The Knee Fiasco

So I get my X-ray and go to the Dr.

He twists and bends my leg various ways. Asks a bunch of questions. Reviews the X-ray and says he has no idea.

He offers a cortisone shot and reluctantly suggests an MRI. Apparently because of the screw in my knee, the MRI is not likely to be clear enough. He also thinks it's simply arthritis set in.

Not wanting to just treat the symptoms, but actually figure out what's wrong, I skip the shot and go for the MRI.

I call to make the appointment.

Because I've "worked with metal" (i.e. welded and/or grinded it) in my past. I have to get an orbital (an X-ray of my eyes, the photos you see so far).

The orbitals are negative so I'm ready for the MRI.

Now it's time to go back to the Dr. I've got two appointments this week. One with the original Dr. and another for a second opinion.

If this really is arthritis, I have a completely new (and negative) outlook on life - not to mention our health care system.

At least I've got cool X-rays of my head. I like the way you can almost see the skin profile and then the bones within. It's like morphing a picture of me now with one 500 years from now.

- b