Doctor Said Absolutely Not

[Sherry]

I went to my appt on Monday and asked my doctor if she would put in for a scooter due to my sc pain issues, including the tarsal tunnel and plantar fascitis in my feet. She said absolutely not. I am young almost 29, but in substantial pain that makes me feel so terrible. I was really upset at her reaction to my request. I told her it would give me more independence to do fun things with my kids. There again she repeated the same statement and then added that once I got in one of the scooters, I would never get out. Of course that's an absurd statement in my opinion. She is a good doctor overall and I am pleased with her care more or less. But feel I am being discriminated against because of my age. I would like some opinions on if she has a valid point or should I go above her? Don't wanna piss any one off though. Or should I just leave it be and request one when I get older? I think sixthscents told me before that it goes before a board; not the doctor that gets to decide. Anyways I am frustrated. Thanks in advance.

[sixthscents]

Sherry,

Inn the end you are going to have to make the same decision I did. Honestly, with what is going on now, there wouldn't be any questions.... but

Even now, I am notcing that I am staying in bed a lot more... and oddly enough, the LESS I stay in bed, the better I feel...

BUT... there's a common sense point, and only you can really decide where that is....

I am... embarassed by my braces, and my scooter, that's just a fact..... but the braces let me WALK, so I wear them...

The scooter lets me take my little girl to DisneyWorld (yet again in 2 months... if able (sigh))...

This whole thing is a balancing act..... I am taking MUCH MUCH more painkillers these last few weeks than I have totally in the last few months.....

It's 1:35 am and here I am on a computer, because its this or take the meds and vegitate.... in the end, the doctor, or SOME doctor will prescribe a scooter.... but, this I say to every vet...

Use all the props with care, medical, mechanical, etc. My braces, while very embarassing are much better than my bum in a wheelchair.... so stay on your feet, as long and as much as possible....

I wish the best for you, and hope that you make they right choice for YOU.... but only you in the end can make that choice so please consider it all very carefully....

(I'm sorry but this is kinda preying on MY mind right now... so, I felt the need to say something)

Bob Smith

[huskerfanfl]

Sherry,

I can understand the pain issue, like you, I have tarsal tunnel and plantar fascitis in my right foot, I also cannot bend my right ankle as much as my left due to a prior injury, this ankle also fatigues easily, I also have arthritis in my right knee (also had arthroscopic knee surgery to remove part of the miniscus and a Baker's cyst), on top of that, I suffer from chronic bursitis in my right hip. I am currently SC'd for the hip and the knee, although I have requested an increase for the knee and compensation for the ankle. I will work on compensation for the foot when they finish those. In addition, I have a bad back that (spinal stenoisis which causes sciatic nerve pain in the right leg). I do understand the pain, and understand that you want to be able to do things with your kids (I have five and a grandson). Two years ago, I started using a cane, and will continue to use the cane as long as I can. Yes it hurts to walk, but I am having enough trouble keeping my weight down with the limited walking I can do now. In the long run, you will be a healthier person if you keep walking as long as you possibly can.

[Sherry]

Sherry,

This really is a two sided coin. I agree that mobility could make life more enjoyable. It could increase your activity levels which would be good all around. I started playing golf 4 months ago. I would never be able to walk a golf course. However, with a cart I now get more exercise that I enjoy than in the last 15 years. I have to walk up and down short hills just to get to the tee's and greens. My cardio is in way better shape now. I have lost 15 pounds because I am no where near a refrigerator when on a golf course. In your case it could be going anywhere that you would enjoy that otherwise you would not go because of mobility problems.

It does sound to me like your doctor has decided that you will not be able to positively control your use of the scooter. Her statement sounds rather judgemental. I do not know why she made such a judgement.

Maybe there is an weight issue or previous problems controling medication. If it is not obvious to you why the doctor determined you would not contorl the use of the scooter then I would confront her on it and if you feel you can control the use then go for it. Go around her or change doctors.

If there is an issue such as weight, maybe working out a deal to show her you are motivated for overall improvement and ask her to give you a weight loss goal that if you reached it then still felt like you needed the scotter then you would get it. If you have had problems with prior meds then I am at a loss right now as to what to say as for showing self improvement that would get her to change her mind.

The botttom line is that there is either an valid reason your doctor feels you will not control the use of the scooter based on your specific history or the doctor is shooting from the hips and has a rather negative outlook on her patients in general and you have been lumped into a prejudicial category she has about her patients.

I have had doctors try to force me to take cholesterol meds and BP meds based on the first appointment that showed a problem. I am sure they did this becuse when they make deals with their patients to delay taking the meds the patient usually fails to control the problems. My primary doctor told me I was the only patient he had in three years at a VA hospital who lost weight becuse they wanted to. I refused the meds and lost 25 pounds and dropped my total cholesterol to 97 in three months. If you feel you can control the use of the scooter take a stand. All the doctor or anybody here can do is guess about the outcome as to whether or not a scooter will be a positive or negative in the long run.

Thank you for your post! I really appreciate the feeback from everyone. Yes you are right I feel like my doctor is being rather judgemental. It's definitely not a weight or a medication issue. I weigh about 105 pds and try to do some form of cardio (gentle excercises) to keep my strength up. It is allot of on the floor gentle excercises. But nevertheless she knows all my history and still said what she did. She has known me as a patient for almost three years. I suffer from depression because of the pain and told her this would help me get out of the house more often. Still she refused. Maybe she is just set in her ways or something. I left her office tearing up.

I'm not sure exactly why I felt so upset about this, but maybe it's the fact that I'm not trying to use a mobility device as a "crutch". I'm just trying to have a little more independence that's all. And yes I would be a bit embarrassed at times, but when you are in pain so bad, there comes a time when you don't care what people would think of you in a scooter. You just want relief. In some ways I feel this discrimination 'cause of my age more often than I would like to say. Like when I don't feel good and suddenly I'm a bad mom for not cooking dinner or going to my sons school functions. I guess I should be used to it by now, but it makes me feel more isolated from the norm. Because I "look normal" but after you're around me for a day or more then the evidence is clear as day. That's why I am grateful for you vets that I can "talk" to.

[Pete53]

Sherry:

You make a good case and I suggest that you tell your Doctor that you are planning to appeal the decision not to provide a mobility device. The fact is you need it for independence and to help improve the living conditions of your life.

I am on your side and I think it is unfortunate that many VA Docs take a position that they are the God's of the Universe and that their opinions are the last word.

If you want to appeal write a short letter to the Doctor in charge at your VA and believe me that will get some action.

Good Luck

[Sherry]

Sherry:

You make a good case and I suggest that you tell your Doctor that you are planning to appeal the decision not to provide a mobility device. The fact is you need it for independence and to help improve the living conditions of your life.

I am on your side and I think it is unfortunate that many VA Docs take a position that they are the God's of the Universe and that their opinions are the last word.

If you want to appeal write a short letter to the Doctor in charge at your VA and believe me that will get some action.

Good Luck

Thanks Pete53 for your encouragement!