Knee News01:44 Jun 20 2012
Times Read: 654
I haven't been on much, which is a little strange for me. I had to toddle off to the doctor last week because of recurring problems with my right knee. From years ago when a car struck me when I was riding my bicycle and I flew off landing on my knees, I've had problems with them. I can usually forecast a weather change quicker than the weatherman, and by the end of my twelve hour work days, they're just junk. Over the counter pain relievers didn't even begin to help.
Then a new wrinkle emerged. My right knee started to pop and crack, and it felt like it was going to collapse. I wrapped it up with two ace bandages and went to get an x ray. Turns out there is a chip of bone floating around in there that shouldn't be, and it catches on various portions and makes my knee pop and crack. This is my right knee. The doc looked at the x ray of my left knee and said, "does that bother you much?" I said no, just the right one. He said it's bone on bone in the left one, no cartilege at all. Funnily enough, that's my good knee. Doesn't bother me a fraction of the way the right one does.
So anyway, he gives me a cortisone shot--my first!--and says he can go in, get the bone chip out, and "clean things up in there". No problem. Well, save one..I have no insurance and will have to pay for this myself. I have no idea what this will entail, cost wise, how much work time I will lose, or other endless things I've been obsessing about.
I see the doc again Thursday to schedule the surgery. My boss had this done a couple years ago, it was done same day and they sent him home after. He's been incredibly supportive of me since I've had this diagnosis. He says he or his wife will take me to the hospital, wait for me to have the surgery, and take me back home. He's saved his crutches, so I can have those. He is practially waiting on my schedule so he can plan his vacation and other things in the shop.
I dunno..has anyone had this procedure? I've heard you can be off work from a week to six, depending on how you heal. This will be my summer vacation...oh goodie...so the notion of spending my one and only week off recovering from surgery isn't a good one. However, getting my knee fixed will be a relief.
As I was about to leave the doctor's office, I jokingly said I ought to just get a whole knee replacement. Without batting a lash, he said "Oh sure, that's down the line."
Hope not.
COMMENTS
-
BLOODLIFE
16:41 Jun 24 2012
It does seem cold and callous to put a price on getting people well again, something I'll never understand!
PandorasBx
18:11 Jun 24 2012
That sucks, sorry dear :( And I'm with you on the Obama health care issue, can't see how that is supposed to pan out...
Lullaby
18:55 Jun 24 2012
Come to Australia. I'll adopt you, and your Cabana Boy too. >.>
I think Obama is trying to model it on our system, and he's failing, apparently. Gets points for trying, but still, failing.
Here you don't need health insurance. You walk into a hospital, and you're seen to, for free. You can make an appointment with nearly any doctor (as long as it's not private) and be seen in reasonable time, for free.
Our medication, no matter what it is, is $5.50 (or something similar - may even be lower).
The thought of getting injured in the US terrifies me. Travel insurance is a beautiful thing.
Morrigon
19:31 Jun 24 2012
I'm sorry... Jesus, the ENTIRE medical system is messed up. No one can afford hundreds of thousands in medical costs so why are officials even pretending that it isn't an issue?!?
RedQueen
22:42 Jun 24 2012
I'm sorry too, sugar- much as people like to think that Canada is so much better, it isn't- and the wait times for necessary surgery are getting longer and longer. I only hope nothing gives out in the near future, just like you.
Vampirewitch39
17:17 Jul 01 2012
We are in the same boat, just add back pains.
DestroyingAngel
01:58 Jul 02 2012
I know we dont know each other very well....but...I am so sorry to hear about this. It's sickens me that the health care system is SOOO BAD. It's like they don't care at all...and you are right (I've had similar things like this happen to me) they move on to the next patient who has insurance (and they seem to treat em' better too). I believe they do that just to jack up the patients bills. It's disgusting. I'm so very sorry. :(
As for the Obama care.....
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez. Where do I begin...?
I truly feel that this is going to cause nothing but PROBLEMS! As you mentioned...most people now days can't even afford to put food on the table or even buy house hold items. *sigh*
It's a wreck. I'ts a damn shame. I am truly sorry about your knee. I wish I could help you. I wish I could make it all go away for you. I really do. I suppose all I can do is be positive for you and hope that it gets better........somehow. I'm sorry you are going through this. Can you switch to a different doctor, maybe? *shrugs*
You're in my thoughts and prayers...especially for this. I truly hope for the best for you! *hugs*
**wonders why the doc didn't even give you a perscription for some good ol' fashioned Vicodin while you're going through this**
Again....I am so sorry. :(
NLW
22:52 Jul 05 2012
My mother died at 67 because,by the time she was able to get help (and someone took her seriously) it was too late. I'm in no better a situation than she was because I also have no insurance and no way to pay for it. I hate the way people are seen as disposable in this country.
sahahria
02:18 Jul 10 2012
An option for you is also Acupuncture. Community Acupuncture is in most areas of the US and the cost per treatment is 15-40 per treatment (you choose what you pay, first visit typically has 10-15 paperwork fee).
I know for people who don't like needles Acupuncture can be a scary idea. However with knee pain it is often times has better results than surgery (40-60% of the time). Just something for you to research/consider.
CarnelianMyst
01:11 Jul 12 2012
Saharia, I don't know where you get your information from, but those prices for Acupuncture are WAY off. They don't even come close to what is charged in this area. Not even remotely close. I am fine with needles, but the entire medical profession is frosty with me right now. I am broke, and cannot afford ANYTHING.