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I Can Walk Normally Again

 

Subtitle: yayy for the US health care system!

I recently recounted my issues with a torn meniscus in my right knee. I first saw my family doctor about this in late May. Two days ago, I saw the orthopedic specialist.

After discussing with me the biology of cartilage, he said that doing surgery to remove my meniscus would only accelerate arthritis and that in 10 or 15 years, I would likely need knee replacement.

Or, he could give me a cortisone shot to reduce the inflammation, which, he explained, was the primary source of my daily discomfort. Obviously, I took the shot. It's cheaper and not invasive. Depending on several factors, the shot may become a bi-monthly routine.

The result: I can walk normal again without a limp. I'd say that my knee is now about 85% of what it was before the injuries to it.

All within a month, and for relatively little expense.

Estelle from Canada had written in with her similar story, except she has to rely on the Canadian health care system, which is nationalized. She has to wait until next year to see an orthopedist and have surgery. Here in the US, I was treated in less than a month.

Obama sucks. His intentions suck, his spending sucks, stealing from our kids' future incomes sucks. He sucks.

Estelle, if you read this, try to get a cortisone shot and see what that does for you. Your family doctor might be able to give it to you. That might at least alleviate your discomfort until you can have surgery.

 


by Brett Rogers, 6/13/2009 8:25:17 AM
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Hey Brett,

UPDATE...

After doing some more leg work myself, I found an orthopedic surgeon in Brockville (which is about one hour and 15 minutes from where I live and 20 minutes from where I spend the entire summer) He can see me next week on June 24th and I will probably have surgery before the end of July. Needless to say I'm ecstatic. I will definitely discuss a cortisone shot with him. I don't believe it will be enough however since my anterior cruciate ligament is also completely torn.

I'm glad to hear your knee is better though.

FUNNY....my spam preventing question was....What country borders the United States on the north? ...lol

 

 

Posted by Estelle, 6/15/2009 1:19:00 PM


Glad you got some relief!

 

 

Posted by Annette (dmartinigirl.blogspot.com), 6/15/2009 2:39:05 PM


Estelle - I'm thrilled to hear that you have an option. Waiting a year would suck. That is funny about your spam question... you know, if you sign up to be part of the playground, you won't be asked those questions.

 

 

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 6/15/2009 2:48:32 PM


Annette, I see that you rode your bike. Me too - and the knee is okay with it. Now on to weight loss... good gravy, though, am I out of shape.

 

 

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 6/15/2009 2:49:31 PM


How do I sign up?

 

 

Posted by Estelle, 6/15/2009 3:13:52 PM


If you see the link for "Gated Playground" on the main page, click on that and you should be able to get in from there.

 

 

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 6/15/2009 3:17:02 PM


Sorry, I must be blind, I don't see the link!

 

 

Posted by Estelle, 6/15/2009 3:21:22 PM


Sorry - it says "Request Private Access" :)

 

 

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 6/15/2009 3:24:33 PM



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