Yeah...you probably thought that meant to know who I was and who I am to be. Nope. Not today. Rather, today I am going to the doctor regarding a nagging foot issue. One that I have been dealing with for over two years now. I am finally fed up with what is going on with my foot and the care I have been getting so I return to the source....my family doctor.
What prompted this visit was a swollen ankle last week...an abnormal symptom for my ankle issue but one that caused extreme difficulty and pain. So, on again the boot went and some relief after about 4 days of consistent wear of it. I get a call yesterday that they will move up my appointment from next week until today. So what happens? My swelling goes away but I still have the pain. Sometimes, when the doctors can't see swelling I often think that they think that the pain is made up. To be going through this for over 2 years now I can honestly tell you that its not in my head. My dream of walking or running a 5 k are put back on hold again...maybe permanently.
So what am I feeling about it all? I need to be strong today and insistent that something needs to be done. No more physical therapy. No more guessing games. This is real. This hurts. I need to look at my doctor in the eyes and say, "Something needs to be done." Why is it that I tend to chicken out and not get all that I want to say out when I talk to my doctor.
I know my own body. I know my self. I know what hurts. I know too that I need to stand up for what I know needs to be paid attention to. This is something that pertains to not just our bodies, rather it also pertains to other parts of our life. I need at times to stand up even to myself and remind myself what I need to pay attention to in my life. So, while this task started off today talking about my leg and foot, it has been a reminder to stand up and take charge of my life and to pay attention to what I need to work on. It was my own push of myself and holding myself accountable. Sometimes we all need to do that. Today is my day.
It's exactly the same thing when your car is making that funny noise or stutters when you take off. As soon as you get it to the mechanic, it's running just fine, and they think that you are nuts. That's the reason that, in my old age, if I am having an outbreak or something, I call my doctor immediately and tell them that they need to see me today. If they can't get me in, I go to the Walk-in clinic and get treated there, making sure that they send a copy to my doctor. That way, my family doctor will know that they missed out on a patient.
ReplyDeleteI am also finding out, in my old age, that when I do visit my family doctor, that I am much more prepared when I walk in the office. I have my concerns written down; I have with me a list of all medications, supplement, other doctor's names and addresses, etc. I'm about to dedicate a briefcase to just that need.
As a person who has undergone ankle surgery, my opinion is to look for a surgeon and have them take a look. Basically, they washed mine out, and we now know what the problem is. Unfortunately, there is no fix to most of the problem. So I have to live with some discomfort. But at least I now know. I think that you've put up with this long enough, and you could only get a surgeon's opinion. A good doctor won't "go in", unless he feels that it will help.