If it's not one thing. . .

Rocquie
Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

Hello my friends. . .

(this is not a relapse story)

I recently wrote about wanting to take my recovery up another notch. Among other things, I started doing physical therapy. I am still trying to recover from residual peripheral neuropathy and also I still have some balance issues. I was doing great in PT, very diligent about my homework exercises, and feeling very positive about regaining my strength and balance. 

Also, I have been volunteering at my infusion center. Which has been so meaningful to me (more on that later) but it is tiring. I have continued to have my little granddaughter almost every weekend, taking her to ballet lessons and rehearsals for the Nutcracker. 

I pushed myself too hard and let me get too tired. 

My muscles were sore and I was so tired last weekend when I stumbled and twisted my foot. Monday morning, it was very swollen and bruised. And sore! My husband had a huge and super important day at work so I told him to go. Each day this week my foot has gotten a little better. I cancelled my PT appointment on Tuesday (no way I could have gotten there) but I went on Thursday. He wanted me to get an x-ray.

So this morning, against my better judgment, I went to the bone & joint walk in clinic. I have a hairline fracture in my 3rd metatarsal (top of the foot). The doctor saw me as an older woman and immediately made assumptions. Without listening to anything I had to say, he put me in the big, huge, boot and told me to come back in 2 weeks. He really, really, really wanted to write me a prescription for hydrocodone, but I was adamant about that. My foot hurt 80% less this morning than it did Monday and I didn't  need it then. 

So I started walking out of there with this boot on my foot. It made my left foot at least 4 inches higher than the right. It was so weird and awkward.  It was freaking me out. I was holding the walls to keep my balance until I got to check out. I was standing there to make my next appointment and thinking to myself: I am going back into the waiting room to take this thing off my foot so I can safely walk to my car. Fortunately the check out girl could sense my distress and offered to help me to the car. God bless her. So I took the stooopid thing off in the car and have no intention of putting it back on. 

This scenario reminded me of a book our Max recommended to us a while back, How Doctors Think. I read the book and highly recommend it. It was very enlightening and helps me put my experience this morning into perspective.

During my last visit with my Neurologist, he noted that my reflex is absent in my left Achilles and that I have mildly blunted vibration sense in the feet. (Thus the stumble). The insert which came with the "Boot" states, "Not for use on patients with compromised sensation in the foot and ankle region".  So why was I trying to walk out of there with that thing? 

So that is my little story. . .

Much love, 

Rocquie

Comments

  • givingrace
    givingrace Member Posts: 161
    #2
    Hi Rocquie, 
    I totally

    Hi Rocquie, 

    I totally understand your frustration.  Especially after feeling so good after being such a fighter. 

    I send you hugs and a whole lot of encouragement to keep strong .

    Hugs,

    GG

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    #3
    givingrace said:

    Hi Rocquie, 
    I totally

    Hi Rocquie, 

    I totally understand your frustration.  Especially after feeling so good after being such a fighter. 

    I send you hugs and a whole lot of encouragement to keep strong .

    Hugs,

    GG

    It's good to hear from you

    even if it's a complaint Wink.  Sorry you are having more woes, it can't be fun.  I have to say tho, the way you describe the situation was a hoot.  We can certainly use a good hoot once in awhile Laughing.  Hope your foot continues to improve.  Keep those docs on their toes or should I say "boots"

    Thinking of you,

    Becky

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #4
    HELLO ROCQUIE

    Hi Rocquie:

    I hope you are now OK.

    I dread going to a doctor now that I am on Medicare, particularly my Internist.  She is always in a tremendous rush and I get about 15 minutes with her.   This is not unusual these days, of course.  I do not believe that a doctor can practice good medicine with 15-minute appointments!  The last time I was there, I actually had three things to tell her.  I had made an appointment and told the receptionist I had a bad back.  So the doctor checked my back and gave me a prescription for a Physical Therapist.  Doc then turned her back,  and started leaving the room.    Dismayed, I said, "Are you leaving?"  She returned to me, and checked out my second complaint.  I announced a 3rd complaint:  a bad stomach.  I also gave her my analysis of what was causing problems with my stomach.  She looked at me and said, "Perhaps," and left me.  No answer, but "perhaps."  The time with this M.D. was about 10 - 15 min.  I eventually took myself to a Gastroenterologist who recommended an Endoscopy.  I had the procedure.  The stomach was irritated but OK.  (The stress I have from lymphoma and two heart surgeries hits me in the gut.)

    I have also encountered more than one doctor who complain about the money they earn when people are on Medicare.  "So little," one said.  Another said, "I may have to not take more Medicare patients in the future."  (I have Medicare and a United Healthcare supplement.  Still not enough.  Costs me alot, however $$$)   (Am so sick and tired of the Medical situation in the U.S.)

    I am definitely going to read that book, "How Doctors Think."  I could continue, but won't.

    Nancy

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    #5
    NANCYL1 said:

    HELLO ROCQUIE

    Hi Rocquie:

    I hope you are now OK.

    I dread going to a doctor now that I am on Medicare, particularly my Internist.  She is always in a tremendous rush and I get about 15 minutes with her.   This is not unusual these days, of course.  I do not believe that a doctor can practice good medicine with 15-minute appointments!  The last time I was there, I actually had three things to tell her.  I had made an appointment and told the receptionist I had a bad back.  So the doctor checked my back and gave me a prescription for a Physical Therapist.  Doc then turned her back,  and started leaving the room.    Dismayed, I said, "Are you leaving?"  She returned to me, and checked out my second complaint.  I announced a 3rd complaint:  a bad stomach.  I also gave her my analysis of what was causing problems with my stomach.  She looked at me and said, "Perhaps," and left me.  No answer, but "perhaps."  The time with this M.D. was about 10 - 15 min.  I eventually took myself to a Gastroenterologist who recommended an Endoscopy.  I had the procedure.  The stomach was irritated but OK.  (The stress I have from lymphoma and two heart surgeries hits me in the gut.)

    I have also encountered more than one doctor who complain about the money they earn when people are on Medicare.  "So little," one said.  Another said, "I may have to not take more Medicare patients in the future."  (I have Medicare and a United Healthcare supplement.  Still not enough.  Costs me alot, however $$$)   (Am so sick and tired of the Medical situation in the U.S.)

    I am definitely going to read that book, "How Doctors Think."  I could continue, but won't.

    Nancy

    A Mess for sure
    Nancy,
    I'm sorry you are having these insurance issues. Medicare and Medicaid have never been pleasant (I am told), but it is worse now that many doctors are discontinuing them. Regarding "face time" with your doctor: All of my numerous doctors are part of the same huge hospital system, which is also a medical school now. I went to my I.M. doc early last year and was given a handout printed by the hospital system stating that all visits to primary care doctors would be limited to 15 minutes, and one (1) issue would be discussed. Patients with multiple issues would be required to make additional appointments to address other issues. I read this myself; it is not something I "heard" somewhere. Visits to specialists do not have this time limitation (yet ! ) .

    More than one of my doctors have told me that they are disguisted with the administrative and proceedural rules that are now superimposed on them. A "boutique" medical practice is emerging in many areas, including my own. These are doctors who group together and operate by their own rules (insofar as is legal, of course). One local practice says that they do odd things, such as "no waiting, and listening to everything the patient has to say,"

    Imagine that !

    max
  • Jeff148
    Jeff148 Member Posts: 184
    #6
    OUCH!!

    Rocquie,

    Sounds like you have a busy, but fun life!! I love the Nutcracker!! Sorry about the boot. That's never fun. I did something crazy to my feet 2 days before my second surgery for the biopsy that turned out to be a false positive. I was trying to replace some decking in September before my surgery as I felt good and thought I wasn't going to be able to do much after surgery ( and I thought more chemo was on its way). All I was doing was replacing a few rotten boards with new ones. Take 4 screws out and put the new board down and put four screws in. It was hot so I took my shoes off (my gandpa taught me to know better, but I had an excuse...chemo brain). All was going well. I was done with the final board when I noticed an old board that had an upturned edge. I put my foot on the edge to push it down and at the same time put a new screw in the corner. The problem was that I had the electric drill on reverse so the wcrew wasn't going in. I didn't notice and pushed hard and the drill slipped off the screw and went strait into the soft tissue between my big toe and second toe. Ouch....just what I didn't need, a big hole in my foot right before surgery. Having to tell the story to my dr. and nurses was pretty funny. But its healed now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will get through this. Have fun at the Nutcracker!!!  

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #7
    givingrace said:

    Hi Rocquie, 
    I totally

    Hi Rocquie, 

    I totally understand your frustration.  Especially after feeling so good after being such a fighter. 

    I send you hugs and a whole lot of encouragement to keep strong .

    Hugs,

    GG

    Thank you

    GG, I believe that you really do understand my frustration. Thank you so much for that. And thank you for the encouragement--it means so much to me. 

    I want to send the same encouragement, strength, prayers, and hugs to you.

    Love,

    Rocquie

     

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #8
    Jeff148 said:

    OUCH!!

    Rocquie,

    Sounds like you have a busy, but fun life!! I love the Nutcracker!! Sorry about the boot. That's never fun. I did something crazy to my feet 2 days before my second surgery for the biopsy that turned out to be a false positive. I was trying to replace some decking in September before my surgery as I felt good and thought I wasn't going to be able to do much after surgery ( and I thought more chemo was on its way). All I was doing was replacing a few rotten boards with new ones. Take 4 screws out and put the new board down and put four screws in. It was hot so I took my shoes off (my gandpa taught me to know better, but I had an excuse...chemo brain). All was going well. I was done with the final board when I noticed an old board that had an upturned edge. I put my foot on the edge to push it down and at the same time put a new screw in the corner. The problem was that I had the electric drill on reverse so the wcrew wasn't going in. I didn't notice and pushed hard and the drill slipped off the screw and went strait into the soft tissue between my big toe and second toe. Ouch....just what I didn't need, a big hole in my foot right before surgery. Having to tell the story to my dr. and nurses was pretty funny. But its healed now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will get through this. Have fun at the Nutcracker!!!  

    Jeff

    Yikes! Drilling a hole in your foot! I understand about having to explain how you did it and how embarrasing that can be. When the bone doctor I went to told me he was going to send a copy of his visit note to both my family doctor and my oncologist, I said, "Do you have to tell them"? I think the next time someone asks what I did to my foot, I am going to say, "I guess I broke it!" Please don't make me give you the nitty gritty details--does it really matter? 

    We are also fans of the Nutcracker. Each year, once we go to the ballet, we are officially in the Christmas Spirit. This is the first year our girl gets to perform. She is so excited!

    I hope you are continuing to be well. Prayers and love to you and your family, as always. . .

    Rocquie

     

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #9
    illead said:

    It's good to hear from you

    even if it's a complaint Wink.  Sorry you are having more woes, it can't be fun.  I have to say tho, the way you describe the situation was a hoot.  We can certainly use a good hoot once in awhile Laughing.  Hope your foot continues to improve.  Keep those docs on their toes or should I say "boots"

    Thinking of you,

    Becky

    Becky

    I wasn't really trying to complain. But I was trying to be a bit humorous--I can just see me freaking out and trying to walk in that ridiculous "boot". 

    The main point I was trying (and obviously failed) to make was about the human-ness of our doctors and assumptions they make. This little boy doctor saw an "older woman" with a fractured bone and a swollen and bruised foot. He immediately jumped to the conclusion that I have osteoporosis and that I take blood thinners. Neither is true. And he didn't seem to "get it" when I kept telling him I have balance problems. 

    He also kept using the phrase, "toes above the nose" like I was a child. I am capable of understanding "keep the foot elevated". 

    Be that as it may, I only went at the request of my Physical Therapist to get an x-ray. The boot is in the back of the closet and will be returned to that clinic when I go back. My PT and I can take care of my foot just fine.  

    Blessings to you and Bill. . .

    Rocquie

     

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    #10
    Rocquie said:

    Jeff

    Yikes! Drilling a hole in your foot! I understand about having to explain how you did it and how embarrasing that can be. When the bone doctor I went to told me he was going to send a copy of his visit note to both my family doctor and my oncologist, I said, "Do you have to tell them"? I think the next time someone asks what I did to my foot, I am going to say, "I guess I broke it!" Please don't make me give you the nitty gritty details--does it really matter? 

    We are also fans of the Nutcracker. Each year, once we go to the ballet, we are officially in the Christmas Spirit. This is the first year our girl gets to perform. She is so excited!

    I hope you are continuing to be well. Prayers and love to you and your family, as always. . .

    Rocquie

     

    I got it

    I figured you were being amusing, I just didn't want to make light of your ordeal either, cause it had to be frustrating at the time.  I got a kick out of it, that's why I thought it was a "hoot".  You have great storytelling skills.

    Becky

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #11
    Hi Rocquie!

    Good to hear from you.  You know me, I couldn't resist this Wink:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

    Hugs,

    Jim

  • givingrace
    givingrace Member Posts: 161
    #12
    jimwins said:

    Hi Rocquie!

    Good to hear from you.  You know me, I couldn't resist this Wink:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

    Hugs,

    Jim

    With all

    With all seriousness....that's funny Jim! 

    I hope your foot is feeling better tho.

    Rocquie  how are you feeling now?

    Hugs :)

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #13
    jimwins said:

    Hi Rocquie!

    Good to hear from you.  You know me, I couldn't resist this Wink:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

    Hugs,

    Jim

    Jim

    I laughed out loud! This was perfect and I thank you for your humor.

    My little granddaughter's "other" grandmother bought her a pair of boots (which in fairness are so very cute) and I taught her the song. Much to her mother's chagrin. Tee-hee. 

    Hugs back to you,

    Rocquie

     

    GG-my foot is getting better. Thanks and hugs to you too. 

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