I will do this, I already ran off the copy to bring with me. I see the new pain doctor next wed. I don't know if he is the one putting me to sleep, or if he is the one that provides post op pain. I can't wait however for my surgeon to tell me what he is doing on the day of surgery. My nerves won't take that. I already signed a release, and when I read the possible problems of this surgery I just about passed out. amputation of my leg? This is a serious surgery that I don't understand. He was in a hurry inthe office. Nice but I only got about 10 minutes. that is not enough for me to get, especially when I was not shown my MRI or any diagostic images. I have been left in terrible shape due to negligence of my former foot specialist. I just can't trust anyone since I have been left to suffer with this for 7 years. I have to know more, and I start this coming Wed. Maybe the Nurse can act as go-between. Surgery isn't until June 19th.. I could not make the oritional time and date, due to the person who will be taking me there and back. so i do have a little time, and perhaps they can get me in. I can't ask questions however, until I know what is planned. I don't know what questions to even ask. I also don't understand why I must have the nerve block while awake. Why bother to put me out at all if I have to endure that. I already have high anxiety, this will make me thow up before it ever happens. I need more help before surgery to be calmer. I don't even know who to ask about this. I have the copy in hand, and I will bring it with me to this new pain specialist. I had so much trouble with my spinal fusion with pain, that I am terrified. I am going to need a bunch of angels in the room with me. Also I still have gotten no script for walker, wheelchair etc. I have no money for these things. Medicare will pay for it, but I need the script. No response yet. ginnie

I feel your anxiousness in this. With good reason. That is total CR@P that your Dr didn't spend more time with you. This is just not acceptable.
One thing I've learned is that when checking in for a surgery, I was told different information from 3 different sources.....the nurse who was getting me prepared, the anesthesiologist, and the surgical nurse.
Is there any way you can make an appt to get back in at the Dr's office? I know it would be hard to get in to speak directly to the doctor in charge, but if you can at least talk to one of his nurses about this. The information they give would be straight from your doctor's chart instead of mis-matched garb from the hospital's records. They should not have left you to do your own homework on this procedure. They need to talk more in-depth about everything and they need to be made aware of what your previous Dr did to mess things up. They need to know how concerned you are. If the nurse could sit with you and explain things, I truly believe it will help alleviate some of the worry. They OWE this to you!

I don't mean to add to anxiety, but just wanted to emphasize what Mark is saying about the consent signature form. They say all that stuff re: amputation...and the mention of even 'death' simply to cover their @sses. Even when my sons were signed up for football, the coach had to tell the parents that serious injuries or even 'death' could occur from this sport - same thing. To cover their rears. Try not to read to much into this. But at the same time, you've obviously not been given enough info to look at this from a realistic point of view.

Also, prior to giving your nerve block injection, they usually have the option of taking an anti-anxiety med. If they don't, then be sure they know how anxious you are and even ask for it if you have to. I remember my SNB injection very well.....it was AFTER the fact that they said.....'hmm, next time give her a valium before this'

You need to be treated RIGHT! It isn't asking much.
Of course you've got all of us banded together in prayer on this. The medical team needs to do their part.....and so far it doesn't look like they are.

I'm lifting you up to the Lord, Ginnie, but even more so I'm lifting up the medical crew in prayer. I guess that's the only true way to trust them.

Caring Deeply,
Rae

I am having trouble of course you know now what it is all about. I am having trouble with my stomach being upset all the time. I can't eat much and I feel sick. I go in next Wed. to get records, to get script for wheelchair, to try and see this new pain doc. and maybe even talk to my Surgeons nurse. I don't feel good about this at all. I had trouble with the spinal fusion, doctors didn't talk, and I got trapped with not knowing what to do. It left me in withdrawls, and in more pain than I should have had. Noone told me I could take my regular medications in "addition" to what they sent me home with. So I was in a big state of misery. Then this former ankle specialist didnt diagnose me right. He never did the right test from 7 years ago! The only reason why I am getting any help at all is because I was really looking at a wheelchair it had gotten so bad. My foot has healed wrong after all this time. I did my own research, and found this new doctor. I am not trusting anyone right now I guess because three of my physicians did not do right by me. My former surgical doc for fusion, the pain specialist and my former ankle specialist. All of them failed me in one way or the other. Now I am suppose to walk in there all calm and let them do whatever? I don't think so. I also coppied off your reply to me Rrea. I will take that with me to the doctor too. Somebody needs to know why I am upset over all this. I will get answers Rrae, I will do it calmly and with questions written out. I can't do this without the assurances I need. That injection block is not sitting well with me either. I do not see a reason for me to suffer through that. I am going to need the help of these doctors and for them to do right by me, by listening to me. I am frightened as much for this as I was for my spinal fusion. This is just as scarry. My other surgery didn't go that well. It was worse than it should have been. I know I am venting here, I also know I am very anxious and need help getting through this. I hope this pain doctor listens to me Rrae, I really do. I am grateful for your prayers, and for NT to be here. This is a gift to all of us who need each other. I sure need all of you. ginnie

dear ginnie
no one has the power
right or the okay about
anything other than you
you are going into a world
you are familiar of the ups
and downs if it should help
find someone close who
would be an advocate
one extra set of ears
and just the simple fact
a witness to it all
my horror stories already posted
easy at the approach
and the good Lord as well
will be overseeing all
be well rest try at the most

Eva is so right! Is there someone who can go with you to sit there with the extra set of ears? Oh my Lord this is important. What about the person who is taking you? Are they trustworthy to you? Please PLEASE bring someone with you, even someone from church? I know how it is sitting in a Dr office on a time limit. It's very overwhelming. My mind goes blank....and I'm too busy worrying about the next question I want to ask, that I don't fully comprehend what is being said about my previous question!
Definitely take notes and have questions written down that you want to ask. Don't let the visit end until everything has been answered. This is a tremendous ordeal for you. To them you are just another patient in their workday that they have to move on to get to their next patient. I wish it wasn't like this, but the fact is that they become very complacent in what this is all about. This is your LIFE.

You said you printed off my post, but as I was reading your last post I got tears in my eyes. I think you should print THAT post off! That is exactly what they need to hear!!

This is the time to stand on your Faith more than ever before! Try your very best to NOT let doubt creep in! We must BELIEVE together that this is going to be ok. You are literally getting physically (and emotionally) sick over this.
You can't go on like this. I pray that you have someone there for you, someone whom you can fellowship with in person and hold your hand and give you a hug. This is such a big deal. You know you have all of us and our faith is strong. We won't let you down with our prayers.
I'm so SO sorry this is doing this to you.

Ok, here's a mouthful . I copy/pasted a list of healing scriptures throughout the Bible. PRINT this off. This is your ultimate defense against everything you are facing, especially the deeply embedded fear and anxiety. You have every reason to feel the way you do. Who wouldn't! We must let God do HIS work in you. The DECEIVER is doing 'it's' best to bring you down over this. Can't let this happen.....

And again, I say AMEN!!
The will of I AM, BE and it is so.
Prayin,
Mark56

dear friends

blessings for the day

promises

we have another day
make a difference
as i made a promise
coming here and starting
my day with something
can remember and know
am blessed in every way
only need my eyes
and although my eyes see
i am blind and have become
complacent a very bad state
as i am limited i am at fault
my mind travels
takes on a road to nowhere
i am responsible
make me stronger dear GOD
HELP ME BE THE PERSON
YOU WANT OF ME
let me really see with
your blessing as you
are the only one who
sees what i see
dear God
take care of all
i have a lot still
to learn my grandchild
already a bond that i
and her already
understand
blessed i was
witness at her entering
this world our bond
set for life
thank you Jesus
i made a promise
that i would always
be the best gammy
i could be
i made promises
i haven't kept
guilty of sin in
many ways
but my own will
i cannot trust
i know right from
wrong
i need your guidance
and seek only your
approval
spirit fill me with
strength to rid of
this evil depression
i am responsible
i do have a part
help me not give
in leaving me with
anger and rage that
consumes me
i become blinded
i made a promise
thank you God
thank you Jesus
most importantly
my children and
little ones
my oliver
i promise to do my best
as thy will be done
always and forever
have a blessed day

rrae


totally cool


thanks

I read all and cried too. I will call my PCP tomorrow and get some more help with this. He now has a copy of my MRI and records, maybe he will go over some of the details. I just have been let down too many times by some physicians, and this had led to overwhelming fear. I am sick and can't stop crying as I had 7 years of pain with wrong diagnosis. My anger is out of control with no where to go. I will seek help Rrea, promise....I am hanging in there. My house mate is wonderful, and she does go with me to some of the appts. I can't ask more of her than she already gives. She is overwhelmed too with the caretaking she has done for me through all surgeries I have had. We talked this morning, and she knows I am having trouble. She does have a job, so she can't really go to most of these appts. She will be there for me for the surgery however, and of course at home. Maybe for this new pain specialist on Wed. she will be able to go with me. Thank you for all scripture. I don't forget the angels right here on NT, or Jesus. I know I am grateful for having you be with me like this too. I will be back when I am better, and have some results in the right direction. I will get help....ginnie

Knowing what you've been through and the concerns you have over upcoming surgery with little answers received, I'd be tempted to postpone surgery unless it was vitally necessary to have. If it was me I'd tell them I was postponing it until I had ALL my questions and concerns addressed and I felt good going into the surgery. But that's just me. I'm very leery of doctors who rush into things without giving me enough time to ask every question I can think of and give me time to think things through. Plenty of doctors have been fired by yours truly due to my rigid standards, which are a result of being mishandled by past doctors and now living with the consequences. Just my two cents (make that three, now that gas prices have gone up)