Appointments Are Exhausting

I haven’t posted enough recently. This week I had four medical appointments: orthopedics (foot), dental, orthopedic (hand), and neuro-opthalmology. Just having four appointments is exhausting! They were all out of town, so we had a lot of driving.

When I went to my dentist, I was prepared to have a molar filled. It broke off when I was eating and then broke off more on the next day. The dentist said that I was very close to needing a root canal. I certainly didn’t want to get it pulled. I already have had two pulled, and it’s getting harder to eat. Having Sjogren’s means that I have a very dry mouth (among other things). My teeth keep falling apart.

I had other follow-up’s at the foot and ankle specialists. My foot x-rays showed some signs of healing. This made me very happy and I can begin to gradually wear good walking shoes, instead of the black recovery shoe.

My hand doctor is far from home and we spent almost 4 hours on the road. I was surprised to find out that I didn’t have any new x-rays made. The doctor showed me an old x-ray and said that we could do aother steroid injection. She acted like I could have regular injections or have fusion surgery. Her nurse and fellow both said that I should have injections.

Steroid injections are not meant to be given if you have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I have had these many times and they have never helped me. The doctors always look at me like I’m lying. The doctor this week was especially forceful, but I said no to the injection.

I’ve read many forums from those who have also been pressured to have these injections. The bottom line is that this is how clinics make money. Getting injections or spinal stimulators are “offered” to pain patients. I don’t know the facts on this accusation. But after my very short appointment, the doctor just walked out and didn’t tell me to reschedule. So, I guess I’ll see what happens.

My last appointment of the week was to see the neuro-ophthalmologist. It was the first visit since I left the hospital, where the final diagnosis was a meningioma. I initially came to the hospital for what my ophthalmologist thought could be Giant Cell. After many tests the doctors found that I didn’t have Giant Cell, after all.

So, this week the appointment was to check the optic disc and find out for sure if it was the cause of my double vision. The doctor believed that one eye’s changes could be causing it. She prescribed new glasses. I’ve taken my new eyeglass prescription in and hope to receive my glasses on the 30th. I’m eager to see if they make the difference. Getting the double vision to go away would seem miraculous!

Hubby and I have been trying to do a few small projects around the house before we have two sets of company coming. I can’t wait to have guests, but I wish I had more time to complete these tasks. Hubby does most of the work, because I just can’t. Our youngest is here for a lot of the summer, and he is very helpful. He also loves to entertain the dog and cook. We’re blessed.

@2026, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my opinions and experiences and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.