Stupid Doctor. ='(

[systemaurora]

I went to SHS today to pick up my crutches.... and the NP informed me that the physician a) doesn't think I need them badly enough and b) doesn't want my leg muscles to atrophy, therefore will not prescribe them and is advising me not to use them

Comments

[androgenie]

if you can't get them prescribed, you may want to check ebay or craigslist for them.

[systemaurora]

I'll do that if I have to, but a) I don't want to go against all medical advice if I don't have to and b) insurance will pay for me to get the durable, expensive ones, totally free, if I get them before February and they're prescribed by a physician.

[androgenie]

good plan :-)

[systemaurora]

thanks. I can walk and not have to sit down, but it's miserable and I'm getting to the point where I'd rather fail my classes than have to walk to them all the time in the early morning chill!
I really appreciate the support. =) Hope you're feeling better. Stay warm!

[cluelessinchi]

That is an able-ist mentality. I want a wheelchair to enable me to do more not to be more lazy. Without it I am at home more. I used the wheelchair at the Field Museum (some place I would never had been able to go without a wheelchair) I was all over the place. It gave me the freedom to do things that were not within my limits before and helped with my emotional health too. I went to see the Christmas trees. One thing that lots of people do not understand about mobility devices is that they often enable someone to do an activity that they would normally not be able to do. Using a wheelchair is a work out for the upper body. I also have a cane and a wheeled walker. They help lots. I am able to be more active because I have the mobility aids than before I had them.

[systemaurora]

if only I could convince my doctor this! Sigh.

[cluelessinchi]

You could use logic. If he does not prescribe the crutches what are the probability factors that you would actually walk across campus to work out? No, with them you would be able to do this. And related things. Use real life scenarios in which the crutches will help you be more active.
Also I doubt it is a good idea to use stairs if you have that kind of balance issues. Falling up stairs, down stairs and on the ground are not good things. By denying you a mobility aid he is risking more falls and your health. Guilt and the possibility of a law suit (never mentioned but very subtly implied) is a good way to get doctors off their asses. I wish MDs were not so ignorant!

[systemaurora]

Alas, I can't go see him right now... it's crunch time at school, and he's in an off-campus location, so our NP here on campus is delivering messages back and forth. I'm seeing my PCP Friday. I feel like I should make a list of reasons why I want one, but I feel that would look... desperate. bah.

And I mostly take the elevator, but there's no elevator to my dorm. I just cling to the rails.

[paganmudslide]

I posted this comment on the last thread, but I am going to post it again just to make sure it is seen. Sorry for being spam-y, I just think it is a really good idea!

Has anyone else here tried using a quad cane? My doc really knew what she was doing a few years ago when she prescribed me a 4-pronged cane rather than the simple walking cane that I had requested. I have poor balance on top of fibro pain, and my quad cane has been my closest ally. Yes, I get funny looks, but I have ceased to care. I was self-conscious at first, but now I barely go anywhere without my cane. It is nice and stable and helps me get in and out of chairs and sofas, I use it to help me when I am walking uphill, it has saved me from many a clumsy fall. I love it. In fact, I am trying to figure out some ways to customize my cane - I would love to make it look like House's cane!

[systemaurora]

I've tried using single canes for support, but not 4-legged. As I said, I'm really off-balaned and having something on just one side makes me disorientated, I guess is the best word to explain it.

[amber_fool]

Good luck!

And I had do idea there was a "But You Don't Look Sick" community...*is excited*

[cluelessinchi]

Where is the community? Or am I dreaming?

[systemaurora]

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/boards/

Home of the Spoon Theory... I think.

[cluelessinchi]

I thought there was an eljay community. I have looked at the web site a few times but I forget to go other places. Duh!