Last Monday, I went to the doctor…I actually had two appointments.
I’ll start out by telling you about the doctor…
The whole experience was frustrating. Remember I told you that I saw a doctor and she told me I had a cyst in the nasal pharynx area. For most of the last month, I have been doing nasal rinses and taking antibiotics. I originally went to the doctor to check my hearing, as I have a lot of ringing and reverberation in my right ear. The throat issue was found when checking my ear.
I’ve spent most of July and August wondering if cancer had spread. I’ll be honest, I was pretty sure it had.
Monday brought me back to the doctor to see if the antibiotics worked this time.
Well, this time I saw the main doctor, not the assistant. I again was told my hearing was very good and would be equivalent to that of a five-year-old. After that, everything I learned was opposite to what I had heard before. I was told it’s not a cyst. More likely, it’s adenoids that had atrophied over time. The doctor said I would be having my upcoming cancer scan, and he would look at them after the results came in. At my previous appointments, I had been told regular scans don’t have high enough resolution, so I told him that. He pulled up my previous scans and said, “I don’t know why she told you that. Your scans are just fine. I can see everything I need to see.”
WHAT?? I don’t have a cyst…you can read the scan?? I was so frustrated. What have I been doing the last month if this is all nothing?
Then he mentioned being referred to a specialist in Iowa City. I said, please do. I’ve already had five appointments related to this, all to know nothing. Then I found out that I’ll have to wait until December to see that specialist…he’s booked that far out. UGH!!! This doctor has the ability to shoot steroids into the area and help the inflammation.
I asked if there was anything I could do in the meantime. The response was to gargle with warm salt water and put a warm compress on the right side of my neck and ear. These things rarely work for me…they might soothe but never cure. UGH.
The whole event was frustrating. Worse, I had to wait so long to see this doctor, and he was running late, so I was WAY late for my next appointment to pick up the new orthotic shoes and custom insoles. BLAH!! Thankfully, the nurse the appointment was with knew ahead of time that I had an appointment to see a different doctor first. I called that facility and was able to make an appointment to see her an hour or so later.
I got my new orthotic shoes with custom insoles…do I love them? Not really. I walk completely differently with these shoes. Completely. So these hurt my hips and thighs.
My wish for this world is that people could see specialists and then all the info would come together to a central doctor; that doctor would look at all the records and decide what to do. I tried to explain to everyone who tries to get me into a firm-soled shoe: my hips and thighs just kill me. I feel like more flexible soles feel better on my legs. I have neuropathy in my feet. The hard-soled shoes make my feet go numb faster and make me feel like I’m unstable on my feet. In flexible soles, my feet can feel the ground better, my feet don’t go to sleep as quickly, and the shoes don’t feel like I’m carrying bricks on the end of my leg. Most of all, they don’t bother my legs and hips as firm-soled shoes do.
So…I’m not happy with my shoes either.
Both appointments were a waste of time for me anyway…
I don’t mind going to appointments if there is some sort of progress forward. I don’t feel that happened with either of the appointments I had. I feel more like it was all a waste of time.
Sadly, I had an infusion appointment and an Echocardiogram this week too. I think four appointments in any week is enough to make anyone sick of doctors.
UPDATE: I got a call from Iowa City to see the ENT specialist. The soonest appointment they have open is in April of 2027. Gee. Don’t you love our health care system??
I’m so sorry you have to wait so long to see the specialist. I had to wait from November to February then to April to have surgery from the ENT, but I opted to stay away from 1 particular dr because I was getting a cochlear implant and she shaves a lot of hair off your head and I wanted a dr that shaves minimal hair. The dr I ended up with shaved no hair off my head and I was happy about that. Did you ask to be put on a wait list for cancelations? That way you may be seen sooner if possible.
I am so sorry to hear you are frustrated. I am a patient at Uof IA Otolargology Clinic for thyroid. It does take forever to get in to see someone. It might help to talk to the doctor’s scheduler. I told my doctor’s that I am retired so I come most anytime and asked her to put me on the list in case they have a cancelation. It’s worked for me twice so far. Always thinking good thoughts for you!
Oh Jo! I’m sorry to hear you’re having so many problems! I suppose se one way to look at the long wait time is that if they felt things were urgent they’d have gotten you in more quickly. Unfortunately that doesn’t do anything to make you feel better. As for the shoes…….what a mess!
Yes, our healthcare system is horrid. I hope you were placed on a cancellation list and can see specialist sooner. I have always been fortunate that my PCP coordinates my care & diagnoses. According to my retired MD PCP friends this is how it’s supposed to work. Keep pushing for yourself.
Jo, remind us, please, why you had to get new shoes.
It started out as a blister on the bottom of my big toe. I’m diabetic, so we have to be extra careful with our feet.
Sooo frustrating! Hope you find some way to get comfortable!
I feel for you! I just “love” our health care system too! I’ve come to the conclusion that appointments are scheduled so far out because doctors, at least here in NC, dont have evening hours, most of them are closed on Fridays as well as Saturday in addition to Sunday. Even urgent cares have limited hours. And, you never know who to believe! If that is, you can find another doctor to give a second opinion. You’re a trooper and I know you’ll get to the other side of this fiasco but why oh why does everything have to be so complicated!
Luckily I’ve been in fairly good health up until a couple of years ago. Then I found out about our health system. In the health system I”m in, they keep moving the doctors around so you might only see each one time. I’ve had 3 different heart doctors, 5 different lung doctors, and now I have 3 different cancer doctors. I don’t even bother to remember their names unless I’ve seen them 3 or 4 times.
You are right to question our healthcare providers’ system. It isn’t like it used to be for sure – and mostly not for the better. I have been fortunate with my doctors and also with my health. I hope you are able to get your shoe matter corrected.
Look online at Hike footwear. I started wearing their shoes this summer because my hips and knees were bothering me. I have had great results and the shoes do not cramp your toes!
I love hike footwear too. I have a bad ankle and those are the only shoes I can wear
Jo, I used to have ringing in my ears, too. I took a supplement called Lipoflavonoid. It isn’t cheap, but it does work. I don’t have the problem any more since I’ve lost so much hearing in my ears so I guess that’s a blessing! I’m sorry to hear of your frustration with healthcare in general. I don’t know about Iowa, but here in Florida where I live, we have a doctor shortage. We live in the capital and we don’t even have one endocrynologist, for example. I think that they have buried doctors in paperwork and more doctors are checking out. I don’t know what to tell you about the shoes, but it sounds like they aren’t listening to you. Once you “are of a certain age,” you know your body and they should listen!
What an ordeal, Jo!
The shoe material looks nice and soft…but other than that…strangely pointy and so much padding at the ankle.
That tapered toe looks uncomfortable – unless your foot is shaped like a slice of pizza!
I’ve had a similar experience. I’m back to wearing my comfy Crocs.
Others have mentioned the Hike shoes and I just want to suggest going to a good running shoe store and explain your issues and needs. I was always a sandal person but had gotten so I could hardly put any weight on my feet. I was fitted for some great ‘run/walk’ shoes and after 12 years I have never gone back to sandals. I really like the wide toe box that most sneakers have. Hope you can find something that works for you.
So sorry for your medical issues. My son and brother keep asking me to move nearer to them (2 states away). I have established doctors and work within the larger practice if I need to see a specialist. I really don’t want to move and have to start over.
I’ll weigh in on shoes, too. Wide toe box is a must as is a shoe that is flexible enough to move your foot and feel the ground beneath your feet – this helps your balance! Orthopedic shoes seem like overkill for what you need. And clearly not good if they make your knees and hips hurt! Ask your doctor as well as a physical therapist what they might recommend. It doesn’t sound like you need/want extra arch support or ankle stability shoes. If you wear socks (and you probably should if you are diabetic), make sure they aren’t too tight and, in fact, can be wide at the toes. That should help with any circulation issues.
Oh, Jo! How I feel your pain!!
So many people think medical care is like tv shows (think House as a funny one) where the Drs all get together and discuss what problems the patient might have If only!
Footwise,, all I can say is find what works for YOU!
It took me awhile to get used to custom orthotics but they do help.
Hard or stiff shoes? N.O.
I need a lotof padding especially under the ball of my foot.
My first podiatrist listened to me and ground away a corner of the rigid orthotic there! When I got a second pair of the same years layer, DH was able to do it.
People say wear different shoes each day, For me, that is another big NO. Doesn’t work for my body. Everytime I get new daily wear shoes it’s an adjustment, that’s my life.
I might suggest you try some of the thicker soled Skechers or Hokas or any other running shoe following that trend. I look at Ross and Marshall’s but I do not know that you have that kind of option where you are.
I say give the orthotics and such a try but Ultima you have to decide what is working for you and what isn’t.
Keep on keeping on. You have my sympathy and admiration
You think our medical system is a headache now! Just wait and see if the “Medicare for All” crowd gets their way!!!!! Then it will really be a nightmare! I love how Rosie keeps you company in the quilting rooms.
My favorite podiatrist says that you should stand on top of your shoe and see if your foot spills over the side. If it does, the toe box isn’t wide enough. Most natural footwear comes with wide toe boxes, flexible soles, and no extra padding. I’m 76 and no longer use orthotics. Once I discovered natural footwear, my feet and legs were very happy. I also find that toe socks keep my toes nicely aligned and not cramped. I love creeper socks. They’re wool and last forever.
Could be worse – we pay into a health insurance the moment we start getting wages. The idea is you can see a doctor and be treated. So far they’ve reduced hospital beds and the only contact with someone is usually by phone or AI – not good. Appointments for doctors is rare to get same day, let alone the next day – try a week or so. If you are ill and need care most go to the hospital A&E – it’s the only way to get treatment. But only if you are in dire need of help otherwise it puts too much pressure on them if you only have a cold! Actually they are much better than the docs that usually experiment with the latest drugs that only have horrid side-effects. Not seen a doc for a few years, luckily. I did go to hospital recently (last October) because I thought I had sprained my ankle – it was fractured and dislocated years ago and held together with pins and plates. Turned out I’d broken it again!!!! But I could move my toes!!! This time at the side of the plate. Frustrating, but now I’ve invested in a rebounder. Such fun bouncing up and down to help strengthen my ankles! Seems to be helping with all sorts in my body! And you don’t have to do big bouncy trampoline in the air bounces! I understand it is supposed to support the lymphatic system – so I’m grateful for any extra health help. I’m 68 and started slowly – slowly gentle boucing turns out to be more beneficial than going crazy!
The health care system we have NOW is the one people voted for in the past. If you want something different we need to vote for it. Healthcare for all might be something to try because healthcare for a few when the few isn’t us (wait to see what happens to your Medicaid expansion program in January), doesn’t seem to be working out to well. When did this country quit trying new things because we want something better?
I’m sorry your care is so incredibly conflicted! Hopefully some discussions happen with that Doc for the poor care.
We have a serious MD shortage in this country as do many countries and it’s going to get worse. And those of us in rural states? It’s worse than the national average. I book my Ophthalmologist 2 years out each annual visit because he is so incredibly busy and my PCP a year out for my annual (I couldn’t even get an 0800 appt at that!!) Women are 4.5 months into pregnancy for a first prenatal visit-per an NP friend. And that’s in the capital city of our state-many rural communities no longer have an OB doc and several rural hospitals have closed.
Hopefully getting on the cancellation lists for all of your providers will get you moved up!
I know how you feel about going to so many specialists. I make a joke about going to one specialist for the big toe and needing another specialist for the small toe.
25 years ago, I went to a foot doctor and was told I had severe heel spurs on both feet. He ordered orthotics and they would not fit my shoes. He told me I would have to wear something like Nikes, the rest of my life and even then the orthotics did not fit them. I ended up going to a different doctor and he told me to buy Birkenstocks and that they would heal my feet and just not to go barefoot. My heel spurs healed and I’ve never had trouble with them again, I do not wear Birkenstocks all the time, I occasionally go barefoot and my orthotics ended up being used by husband who wears an 11 1/2 men’s size so what I learned is I have to use some common sense too. I know you have way serious issues but still……
My husband and son had tinnitus and cured it by taking zinc. I made stuffed jalapenos with hot sausage, onion, chopped canned oysters and a few other things. Baked them in the toaster oven and froze them. He took 2 half peppers twice a week.
Could you put the orthotics in shoes that do work for you? I hate stiff shoes.
I am putting my orthotics in my comfy shoes now and getting pretty good results.
Jo…I really love Ortho Feet shoes. They are advertised almost everywhere. They have a wide toe box and cushioned in the right places. They have some cute styles, too. I am replacing old shoes with only this brand now. Your new ones sound very strange and should feel way better than they do. I am so sorry you are going through all this medical stuff. I just know you would rather be home sewing or playing darts. Anything but being drug through knotholes in the medical system.
It must be hard to deal with so many things at once. Please do not give up on the shoes. they will take time to get used to. Wear them for a few hours to start then increase the time over time, the month. I have a lot of experience with inserts and special shoes. .