We are home from Chicago …. whew – quick trip! All went as planned at the plastic surgeons office and the skin grafting is perfect. He came into the room and started singing “Hallelujah Chorus,” which was comical. (He knew about my Christian background) I don’t need to see him again, unless a new problem develops. Just FYI …. if you ever have an incision that doesn’t close after 4-5 weeks, something is wrong! I waited entirely too long, “hoping” that the incision would close. The plastic surgeon thought that most of my pain is likely coming from a nerve issue, which may/may not be able to be corrected. All of the “nerve tests” that we have done in the past have not revealed any problems, so it has been an ongoing issue of trying to correct something that is undetected.
The plastic surgeon gave me the names of two surgeons that specialize in peripheral nerve surgery. One is a doctor that works mainly out of Baltimore, but he is supposed to be in St. Louis for one week in August. I made several phone calls today, but I’d like to see him the week that he is here – pray that the details for this work out. The second option is to see someone located in St. Louis, but she doesn’t take all patients …. I’m still in the process of checking to see if she will see me for a consultation.
I got back to work this morning only to find a message on my office phone that the orthopedic surgeon in Chicago wanted me to see another doctor (related to pain management) in Chicago this Friday morning. I just got home from Chicago! Not sure why no one called me yesterday on my cell phone, but it didn’t happen. I returned the phone call and they asked if I could return this Monday – not! I tentatively have an appt. to see this person on Friday, July 6th, but I am still exploring whether or not this is worth pursuing. Traveling to Chicago every week is a lot – trying to get doctors to “think ahead” and work with me better on planning appointments has not happened like it should.
I am hoping that the orthopedic surgeon in Chicago will call me to answer some additional questions … we need to talk. The foot pain (likely nerve related) is back in full swing and has been rough this week as I’ve started to walk again. I am trying to not start pain medication that is very addicting, but this may be our only choice in the short term. Physical therapy starts tomorrow afternoon. I am concerned about being able to "push through" with the pain and the sustainability factor of being able to do the needed therapy. It is a lot at the end of the day with work and the pain is always worse as the day progresses. I have a new camp at work that starts next Monday, and I’m feeling the crunch of not having enough “office time” this week.
Better scoot for now …. lots to do before camp next week.
je
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