Plumbing


Regular blog readers may have noticed that one of the most infuriatingly unresolved aspect of Robb's case is the part that relates to things urological. The fact is, a urologist who accepts worker's compensation insurance is rarer than some of the birds I've photographed. Both Robb and his case manager at the insurance company have been unsatisfied with the care he has been getting, and today Robb went down to Stanford University, to meet with a new doctor.

I got a call from Robb, as he was waiting for his cab back from the appointment, and he said, "I'm so happy that I could cry."

Finally.

A doctor who gets it. Finally, a doctor who regularly works with patients with spinal cord injuries. Finally a doctor whose appointments last more than (no exaggeration, here, four and a half minutes). Finally, a doctor who will actively pursue this case. This doctor has ordered a new series of tests (he considered the last set really shoddy, despite the fact that they cost more than most of the cars we've owned). He believes that while mistakes were made as a result of the care Robb received in the first nine months after the injury, there is hope for a good outcome.

Most excitingly, he believes that the discomfort and spasticity that Robb has been experiencing is actually a very good (if unpleasant) thing. He believes that it means that the nerves aren't dead, and are merely responding to the messages they are receiving, as the neural pathways heal. He thinks that biofeedback may be a good therapeutic avenue for Robb to pursue, as a method of retraining these neural pathways.

All of this is very, very good new!

Comments

wassamatta_u said…
WOOHOOOOO!!!

I think that pretty much sums it up.
Anonymous said…
Yeah... What he said!
:-)

Knit Wit
Kim said…
THats great news, like you've grabbed onto a buoy, being pulled towards shore.
Anonymous said…
That's really great. Or, as we say in Massachusetts, that's "wicked pisser."
Anonymous said…
We know you and Robb have been feeling lately as if a door to your future was slammed shut last Jan. 31st. Can you feel the breeze from the window opening?

Grumpy Grinch
Anonymous said…
Yea! That's great!!!!!!!!!!
Pica said…
wow, that *is* great. Good luck with the next part of the journey.
Bobbie said…
How wonderful! Yay! FINALLY a doctor creative and willing enough to think outside the box to help you Robb! You must be so excited!
Anonymous said…
Yeah!
Love the news and also Love and Happy Valentines to both of you!! See Mom really knows how to pray!

Lisa
Anonymous said…
Thats great, I'm curious what is the name of the doctor?

James
knitica said…
That sounds great! Thanks for good doctors!
Anonymous said…
James:

Dr. Rodney Anderson, Stanford Medical Center
Anonymous said…
Well if you want another opinion, and i'm so sorry this totally slipped my mind, Dr. Jim Brooks is a urologic doctor/ researcher at Standford. His Wife Sukey graduated with Trena from the Institute. He is incredable knowlegeable, and when Trenas dad was dieng of prostate cancer he frequently gave him phone consultation. If you would like his number let me know, I'm sure if mentioned us and the Institute connection he ould be more than willing to go over your situation.

James

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