Blog > Thoughts > Other's Thoughts > Chloe's Thoughts > GP Visit Number Four
GP Visit Number Four
Written by Chloe on Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Since these GP visits in wheelchair have turned out to be quite pleasant experiences, I told my partner that I didn’t need her to come hold my hand this time. A guy asked me if I needed help on account of the ice in the parking lot but I declined, figuring I could make it in the Quickie GPV. No problem. It would definitely have been a problem in the Veranda.
Some of you have been gently bugging me to see a physician about the concussion and whiplash from skiing. This seemed like a good opportunity since I already had the appointment. My GP confirmed that the symptoms indicated a concussion. She wasn’t concerned about it at this point since the amnesia lasted less than a day (or did it? I can’t remember!) and the headaches are gradually fading away. She examined my neck and confirmed that I still have symptoms of whiplash. She suggested massage and heating pads. Yes, I did think about asking for a SOMI, but I didn’t have the nerve.
I also mentioned that my back has been hurting significantly more than usual after my very tough skiing session last week. She seemed rather concerned that I was having an excessive number of minor skiing accidents. I’m not telling her that I am deliberately putting myself in risky situations. My assumption, which I admit could be erroneous, is that whatever I am doing that results in increased back pain could result in some nerve damage if I do it more, longer, harder.
With regard to current nerve damage my GP suggested it would be a good idea to get EMG testing to check out the muscles and nerves in my left leg. I have to admit I’m quite curious, but these things cost money so I’m going to pass for now. She also suggested that I try twenty minutes daily on an elliptical trainer, such as my partner has, to see if I can strengthen muscles in my left leg so that they can completely take over from the ones which aren’t working properly. I pointed out to her that it would be quite contrary to my BIID aspirations. Well, actually I think it would be rather detrimental to my psychological well being.
We talked about the peeing issue. It’s been working well for me to hold it much longer, as little as four times a day. I spend much less time on the toilet, and I’ve peed myself by accident only twice in the last six weeks (since my previous GP visit). Alright, I admit it, I like it that I pee myself by accident anyway. My GP brought up the possibility that part of the deal with the urethral sphincter could be on account of the genital surgery. I was indeed told ahead of time that a potential outcome of the surgery would be mild to complete incontinence. Yes, this is possible. I guess it doesn’t really matter to me how I came to have this minor incontinence. I’m simply glad to have it.
Then there’s the anxiety/depression issue. My GP seemed surprised that the 60mg Prozac had not completely taken care of these. I’m not surprised. It’s normal for me to have some level of both anxiety and depression; they never completely go away. At this point they are both sufficiently under control most of the time.
Finally… I popped the question about the disability parking placard… She said yes… YIPPEE !!!!!!!!
Tags: Anxiety, Back Pain, BIID, Depression, Disability, Incontinence, Nerve Damage, Parking, Wheelchair
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8 Comments
2 On 3 February, 2009, Sean said:
Sophie, that’s ludicrous! Gah, I can’t believe they can do things like that…
Still trying to get my head round the idea of being charged for a visit to the GP…
4 On 3 February, 2009, Sophie said:
Health Insurance isn’t common in New Zealand. Our public health system is a lot better than the US in terms of not having to pay for healthcare but GPs are private.
There’s a bit of a scandel going on in auckland at the moment. People who have health insurance there may have to start paying for their blood tests themselves.
To briefly weigh in on the health insurance thing, I’m in the US and just got notice that since I’m now unemployed, my health insurance will cost me $400 / month. That doesn’t include dental or vision. I don’t think the level of care here is that much better than what I’ve heard of elsewhere.
Well, the NHS may have waiting lists, but only for ‘elective’ procedures. We don’t pay a penny at the door, only in national insurance, which everyone pays if they are in work. I’d hate to be told I needed surgery (say for an SCI) ;) in one breath and then asked to sign a cheque the next.
7 On 3 February, 2009, Sophie said:
In NZ all surgery pretty much has waiting lists. It’s the biggest downfall to our system. There are people who die waiting for life saving surgery. People who were classed as critical when put on the waiting list.
All new zealanders who work pay a fee to acc automatically and this covers you if you have an accident (whether it be at work or at home). If your sick because of an illness like transverse myelitis your stuck with whatever equipment non profit organisations can afford to give you.
I’m very jaded about health insurance. I got dropped like a hot potato as soon as I got a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Then try getting reasonable insurance after such a diagnosis. HA!
Even when I did have insurance I found the amount of paperwork to be absolutely mind boggling. I remember when I had ultrasounds and a bunch of other stuff for bad gonadal pain (common for hermaphrodites), it took a year for me to process all the different hospital bills through the insurance. No thanks!
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1 On 3 February, 2009, Sophie said:
Sounds like your GP is more than happy to go through your list of things. My doctor has laminated signs in the waiting room saying I’m only supposed to talk about 1-2 things per visit and I get charged extra for extra problems. It’s a combined surgery, he isn’t the only doctor there, and they’re always running late. I’m generally waiting 15 mins or so to see the doctor. I kinda wish I had your doctor despite the recent good experiences I have with mine.