I went to physical therapy today prepared to tell the doctor that I should not do any physical exercises until I get an MRI. I planned to be humble and respectful, but firm.
She took down all of my information while I sat there bursting at the seams, ready to tell her my personal assessment.
Three pages later, it was my turn. I told her that I am still in a lot of pain six weeks after the injury. I said it is intense pain, the kind that makes me want to vomit. I have been an athlete my whole life. I am used to soreness and sometimes pain, but I know my body and this is not like that. It's not normal pain. It's worse.
She asked if I have been taking the pain meds. I told her no. She said, so you are in pain, but you decided not to take the medicine? I explained that I was worried the meds might mask pain in PT and I could do worse damage. She said she understood my thought process, but did not agree.
She asked what the orthopedic doctor recommended. I told her he recommended PT and the meds. He said if it didn't get better then an MRI.
Then I have her my opinion. I thought an MRI should be done first because if something is torn it could get worse from more movement. By that point I was almost in tears. She could tell I was scared. I told her I did not want to be disrespectful, and I was not trying to avoid the work of physical therapy. I was just really worried.
She told me she would be happy to override the other doctor and send me for an MRI, but in reality she agreed with his assessment. She explained what could happen if I don't start moving my wrist. It was all bad stuff. But she said that the most important thing is that I have peace. If I could not have peace in PT, then I should get the MRI first, so I could move forward in peace.
We talked about my options for getting an MRI. It would be at least a week before I could get in for an appointment. I suggested maybe just ultrasound treatment at PT while I waited. She said that could be a good idea.
She measured my strength and range of motion. All were really good. Then she poked and prodded to see where it hurt. In the end she said I stretched or maybe slightly tore some tendons. The tendons are inflamed from the trauma of the fall. The medication would help, if I take it. And if I don't exercise I run the risk of having about six other things go wrong from lack of movement.
She wasn't trying to convince me, but I was convinced. I made an appointment to start PT tomorrow, then came home and took my meds.
At the end I said it sounds like I don't even need an MRI. She said no, she agrees with my orthopedic doctor. I do not need an MRI. As he recommended, my wrist needs movement.
Once again, I am grateful for good medical care in Honduras.
Tonight I had dinner with Fany and her parents. We celebrated and gave thanks for all the good things God has done in our lives in the past 2 days. They are so excited to visit the US! Fany's Dad is learning how to use his digital camera so he can take photos on their trip. He took family shots before dinner, pictures of Fany serving the food, Laura with her full plate, me with my fork in my mouth, Fany's Mom chewing, then her empty plate. After each photo he exclaimed how cute it was and showed it around. It was funny. He is childlike (in a fun way) in his excitement.
Fany's Mom is extremely scared to fly. I didn't realize it and said she should sit by the window so she can see all of the sights below. She looked terrified at the thought. But she is going to face her fears in order to see her family. I asked how they are going to feel when they touch down in the US. Tears came to her eyes. I know they will cry tears of joy as they arrive in the United States.
