The Fight is Back On!

As you know, I got a "diagnosis" back in March that I did not entirely buy into, then I lost my job and the fight was put on hold. I finally got on Medi-Cal back in June and trusted that UCSF would take me on as they had said they would. While trying to get someone to help me there, I also decided to go through the County medical system, as that is what I am officially using for the Medi-Cal.

Unbeknownst to them, they were in a race to see who scheduled me first.

The County won. Thanks a lot UCSF.... "we don't have your referral", "the doctor has to review the case", "we only take Medi-Cal on a case by case basis".

Anyway....
A couple weeks ago, I called for an appointment and was told I had to go get an orthopedic referral first; that doctor barely gave me enough time to say something was wrong with my leg before he went "okay, I'll put in the referral". Whatever, as long as I got my referral, I'll be on my way! Ohhhh yeah, it'll probably be six weeks before anyone even calls you.

Dammit.

Fast forward to this week. Sunday night, my leg hurt so bad I considered going to the ER, and Monday morning I did go. Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot they could do in this case.... they ruled out anything life threatening (no blood clots!), shot me with something strong, and gave me a stronger prescription. They also told me I should go to the County ER so that they might light a fire under my ortho referral. After not sleeping, then spending almost 6 hours in the ER, I decided to go home first... ate lunch and called appointments. Turns out the lady I talked to was a w w w w e s o o o o o o m e! I told her the situation and how I was still probably a month out from getting anything, but I was afraid I would just end up in the ER again and she said she would see what she could do. And while I had her on the phone, I asked to set up my primary care doctor as well. So instead of torturing myself with another ER, I was able to take my new prescription and lay down for the rest of the day. And Tuesday. All of it.

The primary appointment was this afternoon. And this morning, I got a call from appointments to give me an ortho appointment next Tuesday. See what I'm saying? I love this woman!

I just got back from the primary... he took the time to talk to me, get all my symptoms, ask questions, take notes, and (gasp!) actually touch my leg. And it sounded like he had quite a bit of respect for the ortho doctor I'm set to see, so that gives me even more hope. He confirmed some of the damage the doctors have been talking about (with more explanation than the non-active doctor from my previous post) and also confirmed my own diagnosis of more damage than they thought. He was also impressed at how active I am... even called it good!

And so, the fight is back on. I'll need some happy thoughts on Tuesday, and send some extra knowledge to the doctor for me if you could!