Off bike for a while

[bcipam]

Mary - it's interesting and maybe insurance plans work differently but I saw the ortho Tues and had my MRI Wednesday (although I also had to go back Thursday as I couldn't complete the first session due to pain). My doctor called me last night after getting the MRI screens and I see him next Tuesday, meet with the surgeon most likely Wed. and Thursday and will hopefully have surgery in the next week or two. The Doctor's office did everything for me. I just had to show up.

I think I'm blessed with the plan I have. Between this and the cancer surgery - it's really come through for me. I have a PPO plan with United Heathcare in case anyone is interested.

Are you on an HMO? Regardless, insist on getting the test sooner. Ask the doctor's office why they don't do the scheduling (note my doctor's office not only did the scheduling but ran everything first thru the insurance plan to make sure everything would be covered).

If you are having the same pain, I can't imagine waiting any longer!!! Become the "squeeky wheel" sometimes its necessary!

[mary9761]

I'm on the indigent program at our local county hospital so yeah, it's an HMO of sorts. Just getting in to see the doc is like pulling teeth. I'm just frustrated that I'm either in pain right now and or I'm in pain AND doped to the gills. I called the office several hours ago and of course the doctor hasn't called. The office will close in a few more hours and it will be another weekend confined to the house when I'd rather be riding. Last night I was dreaming of riding to my weekend ride and riding the route that I normally take to and from. I dreamed of leaving the group a bit earlier to get a head start and the riders passing me along the way.
I'm lucky to have any coverage at all, but it seems so many times that every time we need to be seen (wait hours to be seen for a few minutes since they schedule a dozen people to see the same doc at the same time) then wait for hours in the pharmacy to get our meds (often one window open to dispense meds for everyone) It doesn't matter if you've just been released from the hospital, just gotten out of the recovery room after surgery etc, you have to wait to get your meds. They close the pharmacy often before you get out of the emergency room and then you have to come back the next day and wait for hours again. It's just frustrating and I feel like an ungrateful whiner right now. I know there are so many people in worse shape in so many ways than me.. I know that a lot of this is the pain and meds talking and I shouldn't even be complaining. I've just come so far, I don't want to go back to where I was 18 years ago and that's what it feels like right now.

[HappyAnika]

Ok, so BciPam has a bad opinion of Chiropractors, to each his own, but there are plenty of bad MDs, PAs, and PTs out there too. Simply put, I love my chiropractor.

Mary, if your insurance doesn't cover chiropractors, you might want to look into seeing a DO, Doctor of Osteopathy. They go through the same training that MDs do, they take the same board examinations, they are surgeons, orthopaedists, radiologists, cardiologists, all of the -ologists that MDs are, but they go through an additional type of training called Osteopathic manipulative treatment which is a hands on approach to diagnosing and treating all kinds of symptoms. Most insurance plans will cover DOs since they are essentially identical to MDs. Check out http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ost_omt for some information. I can't imagine being that type of debiliating pain for months waiting on an insurance company. This might be an option to get you some helpful treatment while you're waiting for an MRI. Best of luck!

[bcipam]

Mary - just make sure you get a DX before doing any physical treatment to make sure you won't injure yourself further. I can imagine if you have a cyst like me, PT or manipulation probably is not going to work or help.

Be patient and be strong. I would hate to be waiting so long to get help. You must be miserable and you have earned the right to whine. I feel for you and pray and hope you get help and relief soon. Until then, rest and relax. Let the back heal if it can. Big Hug. Please take care.