Friends of Budge, Budge could use some support tonight.

March 29, 2004 | Self

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

I've gotten word tonight that our FRiend Budge could REALLY use some support. He is down and could REALLY use a lift.

He is one tough cookie but everyone needs a lift now and then.

Pain is an awful thing. But sometimes it can just wear you down.

We had a pretty good scare recently with Budge. Thankfully it turned out to be Kidney Stones. Taking care of the problem wasn't fun but at least Budge will be ok. But now he has pulled some rib cartilage some how or another and those things combined have just taken a toll.

So if you could all just give him a prayer and some encouragement, it would sure lift his spirits MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!

Thanks and God Bless!!

[Quix]

I suspect that the issue of hard vs soft tissue is accurate and that a CAT scan would likely be better for a hard substance.

BUT CHECK THE EXPERTS. GO TO

WEBMD.COM

I would also call on pastors or others in the big city and ask around for anyone who knows a skilled urologist.

I suppose you could risk a brief vanity with that question in the title. I suspect Jim would be generous about it.

Not sure what else. Please check out the docs on the problem at WEBMD.

Praying for you,

[Quix]

I suspect that the issue of hard vs soft tissue is accurate and that a CAT scan would likely be better for a hard substance.

BUT CHECK THE EXPERTS. GO TO

WEBMD.COM

I would also call on pastors or others in the big city and ask around for anyone who knows a skilled urologist.

I suppose you could risk a brief vanity with that question in the title. I suspect Jim would be generous about it.

Not sure what else. Please check out the docs on the problem at WEBMD.

Praying for you,

[nopardons]

I don't know anything much about Ark.,but I do know that there are lists of "the best" doctors in N.Y.C. and Chicago,that get run in magazines.I suspect that there is some sort of list on line, but I'm not really sure how to find it. There are quite a few doctor FREEPERS and maybe one of them can get you pointed in the right direction.

You should be screened...MRI,CAT SCAN,whatever.It is NOT "okay" for your doctor to say that he doesn't know where the stone is/the stone may be gone/the stone may be someplace else.How does he even know that there was a stone to begin with, if you never had an MRI?

I don't mean to alarm you,but I'm a blunt old thing and you'd better get yourself checked out properly, which means getting an MRI.This isn't something to play around with and withing seeing inside you, there really is NO way of knowing what's what.

And in the meantime, I'll be praying for you,mightily,that you really are okay. :-)

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[Cold Heat]

The only thing that I could advise you to do, is to have your doctor refer you to another that may be able to help you with the diagnoses.

Many things can cause back pain, including kidney and bladder problems. I have seen some prostate problems associated with back pain.

It could be something else.

A MRI is not a cure all, but it is great for soft tissue damage. X-ray and ultrasound should do the trick for stones, however a Cat scan with the intravenous stuff is really good for looking at the organs and surrounding structures and vessels, nerves and the like.

Kidney stones do not require MRI, as far as I know. If you have not passed a stone, or the doctor has not seen a stone in the images, then you may or may not have a stone problem.

I do not know what other tests you have had to eliminate other things like infections etc.

I would get a second opinion and your doctor can fix you up with one. It is possible that he is missing something. It won't hurt to get another opinion.

[pubmom]

Budge, I don't think you're "jumping the gun" at all. The fact that you suggested getting a second opinion means that deep down, you're having some doubts concerning your physician's diagnosis/treatment. (which is more than okay)

I'm going to throw in my 2 cents with all the others, for your health and piece of mind, get that second opinion. We'll all keep praying you through this.

Take care!

[CDHart]

Definitely get a second opinion. My daughter is an RN, and she agrees.

Carolyn

[MissAmericanPie]

I would suggest asking your Doctor to make you an appointment with a specialist in the nearest big city. You really do need to be examined in an area capable of C-scans, and other means of tracking down your problem.

In all instances regarding your health, you are left with the ultimate responsibility to get the best advice and treatment. Your Doctor should be happy to help you set up all the appointments you need. Please keep us informed, and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

[Budge]

I promised I would let you all know tonight what the chiropractor had to say.

Unforrtunately, I wasn't able to see him today, it's going to have to wait until my next weekday off which will be this week.

Can't sit at the computer at all tonight. Would the four of y'all please ping the rest?

I would really appreciate it.

Budge

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Everyone please see the update by Budge in post #259 and #269.

He is wanting to get a second opinion in Little Rock Arkansas. Does anyone know how he can find a good Urologist there? We'd sure appreciate the help.

Can you PING this information to Budge? I won't be around.

Thanks

HUGS & Prayers Budge. We love you friend.

[Diver Dave]

Praying for you, Budge.

[Aquamarine]

You're in my thoughts and prayers Budge.

[Palladin]

Checking in to see how Budge is doing. Hope he gets to a good urologist soon.

While I'm here, I'd like to ask you all to pray for my nephew, who had a ruptured aneurysm in his brain last Sunday. It's in a place wher they can't operate.

He's hanging in there, but is paralyzed on one side and cannot speak. He is responsive in other ways, however.

I have been told that the first 30 days are crucial after such an event. Please pray that he will make it through these days, and that with rehab, he can lead a normal life again.

He has 3 kids, and a wife...he was due to retire from NYC Sanitation Department in a few months. Just 54 years old.

His name is Frank.

[Budge]

By all means, prayers for your nephew, Frank!

[Alamo-Girl]

I don't have any helpful information but prayers continue for you, Budge!

And I join in lifting up your nephew for healing as well, Palladin!

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return to give You thanks that You have spared Frank from total incapacitation ... greatly are You to be praised, O God, that he can respond to those around him. Place Your healing hand upon him, we pray, and resolve all effects from this episode. Strengthen him daily unto the time of complete recovery. May he and his family continue their plans for retirement, and may they have the health to enjoy the years ahead. Lead them, Heavenly Father, for You know the way. In the Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen ...

[AGreatPer]

Hi my friend. Your situation is the exact reason I don't move south. Healthcare. I too am getting a bit older and have some problems. However, the healthcare here between Hershey Medical Center and Philadelphia, DC and Pittsburgh are so superior from what is in the South, it sucks.

Now you would think if I would go to Miami Beach or Miami it would get better. Wrong. Those doctors there treat so many old people there, they have a bad attitude. Sort of a ho hum attitude. I have had too much experience with older family members to move there. So, I am stuck here with great doctors.

You, hell, I don't know what to recommend. But the obvious thing is "NO MRI"? Why not. They are quite common today and getting lower in price. Believe me, an MRI, will pick out your problem in a second, IF, now that is a big IF, the doctor knows what they are looking at.

I know you are in Arkansas. If you can, ask your primary physician for an MRI, and a 2nd opinion.

Here is a little secret in the medical business. Or, not so secret. Doctors get spiffs from other doctors. Tell him you want his secretary to make an appointment at a renouned hospital. Hell, go to Duke, go to Johns Hopkins. Tell the doctor you are prepared to transport yourself and stay yourself in those areas. (There are many other good areas down there).

I don't know your insurance coverage Budge. That is another factor. Another thing. Tell your doctor that if it will cost a little more for you, you will do it. What do you have to lose?

But, if you can, PUT SOME PRESSURE ON YOUR DOCTOR. Don't piss him off, just pressure. Your the one that is suffering.

DO IT.

[AGreatPer]

Prayers for your nephew are going out now. Will continue until I hear from Palladin.

BTW, prayers work.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

I've never met you Budge, but I've always got a prayer handy for a fellow FReeper. Hang in there!