|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
Posted by keith johnston
In Reply to: Re: DiskCure posted by ST
hello there, just got back 3 days ago from the diskcure trip.
I dont know what everyone is talking about with the "feels like a scam/incompetant staff) comments
The office staff was fine, I was seen in a timely manner.
I first got a mini-consulation from a very nice girl, who was very informative and willing to answer questions and in no way did I feel like I was "on the clock"
and i apoligize if this sounds un-pc, but it was REAL nice that english was her "first language", I know all of you know what its like to be talking about life and death and not know if the nurse said "you could try" or "you could die" :}
SO, then the doctor guy comes in (not dr toblinick) and gives me the full consulation, he as well if very patient and informative and answers any questions I have.
also, for your info, the drug name is no longer a secret, its ENBREL.
And in short it is said to neutralize the chemicals released with disc rupture, NOT the nucleus of the disc but the "chemicals" that leak when the disc is ruptured.
I did ask all the questions, like "if I feel better because the "chemicals are neutralized" then still I am walking around with a herniation and what good is that?"
He explained to me that a huge number of people are walking around with enormous herniations and have no pain, SO, if there is pain, then there is a problem...
there are many nuances and answers and comments that we exchanged but I cant list them all here. one important one is that alot of people take 2 weeks to feel better, and some people actually feel worse before they feel better!..so i was prepared with my tylenol 3's for sure!, I signed a release to say I understand this drug is off label and like anything, i could feel good, bad, die, turn into a chicken and fly away.
SO, anyway, he explained everything and left it up to me to say "I want the treatment" he didnt do the used car saleman pitch i got the impression i would be getting, it was very efficiant and pro.
So, I layed on my side, he drew a little target on my back with his pen, swabbed it down and gave me the shot..it hurt like any shot would, no more , no less.
I stood up, and didnt feel any different, actually my left foot felt a little funny...he gave me some follow up forms and I left, I ran into a guy in the hall, that obviously felt worse than me, he was going to have the shot the next day and got my phone number.
So I walked to burger king, ate lunch, got a cab back to the hotel.
I felt the same all night, but the next morning, I would have to say I felt 10% better, now I know that isnt much, but as you know, when you want to die, 10% can be the difference between jumping off a bridge and staying home
today is day 4, still feel the same, just about 10% better, so I am hoping I am one of the 2 week people.
by the way, the guy that I ran into in the hall, called me, he got the shot and feels worse...so we have statistics in motion here...
SO, like i said, right now, i feel 10% better, and hope that number gets higher, all I do know, it worked a little, and if I need to get a booster shot , i will, cause even feeling a little better is a whole new deal for me..
also, I should mention that I am not a silver lining kinda guy, if anythin I am a glass is hlaf empty guy, so the idea that "I want to feel better, I got the shot, its placebo effect is making me feel better" isnt really a consideration.
I will keep you all posted, I am going to see my pysiatryst in 3 hours..I cant wait to see the look on her face when I tell her I have been to LA and back to get an "off label" shot..maybe that will make her realize I am serious and not make me wait 2 weeks, and tell me to buy books on "dealing with pain"
so, my advice is "try it, communicate properly with the staff so you knw what to bring (MRI/reports/etc), also, articulate properly IF they have time blocked off for you in case you say "yes" to the shot, also, book a hotel as close as possible to the office, taxi's in LA are horrible (I spent $150 just on taxi's)
more later
keith
