Rheumatology visit, or Alan goes to the doctor

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I saw the rheumatologist who initially diagnosed osteoarthritis

and related conditions. He said that I don't have rheumatoid

arthritis but osteo and something else, another kind of arthritis.

He said he couldn't pronounce the name, but it was French word

and I think begins with " F. " (No, not that word. I said French.)

The only F arthritis I could find was fungal arthritis, caused,

obviously by fungus. But fungal is neither French nor hard to

pronounce. He prescribed more tramadol, and I was so beaten

down from the nearly two-hour wait that I didn't mention already

having a renewable prescription. Oh, well. He also prescribed

methocarbamol and physical therapy, and yet another blood test.

I forgot to mention lidocaine patches for the area with the most

soreness. This would be the top of my spine, where I think all

my pains raidiate from. I'll set up the renewed physical therapy

next week and report on what happens there.

Arthritis seems to be an epidemic in my neighborhood. The

waiting room was packed, and the doctors had come in late.

Is there a French-word arthritis, and can I have it since I'm not

French?