Hey, I got one of those—my ortho surgeon said so... just before he told me there wasn't anything he could do for me and cut me loose.

I'm going in for a re-evaluation in a couple weeks. IMO, some things have gotten better while others have gotten worse, but/so they kinda balance out. I think mebbe he just wants to squeeze some more bux outta my ins co.

Doc

[VENT]
My aforementioned re-evaluation is later today, so of course I'm up tonight, insomnious (That's the adjective form—I looked it up) with irrational anxiety. It's been 6 years since the ortho sent me on my merry. Five years is the cutoff, so they tell me my records have allegedly been archived and I'm considered a "new" patient again (even though I just saw the guy a month ago at DW's appt, when he suggested I come in again), which means I have to fill out all the gorram forms again!

There's no reason for my anxiety. I'm feel certain this is going to be (another) exercise in futility, and I can almost predict what he's going to say (after I endure the pita ordeal of new/updated imaging) because I've been saying it myself—some things have gotten worse (DDD), and some things have gotten better (healed), and there's still nothing he can do for me. Whoop-de-friggin'-doo. (Plotz)

So why can't I sleep?
[/VENT]

Doc

I hope your evaluation goes OK. I am going through that process too, and not real pleased. My anxiety is up too. Wish there was an easy answer for both of us not to feel so jittery. I am in your corner, and I know you are in mine. I will send over good vibes to you today. Let me know how your evaluation is today. ginnie

That's the thing—it won't happen today. He'll poke & prod a few things, ask me some questions, put me through some contortions, then tell me he can't tell me anything until after he sees the imaging, which with scheduling the next appt. will likely be a couple more weeks out. yipee (NOT).

Doc

It DID happen today! He poked & proded a few things, asked me some questions, put me through some contortions, then told me he can't tell me anything until after he sees the imaging, BUT THEN... he sent me down the hall for the imaging! ...after which they sent me back to the exam room, he went over them with me comparing them to the imaging from 6 years ago, and then he told me EXACTLY what I thought he would... Some things have gotten worse, and some things have gotten better, but there's still nothing he can do for me.

Basically I'm inoperable because the arthritis is too severe, and my spine would likely weaken and fall apart above & below wherever it was stabilized, and I'd likely be stuck with FBS.

OMG!!! Big surprise (again, NOT!) I'm so happy I could just ____.

[/END OF VENTING]

Doc
__________________
Dr. Zachary Smith
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...

Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.

Sorry the arthritis is bad. My son said they haven't made much progress medically speaking for it for 50 years. Got that same news on Tuesday. Trying Mobic, this past week. Can't tell anything different yet. I am hoping.....
Have you tried this medication? take care Doc. wish all the lousy diseases we hear about on NT would just magically go away. Have a good night and less pain. ginnie

Yes, Ginnie, Thanks. I have a scrip for meloxicam/Mobic. It's the only NSAID I can tolerate. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. It seems to work better for me when used occasionally rather than daily. YMMV.

The weather (and barometric pressure) here have been on a rollercoaster ride this week, which obviously isn't helping matters any.

Doc