Hi again!
I thought I would update you guys on what has transpired over the last 24 hours. By the grace of Zeus, I somehow managed to get an appointment yesterday with a new neurosurgeon. He is located on Chicago’s south side at the University of Chicago Medical Center, which is about an hour or more away by car, depending on traffic. That is a little inconvenient, but worth it to me. He gets amazing reviews. I met with him yesterday (that’s fast, isn’t it?!). I can tell he is very different than the last neurosurgeon, which is awesome. He listened to me and seemed to understand my concerns. He did a VERY thorough exam, something that my LAST doctor (who was also with a very well respected medical facility, Northwestern Medical Center) did NOT do. He ordered some CT scans and X-rays, which I have scheduled for early next week. He even ordered some blood work to see if any of my neurological symptoms could be caused by some vitamin or other deficiencies. Just today, I sent messages back and forth with his nurse – who responds within MINUTES of my messages. The old doctor’s office took 2 days to get a response. I am, once again, a little hopeful that there may be a solution. That alone is making me “feel” a little better.
I cannot tell you how much your supportive and caring comments and e-mails have meant to me. You guys are always so awesome! Thank you!
Well, since I am feeling a bit better and even a little excited about how things are now progressing, I felt I should give you guys a post today.
So, without further delay, here are this week’s polls!
In the first poll, I am going to choose “Butt Boy 3”.
So, Who Would YOU Do?
In the second poll, I think I am going to choose “Boner Boy 3”.
So, Who Would You Do?
Hi!
I’m sorry, but I’ll be blunt with you. I’m a doctor, and sometimes things need to be said clearly
Have you told my colleagues that you’re gay? There’s a 99% chance that your back problems are neurological, but there’s a 1% chance it could be neurosyphilis. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, but if it’s not considered as a possibility, it could be overlooked. Just to rule it out. Take care. With affection.
Thank you so much for the information. Honestly, being blunt can be good and necessary at times. Until now, I have not even heard of neurosyphilis. I did some quick internet searches and, while I hate to say it, some of the symptoms sound familiar. My new doctor does know that I am gay and has ordered blood tests. I am 99% sure that it is due to an injury I had with my neck when I was 16 years old and have had neck problems ever since. But knowing this information is good so I can tell my doctor it could be a possibility. Although, I don’t remember ever having syphilis, but I can’t say for 100% certain I have not. I will alert the doctor about this information and see what he thinks.
Thank you again for letting me know!!!
Jason
It’s nice to see you back and to hear that you are getting some prompt care. Let’s hope the new team works wonders on you
Thank you, Lance!
Hey, I know that guy Zeus, and ya betta watch out. He takes a 10% kickback for every miracle he does.
Yeah, well 10% of nothing is nothing… 🤣
So glad you got in to see someone so quickly. My doctors and hospital I go to all use the “livewell” app. Its great for quick and punctual communications with the doctors and nurses. Also access to test results, appt and procedure schedules.
Re letting them know about being gay. That was very important to me when I live in Chicago. So I coordinated my search for a Doctor by those listed in the gay magazines and news papers in the city with the doctors available with my insurance. It was so cool.
Thanks, Sean! You would probably be surprised how MUCH research I put into the doctors that I select. First, I get a list of all the doctors who treat the condition I am looking for treatment for from my insurance company – so I know that they will be covered, then I try to find the LGBTQ friendly doctors on that list, I then look at how many “stars” they have and select the highest rated ones, then I do internet searches on them to make sure there is nothing out there that I should know about like malpractice accusations and read ALL the reviews I can find on them – Not just the reviews listed on the doctor/hospital’s website, but independent reviews on other sites like YELP and others. Then I have to call those doctors that I have selected to see if they are accepting new patients and how quickly I can get in. I do ALL of this for EACH doctor. Lately, since I have been having so many medical issues, this has taken an exorbitant amount of time. But I am very particular about who gets the privilege to treat me! 🤣