would have met Dr. Kelly. Again...THANK YOU!
Coachie
senior
Audrey- is your appointment an actual appointment or do you have to go to the informational seminar?
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wanttoride
senior
It is an actual appointment, as I've already been diagnosed with RSD (the root of my pain) and maybe because I've already been to a pain specialist before. The appointment is with Dr. "A" to go over RSD/CRPS, what has and hasn't worked, etc. I think you may be attending the informational seminar because your pain has not been diagnosed. ???
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