Jen and the chiropractor

[judecorp]

I am so freaking angry. Spitting nails angry. At what? I don't really know exactly. But I am angry.

Jen has had this back injury since a couple of months ago when she fell at work. Except that for a while she said everything was fine. Then all of a sudden she felt like she had a kidney infection. Went to the crappy PCP, no infection. A friend made arrangements for her to see a chiropractor that she knew personally. The chiropractor wanted her to get some x-rays. Which were inconclusive. Then an MRI. And we had to wait, of course - wait for worker's comp to authorize everything, wait for the MRI, wait for the chiro to get the results of the MRI, etc.

When Jen was told to get an MRI, I suggested that she see an orthopedist. I mean, hello, MRIs aren't little things. The chiro was suspecting disc problems and talking about potential surgery. And I'm more than a little leery of chiros after one held my baby upside down by the thighs to "align" her. But whatever, Jen didn't want to find a specialist.

Eventually the MRI results get to the chiro. Who says there is no disc injury, so Jen doesn't need anything additional like surgery, she just needs to see the chiro three days per week for four weeks. Yesterday was Jen's first appointment. She was told it was going to be 30 minutes. And of course I banked on those 30 minutes and when 70 minutes went by, I called. She was just leaving. She had a deep tissue massage, then an adjustment, then some electrical stimulation.

She was home for less than 15 minutes when she went to pick up the baby - something she has done many times a day this whole time - and became injured. She needed to hand off the baby instantly, couldn't sit, was having trouble standing, couldn't bend, couldn't walk well, was waddling everywhere, etc. I told her to immediately call the chiropractor. I also told her to talk to them about finding someone else. Could it be a fluke? Maybe, but it's an awfully big coincidence. She was having HIP problems and was still able to bend and lift. Now she can't lift anything, and was in major pain because she stepped on a pacifier and had to step quickly.

Of course she goes to the chiro and they give her the blah blah - oh no, you're presenting like you have a disc injury, the MRI radiologist must have read it wrong, I will make them send me the MRI, I will read it myself, blah blah blah, go home for two days and lay flat all day.

Are you effing kidding me? The /radiologist/ is wrong about the MRI, and the chiro didn't do anything during the massage? or the adjustment? or the other parts? It's the MRI? And the chiro, who is not a radiologist, is going to read it correctly?

Apparently the chiro said I could "call her if I have questions." Yeah, I have questions. Like who the feck is going to help me with my daughter now that you have incapacitated her other parent? And how the hell am I supposed to chase the baby around AND deal with Jen who is supposed to lay flat for two days? And when can I come and punch you in your stupid face?

Comments

[midnights-sun12.livejournal.com]

let me know if you need anything today.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Let's go mess up a bitch.

Seriously though, that is nice of you. It's nice out. Would you like to go for a walk later with a short person?

[midnights-sun12.livejournal.com]

yeah!

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Fun! Don't know what your schedule is like but we're good to go after baby's lunch.

[midnights-sun12.livejournal.com]

so im not getting any comments in my emailz today.
just text me when you WANT ME. wink, wink.

[jadefu.livejournal.com]

Um, not to add to your stress, but as someone with back issues, I've been numerous times by LOTS of doctors & specialists to NOT rest to cure back problems. It makes things worse.

Seriously, it sounds like she needs to see a specialist. And I know my chiropractor would say this sounds worse than a chiropractic problem. One of the best back specialists in actually in N'ton, right above my endo's office. He treated my mom (who had some MAJOR problems).

Where was the MRI done? My mom's an x-ray tech, if it was local, she may know the radiologist.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I will tell Jen to get in touch with you. xo

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Jen says she e-mailed you at work and would love to know the name of that back specialist.

Thank you so much.

[hetterrific.livejournal.com]

I'd go see a neurosurgeon. They can look at the MRI's, CTs, X-Rays, whatever, and decide a better course of action.

[tracy-n-mia.livejournal.com]

Dude, I'm telling you, make her go see a Physical Therapist! Being PG/popping out a baby f**ked my body up BAD. I was in pain for 18 months. I couldn't lie on by back w/o intense back & hip pain. I went to 2 different chiropractors. The first one did nothing the 2nd one made it WAY worse. I finally went to a PT and after 2 appointments a week for a month I am CURED!! For real!

Seeing a PT is boring...they give you lots of little exercises you have to do every day, but seriously it works!

[heartspunmom.livejournal.com]

I am no big fan of chiros. I agree with others that this is a serious problem and should be treated by a specialist and a course of physical therapy.

[skatured.livejournal.com]

I think punching them in the face is really the best course of action here.

[loretta78.livejournal.com]

Ugh, I'm reluctantly sending Mark to see a chiro to get an adjustment that will hopefully alleviate the chronic pain he's in (the mysterious abdominal pain that no one can diagnose appears to be linked directly to it). I'm hoping that he doesn't end up like Jen... he's already off work today because he sprained his ankle, we really can't afford it for him to be home anymore. Hopefully punklet stays outta trouble and is reasonably good for you while Jen recovers!

[oddharmonic.livejournal.com]

If I thought they'd have any sense of humor about it, I'd suggest calling the chiro and asking when they're going to send a loaner wife over.

I hope Jen's back issues get properly identified and your household is back to its usual balance soon. Back problems = suck.

[colleenod.livejournal.com]

Ugh!!! I am so sorry that this is so bad for both you and J! (and Punk, too.)

I know a chiro in your area, so I'm wondering who the chiro is and hoping it's not the person I know.

[kieron.livejournal.com]

the chiro is dr. lange

[colleenod.livejournal.com]

ah, not the chiro i know.

i'm sorry the chiro visit made things so much worse.

[cappucinogrrl.livejournal.com]

My dad tells me that most chiros are quacks and to avoid them at all costs. I tend to trust his judgment in times like these. Send Jen to a real doctor.

(And I'm sorry about the stress.)

[dolomite2531.livejournal.com]

so sorry about all that you guys are going through! sux! Amy went to a chiro during pregnancy and we both went after and he's awesome. We've had great experiences but it sounds like you have to find the right one amongst many wrongs.

[(Anonymous)]

my dad is a malpractice lawyer and always tells me to NEVER go to chiropractors. For what it's worth.

Cristin
www.lastresort.wordpress.com

[violane.livejournal.com]

Feelin' ya. Michael has three bulging discs in his spine (the step before herniated discs) and pretty much always has severe back pain. Most of the time he powers through it, but there are certain things he can never do with Ben (like baths, too excruciating of an angle). It's really frustrating, and I can't imagine how hard it must be for him to be in constant pain. He's been to a PT, a chiropractor and a handful of other back specialists. No relief yet.

I hope Jen feels better soon and your house is back to normal.

[changinglight.livejournal.com]

this is so scary. A lot of the MASSIVE back problems (two massively herniated disks) that Jess had last year started with falls, she thought that things were fine, had some weird twinges in her hip, and as I gave her massages, her mobility deteriorated until surgery was necessary. I'd be extra cautious and go with a neurosurgeon...who will then recommend PT if it's appropriate.