Tuesday Tidbits....

Joey and Darlene have been with us for a couple of nights and it's been fun having them. For so long they were 1,600 miles away and we were lucky to see them once a year. Now we can get together so much more often with only a five-hour drive between us!  They have to leave today, but we at least know we will see them again soon!

There is a new restaurant in Brandon, FL, that I heard is really good (out of Chicago).  We decided to visit it for lunch, after my doctor appointment yesterday.  Darlene decided to stay home with the pups, but Joey rode along with us.  It was not what we expected, but it WAS delicious!  We will go again!

Joe and I had the Italian Beef sandwich with hot peppers. I had the onion rings (shared with Joe). Joey had a tuna steak sandwich and cheese fries.  Yummy stuff!! It was nicely crowded but the lines moved quickly.

Now, for the doctor thing.  What a disappointment. First of all, a co-worker recommended the Florida Orthopaedic Institute to me after she had a great experience there with her torn ACL.  Six months ago, I called for an appointment with one of the doctors. Some of you may remember that I got a phone call while I was on the road, going to the appointment, that the doctor was called away for an emergency. Great. I understand - it happens. They wanted to reschedule, but I said I had nothing invested with that doctor, perhaps there was another one I could see sooner.  They gave me Dr. Miranda so I went to the appointment and liked him okay. Spent most of the appointment with the P.A.  I set my next appointment with him for two weeks ago.  Wouldn't you know it...Dr. Miranda was called out of town and they had to cancel my appointment. We rescheduled for yesterday, at 1:30.

We arrived at 1:05 for the 1:30 appointment. Checked in and paid the co-pay,  Sat in the waiting room (which Joey later described as very like an ER waiting room - crowded and stinky). After waiting for an hour and 10 minutes, I went up to ask how much longer it would be.  She told me the doctor was running 45 minutes behind and there were still two ahead of me.  I'm sorry, but it makes me furious. I told her to take my name off the list and that I wouldn't be back.  Walked out with my boys following. Two cancellations and making me wait for nearly two hours. I want nothing to do with this medical group. They are also 40 minutes away from Lakeland.  So - now I can decide to keep next month's appointment with my local doctor, or try to find another one.  I've been so disappointed.with my orthopaedic doctors.  I'm too young for knee replacement, or I'm too heavy for knee replacement.  So what other help can I get?  Is there a brace that will help? I know there aren't any pain meds I can take because I'm on blood thinners. Well, I can take Tylenol (which ruins your liver) or Tramadol (which makes me sleepy and nauseous).

Have you had enough of my whining?  I'm sorry.  My knees hurt. I just want some help with them.  I'm very frustrated right now. I want a doctor who will take an interest.  Our nephew is 10 years younger than me and weighs just 8 pounds less than me. He has two new knees. Do I need to move up to Maryland to find a doctor who will take my problems seriously?  Our nephew has thyroid problems. I lost my entire thyroid to cancer. Two of my medications slow my metabolism and my heart rate (AFib). Excuses, excuses. I know. Poor me.

Thanks for getting this far - for listening!  I appreciate you!  Peace & hugs. I'll shake it off and will be ready to tackle this again - maybe tomorrow. Sigh.