h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Went back to therapy for an evaluation today. My insurance isn't wanting to pay for more treatment, so we'll see how big a battle that turns into.

In the midst of all the poking and prodding, the therapist decided to compare, and tested the same spots for pain on my LEFT shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Turns out I'm way more tender on that side than I should be, too. Also have inflammation on that side, though not nearly as severe.

She wants me to get some blood testing done, and see about getting a referral to a rheumatologist. I thought they were arthritis specialists, but I guess they do all sorts of stuff related to the immune system. The therapist just doesn't think that the RSD diagnosis covers all the problems I'm having.

So. I have an uncooperative insurance provider, and the so-called experts can't seem to figure out just what's wrong with me.

All I know is that I'm so sick of all this I can barely stand it.

Doesn't sound good Ranger! Extra very careful, tender s Really hope it's not anything serious & things work out rreasonably.

Thanks, Egon! Hope you're well, mate!

Sweet Fancy Moses !!

I really don't see what the point of shelling out for insurance is when they don't give you the money when you need it ...

...stupid bl**dy establishments

...hopefully at least early detection of the tenderness on your left means that they'll be able to help it before it gets too much worse ??

Thanks, Jazz!

One positive thing, with the nerve problem (RSD) they try not to create a pain response any more than they have to. So therapy (assuming I get any) will be much more gentle than it was before...

Maybe there is another cause that they suspect, but have to eliminate other possibilities first.

Hiya Tanz!

Yeah, my left arm hasn't been giving me any real problems with normal use, so I don't have advanced problems there so far. But when she'd put pressure on the points that are indicators, they were quite tender, even though she said she was barely touching...

The other therapist had noticed yesterday when I dropped by the office that my left elbow was puffy, so that wasn't a big surprise. The tenderness was disturbing, though.

Right Evangeline! Really hope it all works out well. How've everyone's day's gone?

Hi Evangeline!

I dunno what to think any more. I was worried enough about the RSD, the whole thought of being referred to yet another different type of specialist just makes my

Especially when the insurance people are already being difficult!

Maybe, just maybe, depending on what the actual (official) cause is...the insurance will pay for everything.*trying desperately to find a silver lining*

Hi Jazz. My day was okay, except for feeling like work would never end....but, it finally did.

That's good Evangeline! Just gettin' myself some supper here.

Hi Ranger,
Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Having suffered a damaged hip for almost 40 years I can sympathise. Hope the experts(!) get to the bottom of it soon.

Hi DM! Thanks for the good wishes, they're much appreciated! Life with a bum hip can't be any fun, either, so the sympathy is mutual!

WR- if this is any consolation, memebers of my family have had injuries or illnesses over the eyars which have baffled doctors, but we're all (largely) all right.

So this left arm thing's probably nothing to worry about.

That's good to hear, Egon... at least there's some hope for me!

At least they had the technology, eventually, and could rebuild me, after a fashion.
One problem I didn't have was a fight with an insurance company. The NHS is OK that way, but you don't half have to wait, 2 1/2 years for my original hip replacement.
Hopefully it will work out OK for you

2.5 YEARS!

Here's hoping for the best

After a quick google...(you saw this coming didn't you?). These are examples of just a few conditions that mimic each other making diagnosis really difficult.

Each diagnostic test is more complicated, and expensive. Therefore, doctors start with the simplest explanation first. Really, not trying to frighten. But, if you are informed, you can explain the type of pain and other symptoms in terms the doctor can readily understand. Which might bring about a quicker diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis:
http://www.arthritis.com/1_1_1.asp

Rheumatoid arthritis:
http://www.arthritis.com/1_2_1.asp

Lupus:
http://www.healingwell.com/library/lupus/info1.asp

*gobbles after reading Lupus article*

Thanks, Evangeline. You're right, being informed will make this easier to deal with, whatever it turns out to be