The Diagnosis

Sorry I didn't post this as soon as I heard from the Dr yesterday. After speaking with him I didn't feel like doing much of anything.

The diagnosis is that I have a labral tear you can find some really good information here and here. I also have early arthritis in my hip. My Dr referred me to one of his colleagues that specializes in joints and arthriscopy. They together reviewed my MRI and X-rays. They both agree on the diagnosis. My Dr didn't know what the 2nd Dr's plan of action was. He didn't know if he would perform surgery or send me through rehab. So I called to make an appointment. The earliest I can get in September 13th. A whole month and a half away. What am I supposed to do for the next month and a half.

I e-mailed my Dr. to see if there was anything that could be done to get me in earlier. And to ask about pain management. I told him I have been taking leftover pain medication to get me through the nights and living on Aleve during the day. He replied saying that he doesn't want to snow me with stronger pain killers. That I should take that up with Dr Keene. He also forwarded my e-mail onto him to see if there was anything that could be done about getting me in earlier. So keep your fingers crossed. Think happy thoughts!!!!

The Waiting Game

I am waiting somewhat patiently to hear about my MRI results. I am just hoping that the pain goes away. That is all that I want.


Oh by the way, the procedure wasn't as painful as the Dr made it out to be. DAMN HIM!!!!

Redneck Parade

These are pictures of the parade in a little town called Coleman. As you can see people came out to watch construction equipment.
Notice the hand-painted sign on the back of the trailer.
This sign reminded me that I wasn't in Madison anymore.
If you cannot read it it says:

"It's easy to be pro-"choice" when your not the one being killed."

Dr's Appt

I am sorry that I didn't post this yesterday. After my appointment I was sore, crabby and emotional. I didn't think that I wanted to post in that condition for who knows what will come out of my mouth. Maybe now I can be more composed.

Firstly, the doctor agreed with the diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia. In fact this problem is in both of my hips. This is something that I was born with and if caught early enough it can be corrected. I don't know how the screening for this 26 years ago. Who knows maybe this is an condition that was recently discovered. What he thinks is happening is there may be a tear in the cartilage that lines the hip socket or a problem with the tendon on the outside of the hip. To diagnose if there is a tear in the cartilage I have to undergo an MRI. I have had an MRI before no sweat. What is extra special fun about this MRI is that they have to inject dye into the hip joint through a VERY LARGE, VERY LONG needle. After they harpoon me I have to walk around for 30-45 minutes to get the dye moving through the joint to stain all of the cartilage in the hip. This really sounds like fun doesn't it. Any volunteers to do this instead of me? I would really appreciate someone else feeling this pain for me......

So after I have this fun MRI the Dr will decide what to do with me. If there is a tear in the cartilage I will have to have arthriscopic surgery to "fix" the tear. We haven't gotten into that. I am sure that will be explained further if that is the case. If there isn't a tear I will have to undergo PT to try and stop the pain. Which I am skeptical about because I have been in so much pain already I just can't see how causing me more pain will help me feel better, we shall see. Now I know you are thinking to yourself, "what was so hard about that?" Well there is more.

The doctor told me that he wants me to see a dietician about my weight. This strikes a cord on so many levels straight to my heart. Anyone who has ever had to lose some weight knows this. No one likes to be called fat. I am not saying that I am not, it just stings. I understand all the reasons for losing weight, all of the risk factors. But what people who tell people to lose weight don't understand is that there is so much more to it for the "overweight" person. It isn't like they said oh I just want to be fat. A lot of times you have to get to the root of it. I just felt judged. He had judged me in less than 5 minutes. That is mainly why I felt so hurt and emotional. I have not decided yet if I will see the dietician at $125/hour. I will have to think about it and decide.... It isn't that I won't spend the money. It is that I haven't decided that I am ready. I will be ready soon. As anyone who has lost weight before knows it takes hard work and determination. I have to make sure I have the determination to see it through rather than try and fail and feel worse about myself than I already do......

I am working on it....

I am working on my post about the Dr's Appt yesterday. I do have work to do today so check back this afternoon. See this article about wasting time at work.

http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/money/4708059/detail.html

Maybe I can finish it on lunch!