Buddy: A glimmer of hope

It’s been almost a month, and life has been nothing but a blur of medical appointments. Between me, and Buddy….and the dentist appointments for everyone. I can tell you, even with medical insurance, the co-pays add up! I think it would be different if all we had to worry about was yearly physicals and a sick appointment every once in a while. But with all the injuries and medical conditions and ailments, it gets overwhelming. Anyhow, most of this is going to be about Buddy.

Buddy has been in such pain lately, so much that he has not even been able to make it to school some days. With the most recent day he stayed home, I decided it was about time he went to see the doctor again. Some of you might remember that there is a standing difference of opinion between doctors. “Doctor #2” feels he needs surgery to correct the issue, a break at his L5, resulting in a slippage. The surgeon, “Doctor #3”, feels there is no problem (despite the test results) and that my son is obviously “manifesting his pain through depression.” Anyone who knows Buddy would know that this is not the case. He is not depressed, and is one of the most goofy and happy kids there is. Of course there is normal teenage drama, but what teenage is not going through hormonal changes or tries to defy authority?  “Doctor #2” thought the surgeon’s diagnosis was silly, because he’s never seen signs of depression. (Plus, you know, they are orthopaedic doctors, not therapists!) Anyhow, at this most recent appointment, “Doctor #2” decided it was time for another spinal injection, which will be taking place on Tuesday (tomorrow.) In the meantime, because of the degree of disagreement, he is also referring Buddy to a new spinal surgeon outside of their practice. I am hoping that this new doctor will be at least able to give some more insight on Buddy’s condition, and maybe be able to end the standoff between the doctors. (Right now it is 2 to 1 in favor of surgery.) He is supposed to be the best spinal surgeon in the area, so… *crossed fingers* Hopefully the injection will be able to keep the pain controlled for now, until they decide what to do surgically.

For those reading who are not up to date, they have tried physical therapy (twice). The 3rd doctor also put him in a back brace, which the second doctor said forced him into a backwards extension. (Which was another source of disagreement. The brace made him hurt worse, which the 2nd doctor said was understandable, because of backwards extension. He honestly did not understand why the surgeon even suggested that! I think that was one of the key factors into the referral to a different surgeon…) He has also had one previous injection, and can have up to 3 a year. I know that sometimes friends, family, and even strangers comment on posts or send emails. I just want to head off that line of suggestions before they start.  But if anyone has any other options, let me know!

He will be seeing this new doctor (which I can now call “Doctor #4”?) next week. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts!