General Medical issues thread

[Solid]

Called up the OT driving people. They want $1500 for the assessment and say it will be at least annually! Everyone has their hands in our pockets. The neuropsychology consult was $1960 with no medicare rebate. The neurologist costs a bucket too. Says come back in 5 months and in the same breath says there is no cure.
She scored a few wronguns on the mini mental state examination with questions like what is the date today? I couldn't readily answer that one myself because I have no reason the check dates.
MrsP going to think about it but likely will hand in her license.

I know it feels like a loss of independence but $1500 would cover a lot of Ubers in a year.

 

[Quickstatus]

If it ain't broke don't fix it?....

Yes But what is your definition of broke?.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I'm only early stages of cataracts.

As long as you have your eyes checked and cataracts monitored, the decision remains yours until you or your health practitioner feel it is time @JohnK

I was reading that cataract surgery was 98%-99% successful. With my luck I'm thinking what happens to the 1%-2% that are not successful.

With any procedure there is always a risk

If it ain't broke don't fix it?....

There will come a time, as I suggest, maintain regular check ups.

 

[RooFlyer]

If it ain't broke don't fix it?....

My ophthalmologist explained it in terms of risk. If the risk of the op is more than then problem at hand - don't have it done. If the problem becomes large in comparison to the risk - get it done. But the doctor assesses this - they know the risks and they also know your eye's performance. But I'm guessing you'd want t be the judge, not them?

 

[JohnK]

Yes But what is your definition of broke?.

I can still see using glasses and any condition is not life threatening.

Something unrelated but it would appear that right knee is now bone on bone. Very painful. Ive seen/heard horror knee/hip/shoulder replacement stories.

Thats a tough one.

With any procedure there is always a risk

There will come a time, as I suggest, maintain regular check ups.

I have eye check-ups every 6-9 months. I'm 61 and we've only just recently noticed cataracts. No rush for any surgery.

 

[drron]

And I have a very good story of a knee replacement. I was walking normally with a better than average flexion in my knee. Driving in the second week without permission.
And now 10 years since it was done now the only major joint that doesn't give me pain.

I have spinal canal stenosis and have had sciatica in both my legs.
Next compression fracture of L2. happened as I walked into the IC Sydney and had to walk past the red bandana guy. I blame him.
15 years of a sensory motor peripheral neuropathy with bilateral foot drop worse on left side. That causes a tendonitis in front of the ankle. Tendonitis of the left hip.
Bursitis of the right hip.
Decreased movent right shoulder after dislocations.
Then gout or pseudo gout can occur in any joint.

Walking this year has been a real problem but i know that with my loss of muscle mass I need to keep walking. Some days that means most of my day is walking slowly with short rests to settle the pain. However in the last 3 weeks I realised 2 things. First some of the pain in my left ankle and left hip was actually sciatica. Doubled up my medication and it settled and after 5 days going back on my usual dose it returned. So I am continuing on the double dose. My GP knows.

As well thought that the foot drop on my left side may be the partial cause of the tendonitis. I could get my left shoe modified through the podiatrist at a fairly substantial cost for each shoe. but I thought that a sliding motion of my left foot when walking might help. It has helped a lot and so think I will be able to do some walks on our next trip starting on Monday.

So John have your knee looked at by your GP and then Orthopaedic surgeon. If they think you should have a knee replacement then get it done. But follow the post operative instructions they give and only make a change to those instructions if you are progressing faster than they thought.

 

[prozac]

I have spinal canal stenosis and have had sciatica in both my legs.
Next compression fracture of L2. happened as I walked into the IC Sydney and had to walk past the red bandana guy. I blame him.
...

Could have been worse. Might have been double trouble.

 

[mrsterryn]

And so the two yearly medical tests start again lol for husband
I don't mind his maintenance various appointments just don't need to have to have new specialists for him (I hope )

 

[Flashback]

Another GP visit and another.... batted away result. So hard to get any help in the UK unless you're rich and can afford to go private (yes, even for GPs!).