O/T The truth | Forums

[WernherVonTrapp]

Sounds like becoming an old 'timer' isn't so much fun.

Had to edit because I guess you can't say 'f-a-r-t'

No, it isn't. In fact, it's downright cruel. The mind still feels like you're young, but the body just can't pull it's weight anymore. Twelve years ago, I used to weightlift for almost 3 hours every other day. On the days in between, I would run 4 to 7 miles.


Anyway, getting old is something that is going to happen to everyone. Funny thing is, no matter how aware we are of the aging process, it still seems like it came out of nowhere when it (old age) reaches you. It's like (LOL), you wake up one morning and don't recognize the person staring back at you in the mirror.
BTW, you can say "Old F@rt", but you have to be creative while doing it.

[MWolfe1963]

BTW, you can say "Old F@rt", but you have to be creative while doing it.

The first person that calls me "old stinker" goes on my ignore list...

I know someone is thinking " Hey, good idea" but I wouldn't if I was you.

Well Wern, your other post sounds smart, I hope it works out for you....but some advice, maybe a early retirement and a fishing pole are in order...

[Wolferz]

Getting old isn't so bad as long as you never stop moving. If you stop moving, you're done for!

[fireftr18]

Well, let's see, need to use my sports medicine knowledge on this one.
First of all, not everything heals on its own over time. Physical therapy alone may be able to correct the injury. I have seen this many times.
Wernher, like others have said, if the surgeon says you need surgery, get a second opinion. If the surgeon says you don't need surgery, get a second opinion. I have seen doctors that work with worker's comp patients drag out the case, sending the patient to physical therapy that won't help because the patient needs surgery. I have also seen doctors recommend surgery even though physical therapy alone can fix the problem (Refer to the post by cmdrmoosicvs.)
I'm confident the doctors I work with don't cut on people unless absolutely necessary. You seem very confident with your doctor which is a good thing. Don't read in too much to a "torn tendon." That is merely a generic term describing an injury to a tendon. Worker's comp or not, you have the right to choose your doctor, physical therapy clinic, or get a second opinion.

I pray we get good news.

[WernherVonTrapp]

Don't read in too much to a "torn tendon." That is merely a generic term describing an injury to a tendon. Worker's comp or not, you have the right to choose your doctor, physical therapy clinic, or get a second opinion.

I pray we get good news.

I understand what you're sayimg FF. The problem is, tendons connect the muscles to the bone. The muscles, being elastic, or like a rubber band, pull away from the tendon when it tears. Therefore, the tendon will not heal and reattach itself on it's own. The muscle has to be stretched, or pulled back surgically to the torn section and reconnected. I believe that the reason the pain is getting worse, is because the tendon is tearing more and more with continued use. It appears to involve the forearm muscles associated with gripping and flexing of the hand and wrist. If it tears completely, I may lose all ability to hold anything in my hand or even move my fingers. I'm going to see the Doc today at 12:30 PM. I'll honestly be surprised if he says I don't need surgery.
To be completely sincere, I'm a bit apprehensive about it all. Knowing (to a certain extent), what's involved and how it has a very immediate and direct connection to my ability to perform my job. As it is, right now, I cannot return to work with the pain I'm experiencing, and that pain is getting worse instead of better. It involves my right hand/arm and I'm right-handed. I try not to use my right hand so much, but I do automatically. It's only when I feel the pain, which is almost immediately, that I switch to the other hand. It even hurts to turn a door knob. That's how serious this is.
I do everything for my family. Besides working my regular 12 hour shifts, I do all the food-shopping, help with doing the wash and feed the children, take care of the dogs, maintain our property, do the finances, help with cleaning the house, I do everything that involves driving. The point is, it's almost impossible not to use my right arm/hand. If the doctor says I need surgery, he's not telling me anything I don't already know or believe. I'd be more skeptical if he says I don't need surgery. The only time my arm doesn't hurt is when I don't use it, and even then, it still hurts sometimes.
Anyway, until I see the doctor, it's still an unknown factor that I'm trying to equate here. I'll repost in a few hours after hearing what the specialist has to say. Nevertheless, I thank you all for your concern, caring and words of encouragement.

UPDATE:

OK, as of my appointment today, the specialist has placed a brace on my forearm and given me a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (non-narcotic). I have to wear it every day as well as taking my prescrition twice a day for the next two weeks. I'm still out of work (at least) until then. After two weeks, if there is no improvement, he'll begin administering shots (Cortisone, I assume). If my arm still doesn't improve, he talk to me about surgery. I'll tell you, it's not like going to the doctors office when I was younger. Every office I go to now, seems like I'm on a conveyor belt or assembly line. I understand about the increased work load and all that but, it's like, no one wants to take the time to talk or listen anymore. Oh well, at least there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

[fireftr18]

UPDATE:

OK, as of my appointment today, the specialist has placed a brace on my forearm and given me a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (non-narcotic). I have to wear it every day as well as taking my prescrition twice a day for the next two weeks. I'm still out of work (at least) until then. After two weeks, if there is no improvement, he'll begin administering shots (Cortisone, I assume). If my arm still doesn't improve, he talk to me about surgery. I'll tell you, it's not like going to the doctors office when I was younger. Every office I go to now, seems like I'm on a conveyor belt or assembly line. I understand about the increased work load and all that but, it's like, no one wants to take the time to talk or listen anymore. Oh well, at least there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

At least you have a plan now. Unfortunately, you got the worse. You're being taken care of, but you're still in limbo. I hate when the doctors do that. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Magic452]

Thanks for the update, keep us posted.

Here's to the light at the end of the tunnel not being an on coming train.

Best of luck

Magic

[denis4510]

I am unsure what all this means after having read it twice - you guys have a different language - I just wish Wern all the best. (apologizes for being Orstralian, Colonial, and probably an extract of convicts.)


Bloody good mate!

[WernherVonTrapp]

I am unsure what all this means after having read it twice - you guys have a different language...Bloody good mate!

Naaaah, we speak the same language alright. Just that we lot have a funny accent:

[Maverick_U2007]

Wern....it shouldn't affect your pension should it?....you are due to retire in October anyway. First chance they give you take the money and run