Frustration

**Catherine** · 07-04-2011, 05:32 PM

Well, I'm probably not posting this in correct spot, but here goes. I AM SO FRUSTRATED!!! I finally got an appt. with Dr. Pettine in Colorado on the 12th of July. YAY!! BUT, I need to have a new MRI done because my last one is over a year old. I figured, no problem just get the primary care doc to order it. I mean I have been seeing him for THREE YEARS!!! But no, he won't do it because he says he doesn't need one! What's up with that?? Any suggestions anyone? Right now my only option is to drive six hours to Colorado, see a junior doc. who will order one. Then I guess drive six hours home and do it all over again when Dr. Pettine can see me.

Catherine

**KanRunMo** · 07-04-2011, 05:38 PM

I would suggest seeing an orthopedic doctor, telling him about your back pain and how it has gotten worse. If your insurance won't let you see an orthopedic without your PC doc seeing you first, you may have to change PC docs. It is a dilemma that I understand since I've dealt with it in a way also. Have you called Dr. Pettine and asked if he would prescribe an MRI be done in your home town?

**Catherine** · 07-05-2011, 01:36 AM

Thanks for your reply, Kan. Yes, I've seen an Ortho and a Neuro. The ortho ordered the last MRI which was done over a year ago. I did contact Dr Pettines' office and explained the problem. I was told that I would have to see the "new" dr and let him order the MRI. Dr Pettine evidently doesn't order MRI's. Oh It's all just so frustrating! Sorry for venting, I'll work things out one way or another. It will just mean another trip to Colorado, since I won't let the WY docs do anything to me. The Neuro wants to do an ALIF and isn't even interested in getting a recent MRI to look for changes! Oh yes, my insurance lets me see anyone I want so that's not an issue.

Catherine

**Kimberly** · 07-24-2011, 01:58 PM

Hi Catherine,

Did you have your appointment on the 12th with Dr. Pettine?

How did it go?

Kimberly

**Catherine** · 07-24-2011, 03:37 PM

Hi Kimberly,

How are you doing? I've been thinking about you and wondering how you're doing.
I went to CO but had to see the "new" doc as I explained. He was completely useless, refused to order a new MRI. Actually told me he didn't want me to be exposed to unnecessary radiation, and then wrote me an order for flexion/extension x-rays!!! I think we can all see the problem there. Oh, yes he did want me to come back and let him give me more steroid injections. So, a completely useless trip.
But, on a better note, the neurologist,Pain management Dr. I have seen twice now has finally received the rest of my records and has ordered a new MRI and is giving me a referral to Stanford and hopefully to Dr Eugene Carragee. HOORAY!! He is the Dr. I originally wanted to see when I realized I was going to have to have surgery to improve and get some of my life back. Just waiting on the appts. now.
Thank you for thinking of me, I really hope you are doing better. I haven't been on in a few days so I need to see if you have any new posts of your condition.

**RetroVirus** · 08-10-2011, 12:23 AM

Hey Catherine, haven't posted in a while, just went back on here to read some stuff. Makes me happy my surgery is over and went so well. That said, I respect your journey so far and know you have been tough. Being hurt and requiring surgery sucks! I'll have you in my thoughts.

**Catherine** · 08-10-2011, 09:22 AM

Thank you so much Retro, how very kind of you. It is all so very frustrating and I think it's even worse living where I do. There is so much incompetence, I truly don't know how some of these people keep there jobs. Oh I guess I was getting into a rant from another thread, sorry. I should be able to find out in a day or two when and if the Stanford Dr will see me.
Your signature doesn't have what kind of surgery you had or when, so I'm curious. I'm very happy it all went well for you, it's good to know that it does work for some. It has been a long and difficult three years, and my journey doesn't even compare to some people on here. Thank you again for your kindness.

Catherine

**RetroVirus** · 08-11-2011, 11:37 PM

I will have to update that signature! I had a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure done on my L5-S1, where they decompressed some offending bone and cleared up space for the nerve. All with a half-inch incision and two-day recovery period. They are angels!

**Catherine** · 08-12-2011, 10:03 AM

That is wonderful Retro, to have been repaired so easily! I have a feeling mine is going to be much more painful.

I think I did read about your surgery on here somewhere? Are you in Florida, or have it done Florida, maybe? Anyway, I'm surely happy you things have gone so well for you.

Catherine