I have an extended appointment for next Tuesday to primarily discuss the vertigo, spinal issues, the knee issues and my hips.... anything else if we get time, like shingles, etc.

All my machinery items [power tools/air tools] have been packed ready for our move.  I had thoughts on selling it all, but it did occur to me that I still like to tinker with various projects and would be in a better position to do so once we're in Tassie. I don't struggle anywhere near as bad with vertigo down there... nor the extreme heat, so for me it's a win, win situation.

I wouldn't be doing high places anyway.  My feet stay firmly on the ground when it comes to climbing ladders or anything higher than a computer chair.  I try not to move my head or turn my neck very much at all, though not just because of the vertigo and dizziness, etc.   I have spinal issues in my neck [non-existent discs/non-surgical spinal fusion] that make it painful to do at the best of times.

Not too sure what the first part is but I'll ask.  As for the vertigo re-evaluation, that's already in motion.  I have a referral to get a scan done on my right-side neck and ear.  We do know that I have a cyst near my ear canal and that it may be the cause of some issues, but it wouldn't hurt to elaborate with this new scan.

Thanks for your concern and advice, Doc, 'tis much appreciated.  In fact, if you weren't retired, I'd be on to your receptionist to make an extended appointment.... one long enough to have a few beers; lunch a few times; to take in a bit of sight seeing; dinner here and there; maybe something cultural like a concert or two.

Well I might be in that wheelchair much sooner than I would like.  Saw my doctor yesterday and she suspects that I  have an arthritic and degenerative disc disease and sent me for MRI scans on my spine. I already knew that I've had some spinal fusion in my neck and lower back over the years, so I'd say she's right on the money. 

I told her that my legs just keep getting weaker and weaker, that my feet are always cold, even in Summer, and that my upper and lower legs pretty much hurt all the time now.  She took the pulses in my lower legs and said that they could better, that while there may also be a vascular aspect to my symptoms, it's likely that the main cause is spinal.

Thing is, there is no cure so I'm not likely to be mobile for very much longer.  At least now, though, I may get some proper treatment and assistance to help me manage my condition better.  My previous doctor just kept throwing pain meds at me rather than look further into it, hence the change in GP/MD. 

I've tried to remain as active as I can and do exercise as best I can, be she said that if her suspicions are correct, it will not be enough to keep me on my feet and I will need to see other health professionals to help find the best course of action for me. 

It's not the news I wanted to hear, but I'll suck it up and go on to cope in the best way that I can.  She also gave me some pamphlets on home care and other services.  I do have Steve and Shaunna around, but there may be times that I need assistance they are not able to provide, so I'll weigh up all my options and take it one day at a time.

One day at a time is always the way to go Mark, or so I'm told anyway. I've had to rely on a walker to get around lately, not my first choice but whatever. Do what ya gotta do I guess and go with the flow. Helps  

We have a walker here but it isn't exactly that helpful.  While it helps with balance issues, it doesn't offer that much support for my weakening legs, and when I'm at my worst I find the need to sit every 50 yards or so.  I'm hoping that I can rebuild the strenghth in my legs again, but my doctor isn't optomistic that I'll be able to bebuild the muscles enough to walk far without assistance and/or having to rest a while.

I will do what I can to rebuild, but I will look at all my options to best manage things.  I can get a wheelchair for a reasonable price for shorter distances, and that would be better to keep my upper body strength and circulation going, not to mention helping with any vascular issues, but one of those mobility scooters might be the go for longer distances and hilly areas.  Where we're going in Tassie is a bit hilly, but I'll wait until we get there to assess whether I will need one after a while of being there.  Right now I don't know, so it's a case of one day at a time.

As for going with the flow, I'd like to go with the flow of money and siphon off some for myself along the way, those mobility scooters aren't exactly that cheap, you know.... not that I'm decided on needing one as yet.  Mind you, if I end up not needing one, I'll still take the money.

Hey Ross, at least you are getting the support you need to help manage your situation better.  Some folks aren't so lucky and fall between the cracks.  In many instances, people simply don't know what services and etc they're entitled to, and therefore sadly miss out.  Fortunately, my doctor has been very helpful in pointing me in the right direction so that I can access various support services. 

Normally, I would have to pay retail prices for a walker, wheelchair and/or mobility scooter, but since I also qualify for the aged pension now, I may get some of those sorts of things for free or at concession rates if I am approved.  My doctor seems to think I would be, given my overall health status and limited lower limb mobility.  One of the services I'm hoping to be able to access is physiotherapy, which hopefully includes hydrotherapy to help ease the load on weight bearing joints while exercising.

Like you, I should also qualify for better, higher dosage pain relief now that I've had my various scans updated and it can be seen that my condition is in fact deteriorating.  Since government placed new restrictions on pain meds and drugs of dependence last year, the strongest I can get is Panadeine Forte [30mg codeine 500mg paracetamol, x2 every 8 hours when required] but they've become rather ineffective in recent weeks and the pain has become far less tolerable, especially in my lower limbs.  Some days I can barely walk.

Thing is, I'd rather not be dosed up with strong painkillers all the time, so I'm hoping that physiotherapy and other pain management strategies will help reduce the need to be medicated 24/7.  Sure, if the pain is intense, especially around bedtime, or if I get breakout pain, I will take the meds to help me cope better.

Some alternatives are redundant Mark. They come with some of the of own 'alts'. Look at the jerk what sits the oval office and you'll see what I mean. Good days to ya mate!

Go slowly down that road Mark. Things have a tendency to pop up or out, as the saying goes, unexpectedly.   

In all honesty using the hospice service PennMedicine supplies has gotten things of to a helluvaquick start. New, bed as comfortable as you like it. Tons of accessories that come with it. Portable 02 tanks of various sizes. Occupational health care should I need it. Its all there matey. Direct link to em services should we lose power for whatever reason. Nearly did the night before last for a few minutes. Been home now more that ten days. A new record.