When It Comes Together…

I recently had a consult that came to the office who really was stand offish. She had been to so many places and had done so many things, I just think she was on her last legs. Then I told her that I do around 20-30 consults a month, and most of those people have done all the things she had done too, and nothing had worked. I also told her how about half the people that I consult with had already had surgery.

She was surprised to say the least. She started to relax a bit. She then really let me ask her the questions I needed to see if I could help. I was optimistic. We then looked at her MRI and she had some pretty serious central and foraminal stenosis. Now, stenosis is just narrowing…that’s the literal definition. It’s the “how” of the stenosis that I’m always worried about. As in, what is causing it? Is it the disc? Is it a bone spur? Is it a tumor? What is it…”how” is it.

We then realized that her stenosis was caused by a very large synovial cyst. She had never heard of it. She was simply told she had needed surgery. No one explained to her what it was…why it was there…how it happens…and what her options are. So then, for the next 20 minutes of my time, I told her all about it. I also told her she was not a candidate for what I do, and that I was sorry. I did however have a non-surgical option for her and made the appropriate referral. Flash forward a few weeks now…

She calls me to let me know that her procedure was successful. For the first time in years she hasn’t had pain. She was extremely thankful that I was able to help her (actually I wasn’t, but I did know what could). She then told me about her friend that she was going to refer to me….She sounded in rough shape too! I haven’t seen her yet, but she’s going to get my all as well.

So what does this story have to do with the title? Well, easy. I really enjoy those stand offish people that think I’m there to try to sell them on something that they won’t need (I don’t enjoy their attitude, but I enjoy changing their opinion about things). They have been lied to so many times that when I finally figure out what it is that they need, what’s going to help them they are so grateful. I’m grateful that they gave me the opportunity to help. You know,  that’s what life is all about…relationships and helping people. Each in our own way. I wonder when my next skeptic is going to come in the door (usually it’s every day to a degree!)? I guess you could say that I love it when it comes together.

Be Well,

Dr. Lavell

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