Hi Dawn,
PT is going very well. Vernie is great and amazingly, after only a few sessions I actually have gotten some relief from the pain in my knees. Much of the edema is gone and I think that is one reason my level of pain is more tolerable, although how I feel also depends on the weather to some degree. I also mentioned to him that my right hip sticks out a bit due to another old injury and both he and the PA at the doctor's office (Dr. Reilly -- the PA is Tom Doty) PA agree that I will need more physical therapy for that even though it doesn't hurt, they feel it is causing me to put more pressure on my left leg and aggravating my already troubled (my left knee is much worse than my right knee) knee. I've been vigilant about doing my exercises and Vernie said my knee already looks straighter than it did when he first saw me, so I assume that is also why I am feeling better. I have to say that, ironically, my AN has helped me deal witih my knee problems. If I learned anything in the past year, it's that patience is the key to dealing with many problems and being vigilent and having the determination to accomplish something is invaluable. Celebrating even small victories, such as even slight pain relief, are rewards in themselves that keep me going.
As for Rob, the insurance company says he has exhausted his benefits for his back problems (they only allow a certain number -- whatever OrthoNet determines is needed -- of visits in a 60 day period for any given problem) but he is appealing that. If that fails, Vernie has suggested that he come at least once a week for treatment and to learn exercises that will help his pain. One session is the same cost as two co-payments, so this would certainly be reasonable and I have urged him to do it. Hopefully he will.
I hope you get some good answers and relief from your headaches. Do you know how a chiari malformation is treated? Good luck on Monday and let me know how you are and what the docs have to say.
Best wishes,
Wendy
