V.A. clinic visit - checkup.

[Guest guest]

Had another checkup at my V.A. health clinic, yesterday, and gave my

GP and his intern a good earful about the problems with my right

ankle, and my records/images not matching up to what I've been told

since early last year. Since the intern examined me first, my GP had

time to look at my records, prior to examining me himself.

He tells me that the problems I'm experiencing with my right ankle are the

product of the 'tenosynovitis of the peroneus longus', as noted with my MR

images. I've seen enough about this condition, via google searching, to know

that FINALLY my doctor has given me a good, somewhat sound diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done for the tenosynovitis,

unless/until it becomes debilitating enough, then about

the only effective treatment is to fuse the ankle.

I still do need to seek a second opinion, however, as there are still

a few inconsistencies with diagnosing a couple of symptoms. My GP says

that a large groove on the lateral aspect of my lateral malleolus was

caused by my ankle brace. I still believe that this groove is

consistent with a non-union avulsion (Weber A), and that the anterior

talofibular ligament was involved with the initial injury.

I don't believe that tenosynovitis would be responsible for my ankle locking on

my, while walking, and I seriously doubt it's responsible for the large groove

in the lateral side of my ankle. My GP also didn't even really pay attention to

my description of my right knee having tried to give out on me, Sunday at work.

In the near future, I'll be working with my local Veteran's Service

Office, and possibly one in another county, to work on getting an

appointment at another V.A. medical center close to me, for a second

opinion not only about the condition of my ankle, but also the

condition of my knee.

I did forget to tell my GP that if they continue allowing my condition to

deteriorate, the V.A. will end up having to pay me more than the 10% disability

rating they are currently, since my knee is being effected, as well as my

opposite ankle and knee. At the very least, I'll be able to get an orthopedic

consultation at the nearest Army hospital, when my Army National Guard unit

begins the process of mobilization for a tour in Iraq.

I'm closer to the truth about my ankle. I just need to push a bit

harder and further, in order to get at the whole truth, even if it's

pieced together from several sources, at this point.

Matt