I have finally seen another doctor, and have had a second opinion. Yes, I hear you. It is nearly 5 months later than I should have done this. But I have been. I liked him. He knows what he is talking about, and after hearing my story and examining the said limb, he sat back and started talking.
First.... I should have had an MRI within 2 days. Second, I would and should have then started immediate physiotherapy. The sitting on that wretched couch has not been a good move, never mind that every doctor I saw said sit. And I sat. For months.
Second...... the osteo arthritis could have been dormant for the rest of my life, but often an injury wakes it up and speeds up the damage. Mine did. And now the leg is compensating and unreliable.
Third.....It is possible that the inactivity coupled with the arthroscopy, triggered the CRPS.
Fourth..... CRPS is a horrible thing. However, there is a positive here. He says the medicine I am on is good. And he explained more about how the tablets work. I have to do much physio and exercise, and he estimates that it will probably take 6 months to a year to get well. He says I appear a stong character, so getting better is hopeful. Determined not to consider any other option is more like it. Some people don't, by the way. Get better. Not me. I am not going there. He was not altogether flattering in his assessment of the NHS. And I am being diplomatic here.
Fifth... I need to see a really good pain specialist, not a psychiatric one. And that it is a team effort to treat CRPS. If the tablets I am on now don't work, they will probably introduce beta blockers in addition. Just great. Here I am with no depression, epilepsy or heart problems, potentially taking medication for all 3 to cure condition 4. However, if they work, I will take the lot.
So. It is now "let's repair the damage" time. This is going to take a long time people, so brace yourselves for more knee stories in the immediate future. Sorry about that. But it is life. Mine.
At least I know that the treatment I am getting NOW is what is appropriate. At last. And after I see the physio on Monday, I am going to be an exercise fiend. I AM going to crawl on the floor when the bump arrives in February. I AM going to walk in the mountains again. I AM going to have a knee which works properly again.
Just watch.
17 comments:
I am glad that you finally did what you had to do to get that second opinion. I am glad that you now have a firm direction and a hopeful treatment plan. I am glad that you do not actually have depression or epilepsy or a heart condition (and with all those tablets are unlikely to know if you do?). I am so glad that you see yourself crawling on the floor and climbing mountains. You go girl! Proud of you - that's for sure.
I agree with you, Linds. So much of our recovery is our mental attitude and you display yours well.
Susan
Wonderful news! Now you have a direction and something to work towards. The wondering and waiting are the worst. Sounds like you have a good 2nd opinion Dr.
Praying for your continued recovery - the mountains are calling...or is it a baby crying?
Either way - hope you will be enjoying both soon. S
I hope you rise to the challenge of getting better and good luck to you, I know you can do it.
Hallelujah! Finally! Well, at least now you know exactly what you're dealing with and have a treatment plan. Now to put your nose to the grindstone, so to speak, and get on with it.
Best of luck, Linds. You can do it!
Love and hugs,
Diane
What a relief to finally get some answers. And we'll be here to read all about it any time you write it. Take care, dear friend.
Yes! Yes! Okay, so that it was long overdue... I am so excited about your seeing another doctor who appears to know something.
Of course, you're going to make a good and complete recovery. You're highly motivated after all. Little grands need grandmothers who can sprint off after them, don'tcha know. I've done such a lot of sprinting since the grands came along.
I know that we can count on your story telling skills to keep us entertained for months on physiotherapy tales. Go get'em!
Good for you Linds! It's about time someone really listened to you and that you got a straight answer. It will take time but go for it girl! And it will get better.
It's about time!! Many people would immediately sue for malpractice for what you've been through! Praise the Lord you have found the right doctor. You will be fine!
Good news Linds. I remember the day I went for a second opinion about the scoliosis surgery I needed to have. The minute I met this new surgeon I knew he was the right one. He did an amazing job, and I felt so blessed to have found him.
I'm glad it has worked the same way for you. I think your determined spirit is half the battle. Good for you Linds!
Hooray! FINALLY, a doctor who knows what he's talking about! I hope the physical therapy begins to work very soon and that you progress quickly.
At last!! Someone who can help and give you answers!! Praise - and thanks - be to God! I know you are determined to conquer this and I will gladly listen to knee stories, cheer for you and support you when it seems hard. You WILL be the grandmother who does things with your granddaughter and you WILL enjoy those mountains again. ((( HUGS )))
Great to hear that you have finally been given some decent advice. Sometimes it helps to be bedonnered! Good luck with the knee. X
I am so glad that you finally have some answers, Linds. This has been going on way too long for you. I know how determined you are to walk those mountains, to crawl the floors and to live again. You will do great and it will be so GREAT in the end. Prayers for quick success.
YOU GO, GIRL!!!
We all want to see you run up those steps like Rocky did in the movie when all is said and done, with the music blaring in the background.
I can see it now...
So glad that you have seen someone who knows the problem and can help.
I am sure you will be up and running before you know it and wiser too.
I believe it...and I am looking forward to "watching" you do just that.
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