Patient: I’ve waited weeks to see you, I’m hoping you can fix my back.
Doctor (Surgeon actually): Let’s look at the films.
The doctor takes the MRI films from the manila envelope and places them onto the white viewing board. He doesn’t miss a beat.
Doctor: This is your spine. These are your vertebrae. This is your spinal fluid. These white areas are healthy discs. These black areas are unhealthy discs. You have zero healthy discs in your entire lumbar spine.
Patient: That can’t be good.
Doctor: It’s not the end of the world. Pain management, core strengthening and therapy you’ll be all right.
Patient: Will it return to normal?
Doctor: Normal for an eighty-year old.
Patient: What do you suggest?
Doctor: You’re not a candidate for surgical repair, too much damage, I can’t repair the entire lumbar spine. Live your life, live with the pain and get on with things.
Patient: Great.
There you have it. Three more weeks of “core strengthening” and back on the old horse. Not the answers I had hoped for.
I feel your (back) pain as well. Any openings on E-4 or where is the slowest ladder? Good Luck Lt.
Sounds like rationing of health care. You’re welcome to sneak away to the west coast for some “R&D” time, let me know.
That does not sound good.
How does he feel about the job you do? There is so much lifting involved. I’m sorry the news wasn’t better. We all would like to hear that they can fix it, unfortunately sometimes we just have to learn to live with it. Easier said than done when you’re in constant pain.
You’re more brave than I. I’m afraid to have anyone look at my back. Or my shoulders. Or my elbows. Or my wrists.
After 30+ years on the job, that’s what happens. That’s the physical cost of a long term career in EMS.
Thanks for the well wishes and concern everybody, much appreciated. Nobody said this would be easy, I do wish i could go back in time and pay more attention to the “little” creaks and groans my body made, and didn’t ignore the aches and pains.
It’s really not all that bad, part of life and the result of a demanding job. Hopefully in ten years I’ll be done with it!
Sorry you’re in such pain Mike. I hope you find relief somewhere.
Only five little words really Michael,
How long till you retire?
No,I am very sorry to read this, I would seek a second opinion though.
btw thanks for your generous post, a good few book sales have come via your blog ( I think )
and books still selling like chocolate cookies!
Get better soon Michael!! And I love a doc who says it like it is. Although I agree a second opinion never hurts.
Hi,
rescuingprovidence.com – da best. Keep it going!
Ilias
Michael I wish you all the best. You have given so much and have “earned” every bit of pain you are feeling. Heck of a “payback” for all of the good you have done over the years. Sending you a special hug and many thoughts and prayers. Love yah. Pat.