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Waiting to see the doctor (update on my shoulder)

Discussion in 'Anything goes' started by Smallpotatoes, Jun 19, 2006.

  1. Smallpotatoes

    Smallpotatoes Well-Known Member

    I saw my primary care guy about my shoulder last week and got a referral to an orthopedic specialist, the only one in my area who takes my insurance plan.
    He's booked solid well into next month and the only appointment I can get is on July 24, a good 5-6 weeks from now.
    Is there anything I can do between now and then other than sitting tight and icing it?
    I guess I could see another doctor, but I'd have to pay for the whole visit out of my own pocket, which is cost-prohibitive.
     
  2. slappy4428

    slappy4428 Active Member

    Talk to the HMO and your doc. If he stresses that waiting six-seven weeks is too long, perhaps they'll let you go out of network -- or at least reimburse you. And if that happens GET IT IN WRITING
     
  3. I don't really know how HMOs work since I've only dealt with PPOs, but can I ask what do you think's wrong with your shoulder. (I missed that if it was on an earlier thread.) The reason that I'm asking is that a lot of time orthopaedic guys only really think bones exist. If the problem with your shoulder in a ligament, tendon or some other soft tissue thing, an orthopaedic guy might not be the best specialist to see. (Unfortunately, I know from experience - multiple times.) But I don't know how your health care plan works so you might have to see the orthopaedic guy first if that's who your primary guy is assigning you to see.
     
  4. Flash

    Flash Guest

    Try these ... but go easy. And if you feel pain, stop.

    http://familydoctor.org/265.xml
     
  5. Flash

    Flash Guest

    By the way, those are all exercises that have been prescribed to me by physiotherapists and trainers. I just happened to find them all in one spot ... for you.
     
  6. Smallpotatoes

    Smallpotatoes Well-Known Member

    Thanks. Should I do them every day or every other day?
     
  7. John

    John Well-Known Member

    Acupuncture. It helped my dad years ago with tennis elbow and my brother said it did wonders for his back.
     
  8. Smallpotatoes

    Smallpotatoes Well-Known Member

    It's my understanding that with acupunture the needles go in for free, but you have to pay to have them removed. Is that true?
    (OK, OK, that was an old Cheech and Chong routine. So sue me)
     
  9. Flash

    Flash Guest

    You can do them every day with no weight to start and then very light weight after a couple of weeks (no more than a 2 lb. or 3 lb. dumbbell).
    And acupuncture is amazing.
     
  10. DocTalk

    DocTalk Active Member

    SP, what does your family doc think is wrong with your shoulder?
     
  11. Smallpotatoes

    Smallpotatoes Well-Known Member

    He didn't really tell me anything specific but probably what I think, a strained rotator cuff. He just prescribed some x-rays and ibuprophen and referred me to the orthopedic specialist.
     
  12. Norman Stansfield

    Norman Stansfield Active Member

    Up your masturbating to twice or three times daily. That should help. :p

    Seriously, though, just take it easy whatever you do. When I separated my shoulder I stuck to doing real light weights in less-stressful lifts (dumbbell flyes vs. dumbbell presses). It did help.
     
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