Re: Can't get in to see Dr. Rand

[Guest guest]

Dear Leominster,

I, too, have been very put off by Priscilla in Dr. Rand's office. I have seen him, but found him very cold and uncomforting. He is, however, a very reknowned surgeon, and worth the trouble!

The folks who tell you to get all your information together are exactly right! He is not a pain doctor (I'll give him that much). Most of the time they do not promise that surgery will get rid of pain. He needs to know about your rod, that it's there, or they are there, and maybe your degrees of curvature and flatback. That will get you into his office. Someone else has suggested you bring that up, and that is so correct. "Fusion", "rods", "flatback", are key words. Keep trying!

C.

[Guest guest]

I am so sorry this has happened. I suspect my reaction would be the

same. Do you think there is any chance the local back guy's office

would call Dr. Rand's office to get an appointment for you? It sounds

like a serious miscommunication to me.

When you are up to it, it might be worth a few more phone calls. In

the meantime, we're here with empathy you can't find anywhere else.

kam

[Guest guest]

Hey, Leominster, I went back through your old posts and realized you haven't

told us much about your case. You're 31 and you have a fusion for

scoliosis, with rods. When was your original surgery, and what kind of rods

were used? Were they Harrington rods? What are your actual levels of

fusion? Are you fused to L4? L5? The sacrum?

Since you haven't told us this stuff, I'm concerned you may not have told

this to Dr. Rand's receptionist. It makes a huge difference! When I called

for my first appointment, I gave them my exact information, that I have a

1971 Harrington rod fusion, T5-L4, and I know I have flatback.

If you don't know all the answers, I'm sure you can find out from your local

back specialist. Better yet, have HIM contact Dr. Rand's office, since he

told you that you need to see him.

With that office, " Harrington rod " and " flatback " are the magic words. All

they asked of me was a copy of my operative report from my original surgery,

and after Dr. Rand took a look at it they called me back for an appointment.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

Sharon

[ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand

>I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request

> that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local

> Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up

> and says " you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he

> does and he would be the only person I would go and see about this. "

> I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me

> who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as

> effective as a deep sigh).

> I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call

> Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an

> appointment. The exact wording was " If Dr. Rand saw everyone who had

> a little back pain he would never be able to leave "

>

> SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I

> feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep

> going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter where

> I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just

> really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because

> I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life

> right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems to

> be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a waste

> of time and money this is becoming.

>

> What a waste of a young moms life this is.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, no! I am sorry that you could not get in to see Dr. Rand. If your primary care doctor suggested that you see him, perhaps he could contact Rand's office on your behalf. Also, perhaps he could prescribe something in the interim.

I hope that you feel better.

Kim

In a message dated 2/28/06 4:10:11 PM, leominsterhsg@... writes:

I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request

that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local

Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up

and says "you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he

does and he would be the only person I would go and see about this."

I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me

who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as

effective as a deep sigh).

I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call

Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an

appointment. The exact wording was "If Dr. Rand saw everyone who had

a little back pain he would never be able to leave"

SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I

feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep

going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter where

I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just

really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because

I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life

right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems to

be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a waste

of time and money this is becoming.

What a waste of a young moms life this is.

[Guest guest]

>Do you have flatback ?, I am sorry if you have already told us, I

may have missed it. , PA

> I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request

> that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local

> Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up

> and says " you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he

> does and he would be the only person I would go and see about

this. "

> I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me

> who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as

> effective as a deep sigh).

> I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call

> Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an

> appointment. The exact wording was " If Dr. Rand saw everyone who

had

> a little back pain he would never be able to leave "

>

> SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I

> feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep

> going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter

where

> I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just

> really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because

> I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life

> right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems

to

> be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a

waste

> of time and money this is becoming.

>

> What a waste of a young moms life this is.

>

[Guest guest]

I had the spinal fusion surgery (harrington rods) from my neck to L4 in 1986. I completely explained this to her and she said He only sees patients 2 days a week and because he has no prior info an me then he won't see me. I asked what info she needed she said If I were seeing any one who knew anything about the back that they would know. I do not have anything from my original surgery and the guy I saw today was the only dr I have been able to see about this in 20 years. It was almost like she thought I was making this up and that I never saw anyone and I am just trying to jump the proper channels to get to Dr. Rand. I cannot do this with the type of insurance that I have anyway. The orthopedic dr I went to today said the x-rays need to be specific and they did not want to take ones that were most likely not going to be what he needs. I do have x-rays that show the issue clearly but because they are 2 years old

they say I cannot see him. I am just at a loss. I may end up getting the ortho I saw to place a call to Dr. Rand. How many orthopedic specialist do I need to tell me thay cannot help me? I ended up in tears while on the phone over this. When I offered to get her the write up from the dr she discouraged me by saying that they were moving and she wasn't sure that they would get it. It is just so disapointing. I am still going to mail and fax it. Sharon Green <sharon.green18@...> wrote: Hey, Leominster, I went back through your old posts and realized you haven't told us much about your case. You're 31 and you have a fusion for scoliosis, with rods. When was your original surgery, and what kind of rods were used? Were they Harrington rods? What are your actual

levels of fusion? Are you fused to L4? L5? The sacrum?Since you haven't told us this stuff, I'm concerned you may not have told this to Dr. Rand's receptionist. It makes a huge difference! When I called for my first appointment, I gave them my exact information, that I have a 1971 Harrington rod fusion, T5-L4, and I know I have flatback.If you don't know all the answers, I'm sure you can find out from your local back specialist. Better yet, have HIM contact Dr. Rand's office, since he told you that you need to see him.With that office, "Harrington rod" and "flatback" are the magic words. All they asked of me was a copy of my operative report from my original surgery, and after Dr. Rand took a look at it they called me back for an appointment.Good luck, and let us know how you make out!Sharon [ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand>I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request> that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local> Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up> and says "you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he> does and he would be the only person I would go and see about this."> I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me> who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as> effective as a deep sigh).> I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call> Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an> appointment. The exact wording was "If Dr. Rand saw everyone who had> a little back pain

he would never be able to leave">> SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I> feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep> going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter where> I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just> really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because> I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life> right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems to> be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a waste> of time and money this is becoming.>> What a waste of a young moms life this is.>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

heatherbenjaminnicholas <heatherbenjaminnicholas@...> wrote: >Do you have flatback ?, I am sorry if you have already told us, I may have missed it. , PA Yes I have had it for a while but primary care drs sometimes think if they can't help you then you must not have it. I had to go in with all of the printouts I could find just to get a refferal to an orthopedist. It is really hard to diagnose yourself but that is pretty much what I had to do. I did get it completely confirmed but still there is nothing being done for me not even an offer of pain

management.

Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

[Guest guest]

thanks for the encouragement. This day has just been so hard. My

daughter is going to be having surgery next month and the stress of

all these issues just keeps piling up. I have recently come to the

conclusion that I cannot even maintain my own house and need to have

help come in to clean. I just hate feeling so depentant on people. I

just wish that I could get reliefe for just one day but it just all

seems so far away for me.

>

> My dear,

>

> I am horrified that you were treated this way; coping with the

medical

> problem is tough enough without having to deal with the c--p that

> support staff like to dish out... The others are right, however.

> Based upon what you've now shared with the group you WILL get to

see

> him.

>

> In the meantime know that each and every one of us are praying for

the

> stree to ease up, and believe me, it will.

>

> Already I'm sensing I'm maybe the oldest in the group; PLEASE

believe

> me that it'll get worked out.

>

> Jane and San Diego

>

[Guest guest]

They're moving?!

That might explain why they've been so slow getting back to me.

I don't suppose you got the name of the woman you spoke to?

By all means get your local ortho to contact them.

I have heard that people have gotten c--p from his office in the past. Maybe it was this particular person who dished it out, or maybe this one is new and ignorant. What I heard online had actually led me to waste my time seeing a physiatrist, and then it took me a long time to get up the courage to actually make that first call.

Dr. Rand had absolutely no info. on me before I called, and as I mentioned, all I was asked for was my surgical notes. The x-rays I brought with me to see him were nearly 5 years old, though he had me get new ones right before my appointment.

Well, now that I think of it, he could possibly have looked up my record from an earlier visit to an NEBH physiatrist, but how would the girl on the phone have known about that? I never mentioned it, and I was treated very well.

It sounds to me like the person you spoke to knows diddly about the back, or SHE would know that, as your local spine specialist indicated, you are EXACTLY the type of patient Rand specializes in.

Don't be intimidated, and don't settle for anything less than an appointment with Rand. I also think you should get the name of the person you talked to, and make sure Dr. Rand knows how you were treated.

Sharon

[ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand>I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request> that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local> Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up> and says "you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he> does and he would be the only person I would go and see about this."> I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me> who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as> effective as a deep sigh).> I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call> Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an> appointment. The exact wording was "If Dr. Rand saw everyone who had> a little back pain he would never be able to leave">> SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I> feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep> going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter where> I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just> really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because> I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life> right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems to> be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a waste> of time and money this is becoming.>> What a waste of a young moms life this is.>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

I have just one more question for you. Did they get your insurance

information before giving you that disappointing answer? Hopefully that is

not the issue, but I can't help wondering.

Sharon

[ ] Re: Can't get in to see Dr. Rand

> thanks for the encouragement. This day has just been so hard. My

> daughter is going to be having surgery next month and the stress of

> all these issues just keeps piling up. I have recently come to the

> conclusion that I cannot even maintain my own house and need to have

> help come in to clean. I just hate feeling so depentant on people. I

> just wish that I could get reliefe for just one day but it just all

> seems so far away for me.

>

>

>>

>> My dear,

>>

>> I am horrified that you were treated this way; coping with the

> medical

>> problem is tough enough without having to deal with the c--p that

>> support staff like to dish out... The others are right, however.

>> Based upon what you've now shared with the group you WILL get to

> see

>> him.

>>

>> In the meantime know that each and every one of us are praying for

> the

>> stree to ease up, and believe me, it will.

>>

>> Already I'm sensing I'm maybe the oldest in the group; PLEASE

> believe

>> me that it'll get worked out.

>>

>> Jane and San Diego

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Leominster,

Alas, there's an A#$% in every crowd, now you just have to put together a plan on how to be seen. Get as much documentation you can together, and inlist the help of your primary care doc. Doc's like to go through channels and protocol, and he will be your best help. I know I had zero documentation, my Harrington rod surgery was 27 years before I got to my revisionist, and me and my Mom couldn't remember where I was fused to or the doc who did it. UCSF and Moffit hospitals were zero help getting old surgical reports or X-Rays. Don't be put off by this, there's always a way around a errant receptionist, and some can be so rude. You truly have friends here, many who have had surgery with Rand, and maybe know how to handle this person.

The whole we won't get something that's mailed to them sounds really fishy to me, I'm sure if they are mailed an insurance check it would get to them just fine, that comment just send off bells in my head. I'm sure a fine surgeon like Dr. Rand would be mortified to hear that potennial patients were being treated that way by his staff.

I know I would be put off by this, but everyone in the group that has had surgery with him loves him, so I'm sure he's worth the extra work you'll have to do to get to see him. If you have a bad taste in your mouth following this there are other very qualified doc's on the east coast you can see. Anything I can do to help, just ask, this isn't fair, but people are people, and sometimes will disappoint you!

[ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand>I went to my primary care (3rd one in 5 years) yet again to request> that someone with some back knowledge sees me. I go to the local> Back Specialist who after looking at my X-rays throws his hands up> and says "you need to see Dr. Rand. This is exactly what he> does and he would be the only person I would go and see about this."> I was sooooo excited thinking finally I get someone to look at me> who is not going to tell me to take motrin (which by now is as> effective as a deep sigh).> I go home call my primary to get the approval and refferal. I call> Dr. Rand's office and am told that I am not elligable to get an> appointment. The exact wording was "If Dr. Rand saw everyone who had> a little back pain he would never be able to leave">> SO now I am in tears, no pain medication, no hope of any help and I> feel like crawling in to a hole. I just don't think that I can keep> going knowing that it is only going to get worse and no matter where> I go or what I do I am not going to be able to get help. This just> really sucks and I wish I never had children or got married because> I feel like such a burden to my husband. I am really hating life> right now and I am only 31. I am in constant pain and there seems to> be a dead end no matter where I go or who I try to see. What a waste> of time and money this is becoming.>> What a waste of a young moms life this is.>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>

[Guest guest]

yes they did but i have blue cross blue shield which is pretty good.

I think?

> >>

> >> My dear,

> >>

> >> I am horrified that you were treated this way; coping with the

> > medical

> >> problem is tough enough without having to deal with the c--p

that

> >> support staff like to dish out... The others are right,

however.

> >> Based upon what you've now shared with the group you WILL get to

> > see

> >> him.

> >>

> >> In the meantime know that each and every one of us are praying

for

> > the

> >> stree to ease up, and believe me, it will.

> >>

> >> Already I'm sensing I'm maybe the oldest in the group; PLEASE

> > believe

> >> me that it'll get worked out.

> >>

> >> Jane and San Diego

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

> >

[Guest guest]

>Not that this is an excuse but I think his office is very busy. The

first time I called, out of state no less, Priscilla was not going to

book me for an appointment. I told her I needed a second opinion and

would pay out of pocket for it. That did not happen, my insurance

paid for it. She was very hesitant and not warmly welcoming me until

I mentioned Cam's name. Recently I called with a question and she was

a bit short with me...so not everthing in Rands office is perfect but

I overlook that because he is the Master, in my opinion, with this sur

gery. Not everything was perfect at Nebh,there were some things I

down right hated!!But in the end it did not matter. Be

persistent,call again,have your doctor call again...don't give up!!

If you are really having these problems related to Harrinton rod, you

must see him,again my opinion, but I am fresh off the operating table

and have a fairly good idea of what the realities are....they are so

very fresh in my mind!!!,PA

> Dear Leominster,

>

> I, too, have been very put off by Priscilla in Dr. Rand's office.

I have

> seen him, but found him very cold and uncomforting. He is,

however, a very

> reknowned surgeon, and worth the trouble!

>

> The folks who tell you to get all your information together are

exactly

> right! He is not a pain doctor (I'll give him that much). Most

of the time they

> do not promise that surgery will get rid of pain. He needs to

know about

> your rod, that it's there, or they are there, and maybe your

degrees of

> curvature and flatback. That will get you into his office.

Someone else has

> suggested you bring that up, and that is so

correct. " Fusion " , " rods " , " flatback " ,

> are key words. Keep trying!

>

> C.

>

[Guest guest]

HI Ann,

I think you are right in the fact that yesterday the despair of not

getting any answers or relief is why it seemed so hopeless. Today I am

much better. I did speak to the orthopedist I saw (who thankfully

knows Dr. Rand personaly) and they are going to contact him for me. My

dr also prescribed some pain medicine for me which makes me feel

better knowing that those days where I am in extreme pain I at least

can get some relief. Thanks for your e-mail I did receive it. If I

can't get any further I will contact you. Thanks every one for the

support it is nice to hear from those who have been where I have been.

Jolynn

[Guest guest]

Jolynn,

If I can ask....you wrote in earlier posts that you did not think you

were ready for surgery. Have you changed your mind about that? If you

haven't and conveyed that to Priscilla that may be the reason you got

the response that you did. Rand's patients are surgical candidates.

That's what he does.

You may have read that we are organizing a dinner in Boston (probably

at NEBH) on March 15th. Think about coming. In the mean time, try to

hang in there. Believe me, I know how hard it can be.

This group is here for when you have " one of those days " as well as

when things are going along okay...and feel free to call.

Ann

[Guest guest]

Hm. I think Priscilla IS the office manager.

But, ME TOO. I'm glad things are looking less gloomy today, Jolynn.

Sharon

[ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand

> So glad you're feeling better today!! I knew you would. Believe me,

> we've all been where you were yesterday mentally. But I hope one of

> you will talk to Rand's office mgr. and get a complaint launched

> against that Priscilla.

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

--I believe she is also a nurse, she worked in the Jordon Rehab

before she worked for Rand.....,PA

- In , " Sharon Green "

<sharon.green18@...> wrote:

>

> Hm. I think Priscilla IS the office manager.

>

> But, ME TOO. I'm glad things are looking less gloomy today, Jolynn.

>

> Sharon

>

>

> [ ] Can't get in to see Dr. Rand

>

>

> > So glad you're feeling better today!! I knew you would. Believe

me,

> > we've all been where you were yesterday mentally. But I hope one

of

> > you will talk to Rand's office mgr. and get a complaint launched

> > against that Priscilla.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

> >