Welcome! I am new here, too, and I think, based on your posts Grey, that we are similar in outlook. I hope you find a medical specialist who listens to you.

It took me a bit of time to respond, because I am dealing with my own despair resulting from conflicting medical advice.

Every PT I have seen states categorically that wearing overly supportive shoes is contraindicated and will interfere with bone building. I knew this intuitively, but followed the advice of two podiatrists who insisted on selling me thick soled sneakers and inserts that cost a fortune. I was told never to go barefoot. In a short period of time I quickly lost my sense of being grounded in space. Neither doctor would help me with pain. Managing pain helps with weight bearing.) One said he might give me a lidocaine gel. I did not go back.

The pain doctor I saw the other day was surprised that I put electrical devices in my "Not to do list." This was Pradeep Chopra's advice from his YouTube videos. The doctor stated that PC trained under him, implying, perhaps, his advice was superior.

He upped the neurontin, the rheumatologist gave me, which is making me sleepy and disconnected.

I was told, by several doctors, to use lots of ice and to avoid using heat. Worst advice ever.

I have begged to see a hypnotherapist, but I was told it would not help me. I know from previous unsolved medical problems, it can and does help, but my current insurance and HMO plan does not support this therapy.

My friend who is a prof at at a top medical university told me that HIV is treated one way on the east coast and another way on the west coast. Why this would be so, is a mystery. But, it demonstrates that there is a treatment divide in this country.