The Tethered Cord

Have you ever heard of an Obese Filum? Okay, the technical term is Fatty Filum, also known as Tethered Cord. Obese Filum just sounds cooler.

I had never heard of any of them until the Neurosurgeon told me that that was part of my problem.

Seems we all have this thing very similar to a rubber band in our spine that stretches when we bend in any direction. When you straighten back up, it pulls back into shape and helps to align your spinal cord. Another genetic thing, I understand.

Mine doesn't work. Knowing what it is now, I realize that mine hasn't worked in many years, if ever. I have ALWAYS had problems reaching down to tie my shoes, could NEVER do jumping jacks, certainly could not bend from side to side. Explains all those 'D's in gym class, why I couldn't play football, and why I never owned a Frisbee or climbed a ladder, eh?

There is a great rundown here: Tethered Spinal Cord

Again, the Neurosurgeon's request to do something about it was just DENIED by Mr. Levine's Medicaid.

Oh, and here I am. Essentially unable to move from where I sit and no relief from Medicaid. Does it help to say, 'Help, Mr. Levine. Help'?? Sorry, I forgot. I won't die from this, so It's benign.

Would it be fair to observe that you would like for me to hurry up and die Mr. Levine?

Oh, and I wet the bed until I was 14. I know why, now.

Bowel Incontinence, Diarrhea or Constipation are common. Urinary Incontinence, Frequency or retention are also common. Imagine that?

Thanks for all of your help, Medicaid.

June 20, 2009

10 days after I fell out of bed [Which now has railings. Also known as Durable Medical Equipment. With NO thanks to Louisiana Medicaid, who DENIED my request]. That fall was the third time I had fallen out of bed since the stroke. The first requiring a hospital visit. Not that THAT did any good.

10 days out and the more active I am, the more I lose control of my bladder and my bowels. I have made messes for days and a person should not have to live like this, so friends took me to the Emergency room. They took a blood test, some radiology, told me I had gastroenteritis and sent me home with some anti diarrhea medicine.

The Neurosurgeon ordered up a Urodynamic [Urologist], and referred me to a Gastroenterologist. Finally, I thought, we shall get some answers. My mistake. Thought and Medicaid are like oil and water. At least here in Louisiana and under Secretary Levine's watch. Oh, and Medicaid does not seem inclined to give answers either.

Yesterday Medicaid canceled the urodynamics exam, which had been scheduled since 10 days after I fell out of bed. Medicaid told me that I have reached the limit for doctor visits. I've not yet determined if they mean ANY/ALL doctor visits, until when, or whether that includes other ordered and scheduled tests already on the books. Mr. Levine, care to answer, sir?

Fill in the blank, check the box. Move to the right... 

Fall Out of Bed - June 10, 2009

I remember the feeling that I was falling quite rapidly from a height. I was whirling my arms in that way we have when we're off balance and falling forward. I was dead asleep so I can't say whether hitting my head on the edge of the door woke me, or if I was knocked out when I hit. I remember the pain. I've been conditioned. The blood on the floor didn't phase me. I did upchuck a few times, but made sure I did not fall asleep. Been there, done that. Gave those details to Medicaid already though. Fill in the blank, check the box. Move to the right...

I should not have gone to the emergency room that day. I thought the pain wracking through my body was up there; It was NOTHING compared to the next week. But, test results that I have never been shown indicate no new damage I'm told. okay.

Let's see now... I had had to buy a new laptop while in exile following The Thing. I fell over with it and on to it so many times that my falling destroyed it. You will have to forgive me if I do not recall how many times I have fallen since the stroke. Nine times in the month of October 2008 I know.

I do remember kidney stone #27 passed later the same October day I fell on the outdoor steps and ripped off half the house on the way down. Hey, passing a kidney stone is a major event; ya take the benefits where ya can. No pain help there either. Do we sense a trend? Mr. Levine, can ya help us out here?? Are people that really need intelligent pain management being discriminated against here in New Orleans? Because of The Thing??

I apologize. I forgot that intelligent doesn't quite fit into the Medicaid lexicon.

Ten days later and I was in another Emergency room...