Thursday, July 03, 2008

Medical matters matter.....

The medical fraternity and I have long since had "issues" and you will know this if you have been here a while. Remember when I arrived at A and E the Saturday before last?? Torn lateral collateral ligament??? Yes. That one. Hmmmm. I have applied icepacks to the outside of my knee ever since. Rested and done what I was told to do. I follow instructions well. (Hahahaha - I can hear you, Diana!) I try.

Today, I went to the physiotherapist. My doctor, who I think is wonderful, sent me. She said they are experts in knee injuries. They are. They fix international athletes all the time there. I hobbled up a flight of stairs to the consulting room, and after taking my history and all the rest, he performed a battery of tests which left me gasping and wincing.

And guess what????

I have not torn my lateral collateral thingy. No. I have ruptured the medial collateral ligament on the OTHER side of the knee. And I have completely ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament inside my knee. The *****y thing is unstable. And now I have one of THESE things to contend with.

I have spent the past 2 weeks ice packing the WRONG side of my knee. Move over, Tiger Woods.... you have company.

So I asked what happened next. I need an MRI scan. But first I need an appointment with an orthopaedic consultant who will order the MRI. Sounds simple. I am considering emigration as I speak. I believe there is a waiting list for the Orthopod. Then there will be another waiting list for the MRI. And then..................... there will be another waiting list for the procedure where they insert a camera into my knee and do something. Fix something. Tiger Woods does not have waiting lists. I may be 110 by the time it is all done. I need my knee to work.

And in the meantime, it is back to the couch. And icepacks. I have exercises to do to keep the muscle in my thigh in shape - what shape?????- and to strengthen the leg. I am to get strapping for the knee.

So there you have it. I am going back to the doctor tomorrow, as work is not an option given the crutch, the possible kneebrace and the need to keep off my feet. My knee is unstable and could give way any time. Gee. Thanks. Not to mention what the little darlings would be tempted to do with the crutch. I am also going to tell her to try all consultants in a 100 mile radius. I may even be tempted to call the hospital I went to yesterday and ask for a fast track to their MRI scanner. They may agree, seeing that I was grace personified at our meeting.

I am absolutely dazzled by the medical expertise I encountered at A and E. They didn't even X-ray it. The physio rolled his eyes when I said no, they didn't. It will not surprise you that this is the hospital I am in the midst of wrangling with over Geoff's treatment. Now I have even more to complain about. Not yesterday's hospital. That one is sorted and fine. The other one????? Not by a long way.

So I am a little irritable. Here is what calms me down.......

Have you ever seen such an unusual fuschia?? It is huge and beautiful..............

14 comments:

Donnetta said...

Ah Linds, you are a much more patient and gracious one than I!

Continuing to pray for a speedy recovery!!

Crystal said...

My, word!! There are no words to express my dismay at this whole situation. You must have very mixed feelings today. Praying for you - both in body and spirit. Flowers do have a way of brightening one up, don't they? I love the fuschia!!

Susie said...

Hi Linds,
Oh dear! My doctor has also been talking about MRI, but I'm still moving about. I'm long past the ice stage. I'll know more next week.
Like you, I find my garden a real comfort..
Your pictures are lovely and that fuschia is huge!
xo

Needled Mom said...

Oh dear Linds. I am so sorry to hear about the knee AND the sad state of affairs at the medical treatments being given these days. I would think that they would want to fast track you right through after Geoff and all that you have been through. It must be so discouraging.

I am glad that you can find some comfort in your garden. Your flowers are beautiful.

Linda said...

You have definitely had more than your share of "couch time" Linds. I'm so sorry to hear about the knee. Are you able to do any quilting or isn't that possible?
The garden is very lovely. I'm sure it is a great comfort.
Praying you get an appointment soon and have a quick recovery.

Vee said...

They get it wrong everywhere, eh? I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. You're going to be an expert at looking for God in the interruptions. Rest and exercise or whatever odd thing they have you doing. Don't you think a lovely new chaise for the garden may be in order?

Unknown said...

Wow... The wrong side of the knee ans well as misdiagnosed. At least you have the right info to go on now and all that neat equipment to help you as you move about. I really don't see why they can't provide you with a couch and ice packs while you work.....lol That could make for some really interesting memories.

I hope that some how the wait won't be too long for the Ortho and MRI. You would think they would speed the process along some how.

Judith said...

Linds, I hurt for you, for I know how difficult this is. Am glad some doctor is checking you more closely, and hope the MRI is done soon. A possible reason for feeling so draggy is the pain. Your enery is dealing with it, instead of all you would be doing. Even with several does of Motrin, or Ibuprofen every day, I still hurt. It never completely goes away. I am praying for you.

Janine said...

Bloody hell, Linds,you really did a proper job on that knee! I'll keep my fingers crossed that all the waiting lists aren't too long and that you get it sorted out soon. X

zztop357 said...

So sorry Linds about the knee. I must say I'm not too impressed with the Dr's over there. I can't blame you for being irritated.To add insult to injury,you can't do any sewing or anything else you would do when off work. That just sucks.
Maybe they will give you a knee brace so you can at least sit at your sewing machine. I know how tire-some it can be to be on forced bed rest. You even get tired of reading, and began to hate the telly.
I'll be thinking of you, and pray the Dr's get you in quickly. At least you have some beautiful flowers to look at. It is very dry and hot here....
Take care and God bless, Donna

someone else said...

Oh my goodness!! I've just caught up reading your last three posts and I find this news. You poor thing!! I know what you can do -- come over here for the surgery, etc., and I would take good care of you.

Oh well, nice thought....

(Hello to your mum from MG)

Edith said...

Oh my...so sorry you are having to deal with all of this. That's so frustrating. Glad you now know why the pain has not let up much! And have it hopefully correctly diagnosed. Will be praying you get in soon for the MRI and ortho consult. Blessings.

By the way...those flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Pam said...

Oh dear. Sorry about all this. Maybe there's a tiny crumb of comfort about being off work...? Especially during Wimbledon fortnight...?

But really, do hope you start getting treatment soon and that nature also starts taking its course towards mending.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Linds to read about al your problems with this knee. I do hope that you are a reader and can enjoy hours amnd days in the world of books.