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As you know…. the pain from my five year old knee injury ( deep root radial meniscal tear and ACL damage) has reached the point of no return and I’m finally incapacitated enough to do something about it.

Which is why I was waiting here the other day.

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My health care center moved into larger and more elaborate digs a few years ago and the waiting rooms are quite pleasant now.

Soothing colors, lots of natural light filtered in from the open concept ceiling and a veritable house plant jungle in the center.

Doctors are separated into wings with easy to find Maine related designations.

There was Chickadee and Evergreen and Anchor … and this one, which was a little puzzling.

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We have black bear in Maine, but no polar.

Anyhoo…

Before long I was taken back to meet with a primary physician to start the process. I need an orthopedist but can’t see one until I’m referred.

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After I explained my injury and pinpointed my current pain level (a steady 7), the doctor decided that wasn’t high enough and proceeded to poke, prod, push, pull, twist and torque my knee six ways to Sunday which left me gasping and crying uncle.

Diagnosis?

I need an orthopedist.

She said she heard some impressive clicking and crunching… bone on bone, said my muscle structure was probably compromised and not supporting the joint and I might have some bursitis as well. Yay me.

When I said I’d like to have an MRI to assess the damage she told me I’d have to wait for the orthopedist to order imaging… but pulled up my old one from five years ago.

Her response upon viewing?

“Eewww.”

That can’t be good.

So now I wait for the orthopedist to call with an appointment. I requested a man who was recommended by almost everyone I asked. The hands down winner when I posted a query on our local FB page. A doctor with the highest peer reviewed ratings. Tufts and Dartmouth educated. Even my pain inflicting primary said that’s who she’d pick.

There’s some question about him accepting our insurance as it’s not a type listed on his website, but my fingers are crossed he will.

I really don’t have a second choice.

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