Monday (3/27/2017)

This morning I had my appointment with my Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor (PMR), Dr. Schmidt.  After examining me, she said she believes something is definitely going on with the knee (she doesn’t believe it’s a back or hip issue).  She wants an MRI done… 

“And Now We Dance”…  Dr. Schmidt said since it was a specialized revision surgery done to my limb, she wants Dr. Ertl’s input and approval for any further action taken.  We’re trying to talk to Dr. Ertl in Indianapolis to see 1) Does he do knee surgery if there is something there? 2) Does he want the MRI done here in Eau Claire or should it be done in Indianapolis? and 3) Any special requirements for the MRI if done here?  Getting two doctors separated by 500 miles to communicate can be a bit of a challenge.  He may say that any knee surgery can be done here, which would make it much easier; or he may want it done in Indianapolis.  I have no idea.

She is also sending me to PT to learn some specific exercises in case the issue turns out to be more muscle/tendon needing to be strengthened rather than a structural issue that needs surgery.  The muscles in left leg are obviously smaller than in my right leg.  She’s concerned that this imbalance may be causing me to compensate in some fashion, which in turn may be causing the pain.

I am supposed to start walking in small amounts again.  The goal is to keep it under the pain threshold.  Since I am not certain where that “magical line” exactly is (it has varied greatly in the past), it’s bit of a soft target for me.  How much is too much?  I guess I’ll know when I cross the line. L But in the past that didn’t mean that the next time it would take the same amount of walking.  I really don’t like grey, fuzzy limits!!!  As my wife will attest, I like to push the limits when it comes to walking!

So continue to pray for wisdom as we continue down this path to see where it leads.  I am thankful that we are doing the MRI and exploring the cause rather than just ignoring it and hoping it doesn’t happen again.  I’m very grateful for all the time that Dr. Schmidt spent with me this morning (almost an hour).  She is trying so hard to find answers.  As Dr. Schmidt was completing her paperwork for insurance billing, she reminded me that I am a unique challenge, as she smiled and said, “There are just no codes for you!”