Today I went to see my family doctor to talk about the possible allergic reaction to Celebrex. She said allergic reactions to Celebrex are rare, but it's a possibility. So I'm off Celebrex and she prescribed Naproxen. I looked it up, and one of the first few lines says: You should not use naproxen if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
I walked out thinking: "hmm?" but decided to trust my doctor. A few minutes later, my doctor's secretary called and told me that since she prescribed a medication in the same family, I might have another reaction. They want me to give this one a try and call them back. If ever my rash comes back, I'll have to see her again. I told her that I decided to go ahead with surgery in the US. At first she didn't seem too convinced. I think she's afraid an American doctor tricked me into thinking I need surgery in the US to make money. She said she would of liked for me to get a second opinion in Quebec. That's easier said than done. I would of loved to do that. I would of loved to hear from another surgeon, to see if they, or a colleague of theirs, could help with my symptoms - and this, for "free". And trust me, it's not that I didn't try. I searched online for doctors that practice hip arthroscopy in Canada. I called clinics - public and private across the country. Public has waiting lists that sometimes go up to 2-3 years. Private costs thousands of dollars, and the one I checked in Montreal only does surgery privately, not consultation (consult is done by a GP). I explained to my doctor why I decided to go forward with surgery in the US: because I feel that Canadian healthcare can't help me at this point. After being in pain for four years, I'm sick of waiting. I waited over a year to see the surgeon that operated on me. Going for a second opinion would mean having to wait - who knows how long - to see another surgeon. And seeing the surgeon doesn't necessarily mean getting surgery. I might be told that surgery isn't an option for me. Or if it is, that there's a 6 months to a year wait. Being in a public health system means limited funds throughout the entire system. Limited number of nurses, limited number of operating rooms, limited number of hospital beds...all this translates in having to prioritize patient care. Obviously, a hip fracture needs to be treated much faster than a labral tear. And I get it. But that's just like when you have a terrible cold and someone tells you "well at least you don't have cancer" Yes, it's true, you don't have cancer and not having cancer is an awesome thing...but it doesn't take away the fact that your cold is making you miserable. Most certainly not as miserable as someone undergoing chemotherapy, but you still feel shitty. At this point in my life, I simply can't gamble that much with time. 1 year wait + uncertainty of action plan + possibly 1 year wait for surgery + 1 year rehab = me making babies at 50 years old. Ok, I'm slightly exaggerating...but you get the point. And so did my family doctor. She said "OK. Anyway you seem to have it all planned out" I kind of sensed disappointment in her voice. Either disappointed that I didn't push through the Quebec system, or that our healthcare can't help me further. Finding a surgeon in Canada means calling around, following up, harassing receptionists to know WHEN your appointment will be to be told that you still have several months of wait ahead...it's can be pretty discouraging. I remember asking on Facebook, asking my family doctor, asking friends, coworkers, clients...does anyone know anyone that can help me? It's tough to be a patient in need of elective surgery in Canada. One must be very patient. And persistant. Good care is possible, it's the accessing part that's difficult. But then there's also finding a surgeon with skills that match what you need...that's a whole other topic and right now, I'm going to bed! Goodnight!
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AuthorMy name is Marie-Christine. I'm 34 years old and live in Montreal, QC, Canada. I have had two failed hip scopes on my right hip to do undiagnosed hip dysplasia. My amazing surgeon, who is in Quebec City, performed periacetabular osteotomy in November 2017. He also did one left hip scope (non dysplastic) in February 2017. Archives
May 2018
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