Have you ever needed an MRI?

Warning: This is a vent.

I’ve had excruciating nerve pain like nothing I’ve felt before and haven’t been able to walk about since Friday (it’s Tuesday).

Yesterday, I researched an emergency room at a local hospital that has MRI capabilities hoping the fact that I was in level 10 pain and my history of back issues might indicate to them that they should take a look.

Instead, both the intake nurse and treating doctor (who were otherwise fine), laughed when I asked for an MRI to rule out cauda equina syndrome and said my chiropractor is out of her depth for even considering it (since I CAN lift my foot and have current control of my bowels).

Doc suggested I get my primary doctor to refer me. I called One Medical since I don’t have a General Practitioner outside of that and they said they can’t refer me until I get X-rays (that shows nothing except like bones?) and 6 WEEKS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY.

It shouldn’t be this hard. I’m getting acupuncture and paying out of pocket because our insurance plan has a high ass deductible and no decent coverage but it gives me relief. The hospital just prescribed muscle relaxers and narcotics that make me feel like shit but hey, at least I was able to sit down?

Cuz I was in the ER on my knees or awkwardly holding onto the backs of chairs for hours since the pain was too bad and I couldn’t bend at the waist.

What’s the answer here? Someone suggested a leader in the field who’s in Napa but how I’m supposed to get up to Napa? And my spouse has an off-site retreat next week but I truly cannot stand up for more than a few minutes.

I feel for everyone who knows this pain, especially the parents.

That’s it. That’s the post.