Sunday, August 02, 2009

Physical Therapy Not Working -- Surgery Needed

[I found this note to my primary doctor and thought it would make for good reading as to my condition months prior to surgery.]

"I stopped treating at Sleepy Hollow Physical Therapy as I did not see any improvement in my hips/back/gluteus area. A friend recommended Spine Options (Dr. Cash) at 244 Westchester Avenue in White Plains. After a short physical examination, I began a series of physical therapy treatments that included deep tissue massage of the gluteus muscles (both sides) which brought some relief but temporary; and electrical stimulation of the lower back and gluteus area while covered by a warm wet blanket.

"After about 4 weeks of treatment, Oxford determined to stop covering those treatments on the ground that my condition is not improving and is considered chronic. Nice after 20 or so years of paying premiums. I’m working on getting that decision reversed.

"Dr. Cash prescribed a hip x-ray (2 views) which was performed at Phelps last Friday. The radiologist’s report: bilateral (both hips) advanced osteoarthritis at the hips. Mild lateral sublaxation of chronic nature at the right hip."