Health update

[giza]

So I saw my pawdiatrist again today for a followup.

First, the good news: I'm feeling much better than I was 4 weeks ago, thanks to the diagnosis and physical therapy. I'd classify the pain as about a 3/10, whereas it was about a 6/10 4 weeks ago. And if I do have a flareup in the cuboid muscles, applying the heating pad for about 20 minutes is sufficient. (Protip: secure the heating pad with a belt for maximum effectiveness.)

Now, the not so good news: I'm still having some pain, along the side of the feet and in the balls of both feet. It's a very light tingling, that turns into more of a burning sensation if I'm on my feet for some time (like say, at a convention). I can also feel my pulse in those areas of my feet. My pawdiatrist found this very interesting, since those are no blood vessels in those parts of the feet. He flat out said that he has no idea what is going on there.

At this point, since the pain is minor, and I'm "functional", we're going to play "wait and see" for 3 months and see what happens. If I'm still having pain, then we might look into things like acupuncture.

When I asked him about what happens if I ever switch jobs/insurance, he remarked that I can still be a patient of his, even if I don't have health coverage, he'll just charge me the co-pay. When I looked at him like he was crazy, he uttered this quote:

"I'm not here to get rich, I'm here to help you get better".

-- Dr. T, my pawdiatrist

Holy. Crap.

Anyway! At this point, I'm well enough to attend Midwest FurFest (ordered plane tickets today) and to go see a knee specialist about my knee issues, which I'll try to make an appointment for tomorrow.

A con report for FurFright is in the works, with plenty of pictures. Watch for it soon!

Comments

[zeeth_kyrah]

Ask about a neurologist. That sounds like inflamed nerves leading to those parts.

[captroo.livejournal.com]

Any kind of tingling or burning comes from nerve problems. Your pawdiatrist is a good guy, I practice the same way in my practice, I accept what people are able to affford for care, I am not here to get rich either! Good luck!

[ketrava.livejournal.com]

integrity high fiver!!!!!!

[simbab.livejournal.com]

Lucky you most docs are exactly the opposite regarding that quote.

[giza.livejournal.com]

What?

[film2edit.livejournal.com]

I'll happily work on your feet again whenever I see you next. Have fun at MFF.

[ketrava.livejournal.com]

I was saying that it takes alot of integrity to only hold someone to their copay if their insurance changes. It seems like that is the exception rather than the norm in a world that cares little for people.

Ketrava

[giza.livejournal.com]

I guess. Though more doctors care about their patients than you'd think.

I recall a few years back seeing a poll in Readers' Digest that said something like 55% of all doctors reduce or outright waive fees for patients without medical insurance.

[wildw0lf.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you have to wish more people were like that - just taking the charge of the co-pay...wow!