I can't fully express how abysmal my experience(s) here have been - from *not* being instructed on…read morehow to prevent complications from my broken wrist while in the casting stage, to a badly molded brace causing additional pressure & suffering, to being misdiagnosed after a 90-120 second "visit"; resulting in a PT regimen that actually exacerbated pain & made my recovery even harder, to zero communication after my back x-rays showed severe nerve impingement, & multilevel spinal issues - the delays, lack of attention, and laissez-faire attitude have been truly shocking.
Even now, after several phone calls & MyDH messages, I've received no further communication from Orthopedics regarding my X-ray results or my ongoing care plan. "My" doctor said he would leave my office note open so he could update it once the X-ray results were available. It has now been almost a month since the X-ray results were published & my visit notes remain incomplete. Instead of any explanation of my X-ray results, which is what I was promised in my visit, (as the doctor did the reassuring "two-handed, 'we really care' handshake, looked me in the eye & assured me that he would be in touch as soon as he had my results, & we would get through this 'together'), I have received a referral to the pain clinic, where meaningful treatment goes to die. Yes, I have gabapentin, which helps a tiny bit - no, the dr. didn't review my med interactions, resulting in a lengthy review and alarm at the pharmacy.
Now the doctor is on paternity leave, further compounding my troubles. I requested a simple FMLA letter on June 22nd, since, despite DHs lack of urgency, I am barely able to type due to my shoulder pain. Now the doctor that I saw is on paternity leave & he's left the visit details unfinished. After several more phone calls inquiring on the status of the form I needed by the 29th, I spoke to the woman in charge of completing it & got the following message (message only includes relevant details):
"I had reached out to Dr. XXXXXXXXXX to see what he wanted to do with the form the day you sent it in as well as reminded him a couple of times. He didn't get back to me & is...out of office as of yesterday as his wife went into labor. I have reached out to Dr. XXX, who you have also seen to see if this is something he can do in Dr. XXXXXXXXXX's absence or if he has an idea as to what to do."
So, not only was my doctor reminded about my case, but he was also asked to provide input for the form that would have allowed me to access accommodations & labor protection from the state of NH.
I understand that emergencies occur, but this doctor was clearly aware that his wife was pregnant & should have arranged continuity of care. Now I am thrown upon the gauntlet of another doctor's "kindness" to see if he will do me the great favor of completing a legal document to validate for my employers what my X-rays already show. Of course, my doctor's note doesn't include any information about my X-rays, so who knows how far he'll "dig" (sigh).
I'm including my x-ray results for clarity & transparency:
XR Cervical Spine 2-3 Views:
Moderate multilevel degenerative disc & joint disease changes, characterized by uncovertebral hypertrophy subchondral endplate sclerosis and spondylosis. There is slight listhesis within the mid-cervical spine, likely contributing to moderate to severe foraminal stenosis. No apparent acute fracture.
XR Lumbar Spine 2-3 Views
Mild to moderate multilevel degenerative disc & joint disease, characterized by spondylosis facet arthrosis, loss of disc space height particularly pronounced in the lower lumbar spine."
And yes, I know that several findings equate to wear & tear from getting older. However, the listhesis & foraminal stenosis are the key findings that indicate that my pain is physiological. Although I am staunchly pro-human curiosity over technology, there is no way I would have been able to get here without the help of AI, since I don't seem to have anyone overseeing my care, & I now depend on voice recognition software.
During one particularly hopeless, painful night, I asked why this pain was governing my entire life & received the following answer:
"The combination of constant inflammatory arthritis (from the spondylosis) & active nerve strangulation (from the stenosis) creates a pain signal that your brain cannot ignore. The "moderate to severe foraminal stenosis" is a mechanical blockage that often does not get better with just rest; the nerve is physically compressed.
Summary: Your pain is real & has a clear structural cause: your neck nerves are being pinched by slipped bones and arthritis. This is a mechanical problem that often requires mechanical solutions (injections or surgery) to resolve."
Exactly the clear, concise explanation I needed, & the confirmation that I wasn't exaggerating, being dramatic, or being a problem, and apparently more than I could expect from any humans involved in my case.
