The Wonderful World of Medicine

I have been on an emotional rollercoaster the past few weeks with a bad knee that wouldn't go away. I called for an appt. with the local knee guru, Milt Smit, who is considered a regional treasure for knee and hip surgery. Booked until the second week of JULY. There was a way, however (Dotty tells me this works for me because of my role at St. Mary's..maybe) I could see his PA and if he thought I needed surgery he would forward me on to Milt. First appt. they do x-ray and see PA. Based on his exam and xray he decides I probably tore miniscus ligament and need surgery, but orders me for an MRI a week later. When the day of that appt arrives one of the women calls and cancels my appt. with the PA and says Dr. Smit will see me the next day at 12:45, I ask her if this means I need surgery and she says yes. Given that Milt is seeing me right away I assume he feels I need surgery ASAP. Not good timing. The kids are coming late next week and I am flying out east June 22 for UCC General Synod in Hartford and then 5 days in Albany. My stress level running on high!

Dotty was right; I think Milt worked me in as courtesy because he said NO SURGERY
necessary! He drained knee (sounds worse than it was) prescribed anti inflammatory and said I could go back to working out, including treadmill or cycle, by Monday. And it feels better already. Three cheers for having clout with the docs.