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03-26-04 Court
judges: not a worthy Civil-Disobedient A good cry
was required to see through this one, the hardest to hear were from the
judge who placed into her summary that I am not worthy to claim myself to
be civilly disobedient because she know real ones who work so hard for the
benefit of so many. I will someday ask her to amend that statement
please. I tricked Jobie into admitting their worst claim was bogus. Got
caught by surprise and never expected to ask anything of anyone; it was so
tough to listen to the practiced lies, takes a while to separate the wheat
from the shaft.. |
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03-21-04
Served Restraint by Wisconsin Civil
Court STATEMENT OF JOHN E. NEHRING My wife and I own six businesses in the food industry in the Milwaukee area. In 1998, I met Vincent J. Cataldi. He is an acquaintance of my son, Jobie Nehring. He worked one day packing gift boxes at Christmas time and about three days doing computer work over the next six months for one of my businesses. I believe that he has been otherwise unemployed for the most part. Since that time, Mr. Cataldi has formed the belief that he played an important part in developing my businesses. He wants to go into business with me selling on the Internet. I have told him that I have no interest in that. Since March 7, 2004, Mr. Cataldi has been emailing me - once on March 7, seven times on March 8, once on March 9, three times on March 10, and once on March11. His emails include his position that he owes my son, Jobie Nehring, $5,000.00and that he will not pay Jobie that debt unless he can meet with me. The emails have escalated in their angry tone and threats. I have attached one that he sent me at 4:56 a.m. on March 10, 2004, in which he refers to himself as my "Instructor" and states, "Join me to stop our war, or `two man die.' I'll work to take you down, fearlessly." I have attached another email that Mr. Cataldi sent me at10:39 p.m. on March 10, 2004, in which he states, "Now I got you by the balls. *** I got some work to do, relax for the rest of the week. You will know when I am on the move again." All of Mr. Cataldi's emails to me since the initial one of March 7, 2004 also have been mailed to four of my employees at three of my businesses. The emails have caused my employees to be alarmed and fearful of Mr. Cataldi. On March 12, 2004, Mr. Cataldi established a website which publishes all of the emails. A copy is attached hereto. Therein, he publishes a new message to me dated March 12, 2004, which states in part: "I hung him to dry like a sardine, under his fathers face, as he did for me. After mortal wounds, I asked why. If I knew why, I would not have beheaded him.***War plans never survive the first bullet. I never retreat, or ask prudent questions — I charge to anger." My son, Jobie Nehring, told me that he met with Mr. Cataldi on March 7, 2004 in Mr. Cataldi's apartment at 1651 North Farwell Avenue in Milwaukee. My son had telephoned Mr. Cataldi ten minutes earlier and asked to meet with him. When my son came into Mr. Cataldi's apartment, Mr. Cataldi had a loaded pistol on his coffee table and a shot gun against the wall by the door. I fear for my well being.
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12-12-03 SSA Disability
and Income Assistance denied
I am one of the
growing masses who fell through the crack, into a personal health care
crisis; a chilling glacial crevasse from down here. I earned too much
for income assistance, and too little for disability benefits. My only
recourse was to become an indigent. Even then, indigent health care
eligibility required a diagnosis first. I have struggled for more than
three years now, to define my critical spinal problem, as I worsen, and
likely, the cost to survive increases. Surgery is urgently recommended,
yet the problem is not understood enough for my logical decision. 03-09-04 HHS - Office for Civil Rights Complaint Filed
----- Original Message -----
From:
Vince
Cataldi
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 5:24 AM
Subject: HHS - Office for Civil Rights
Nehring's
Sendik's on Oakland
4027 N. Oakland Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211
414.332.3140
John Nehring
I formally insist you supply me with a
detailed explanation of my dealings with respect to my gainful
activities with your company, especially my request for active efforts
to earn funds enough to acquire desperately needed medical testing. I
believe your response to my legitimately requested appeal for help was
both illegal and horribly immoral. After many man years of helping your
initial growth, when Sendiks became your dream acquired, I gave my all,
I even endured the agony of actively stream-lining the fruit basket
creation, critical for your first new year holiday critical obstacle.
Then, countless hours performing as your
only serious computer consultant, always acting to allow you to survive,
at pennies per hour. Then add the countless verbal commitments for
create web presence, cemented with a meaningless hand shake, and ignored
by you after my obligatory performance. I am digging through all
versions of everything I built, my meeting agendas, and all
documentation to capture the truth. I can provide much more data,
organized, very soon to refresh old memories.
Ignoring all I did believing in future
payoff of honest value, I was denied all verbal access to you as your
busy schedule prevented such low priority dealings. I entered your life
when your son implored me to help the family effort, and I did much,
even physical labor so your start would take root. I therefore felt
obligated to request your sons permission to talk to you. After nearly
a year of pleading with him to ask for help, he agreed. I expected
recuperative attention from you.
I called jean so I would be public, and
absolutely above board. I asked you be given a message at your
convince. I need cash for a urgently needed medical scan. I need a
diagnosis in order to get help from the government, A project or a job
if viable for the company; I was broke and your refusal, even refusal to
talk to me, caused me nearly a year delay to get life-saving
diagnostics.
The kicker is you foolishly told why you
wanted nothing to do with me. Luckily for me, my brother told me what
you said three months later. Cowardly you failed to respect me enough
to respond to me, my brother is whiteness to you reaction.
To protect the current employees, you said
no; all their rates would go up. True enough, but highly illegal. My
brother explained details of how detectives were required to get rid of
the florets manager 'fag' who snuck in with aids, and nearly destroyed
you. You equated me to the aids guy man with contempt. I was sickened
by you. I was sickened because I was there then and knew it all to be
true, You evaded the problem, and I now insist you join me to correct
the problem. Breaking the law is no way to appreciate success. It will
eat you up.
I was hurt, with a heart that burned,
because I needed life saving help, I worked to help you succeed at you
most critical first season holiday, and I explicitly told jean I
understood an unhealthy employee would increase all employee costs.
Give me a project, use my mind and work ethic for your gain. Now I find
my powers working against you just to survive, I am sickened and still
I forgive you, but insist upon a legal critique and all legal remedies
if appropriate.
You were logical, but both illegal in action
and despicably arrogant to allow me to die on the vine, as you flower
from roots I helped you ground.
John, please notice this copied to
Lisa
M Simeone, Regional Manager, Health and Human Services -
Office for Civil Rights. She knows already and will soon find I wrote
her boss to ask she gets more power and assistance.
Lisa,
Please investigate this to determine if it is under your authority, If
not, tell me what you lack and I will help you gain such authority.
Sincerely,
Vincent J Cataldi
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11-17-03 SSA Disability Application sent
Dear Ms Schroeder · Disability Report - Form SSA-3368-BK: I was given and used two forms; these are marked as 1/2 and 2/2. The second one. (2/2) has additional information on pages 4, 5, and 6. -signed both copies · Application for Supplemental Income -Signed · Application for Disability Insurance -Signed · Authorization to Disclose Information - Form SSA-827 EDCS -three copies signed Additional Information: Life insurance policy documentation: including account number, value, phone numbers and other contact information. I am also enclosing other information which I printed from my website (www.GiveHealthAChance.Org/Vince/. For your connivance, and to assist as much as I can toward a favorable review in a timely manner, I send a selection of this information. Some of this web based information is available in no other place, Other information, such as the medical opinions, has been objectively translated and then enhanced on the web site with hyperlinks, linked to search pages so I could read these medical documents. The print outs I choose to send you are labeled 1-6 (although 3 has 4 parts).
1. Specialists medical opinions with index, ranging from August 27, 2003, back to June 25, 2002. 2. Medical Status Journal with index, ranging from 11-12-03 back to 06-04-01
3A. Brief medical history written in early February
2002 and summarizing back 2.5 years. 4. My resume - accurate to about 1990
5. FEMA correspondence seeking 9-11 disaster
assistance, 6. GAMP legal battle for equity, efficiency, and accountability- a log of correspondence, beginning with Governors office and ending with the Milwaukee County Executive, and the HHS Office of Civil Rights Violations department. This may prevent me from expecting help from the county. Sincerely, Vincent J Cataldi
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11-12-03 SSD interview - happy for the hope My first phone interview today, after initially applying on 10-20-03. I am hopeful because the person who worked with me seems like a person trying to help legitimate need. I am happy for this hope
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11-11-03 Froedtert Hospital: denies access to GE Light Speed CT Froedtert Hospital denied me access to the new General Electric Light Speed CT technology. Instead, they rewrote the prescription my doctor sent, changing it from a 0.625 mm scan resolution to a 2.5 mm scan resolution, without notifying me or my doctor. This is roughly one quarter the resolution and therefore 1/16 of the data, a significant change in the prescription ordered by Dr. Wetzler. I made it to Froedtert Hospital on time, redressed into their gowns, and waited frozen in the waiting room. When they came to get me, they asked me to redress, go downstairs and talk to a financial counselor. I told them I was self-pay, yet they classified me as a GAMP indigent, and insisted I must reactivate GAMP. Although I felt this was both highly unethical and illegal, due to the urgency expressed by all my specialist doctors, I initially decided to go along with their system. I was however beginning to re-think everything. I requested test specific information, the specific equipment and resolution of the scheduled test. My prescription requesting a 0.625 mm CT scan, specific to the General Electric Light-Speed series of CT scanners, had been altered without notice, to specify a 2.5 mm scan, 1/16 the data. The protocol dictated this, I was told, the high-resolution
equipment was used when they want to see the arteries, I was told.
Besides, the protocol used to be 5 mm, so 2.5 mm should be fine, I was
told. I asked how to contest the radiologist's orders to change the
prescription, and was summarily told that protocol is protocol.
When I called them, I was told the machine was used to analyze an entire
spine, but not yet for the entire body. Why would a protocol vary? For the record, I do have one more
concern. I signed a statement reapplying for GAMP although I was not
able to read it. After signing it I asked what the heck it was, and
rescinded my acceptance to re-apply, at least for now. I left the signed
form with her, however, I instructed her not to send it. I wanted time
to think. I hope she behaves with fiduciary responsibility. I am not sure what I am going to do, I am confused, but I suspect I
will contest this decision with General Electric, Froedtert
Hospital, and ask HHS - Civil Rights Division,
asking them to broaden their investigation being conducted on my behalf,
to include Froedtert Hospital as well.
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11-05-03: High Resolution CT
scan scheduled
My Reaction .625 mm CT scan scheduled - - 365 Smiles!
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11-04-03: High Resolution CT scan requested
I need a timely high-resolution CT scan of my spine to provide an accurate picture of my current situation, to prepare the surgeon for possible surgery. I also need such a scan to provide a base-line to monitor changes in my spine that may occur over time.
My research indicates that the highest resolution CT scans are available only at Froedert Hospital with their GE Light Speed Pro, or Light Speed 16 machines, each capable of providing 0.625 mm slices.
I need a
prescription from you ordering this high-resolution CT scan of my
entire spine. You will recall that I've been advised by doctors
Wooten, Deckard, Dicus, and Oelke, that I must not delay unduly lest
additional injury occur. Waiting has been frustrating. You can fax a
prescription ordering a CT scan of my entire spine (0.625 mm slices)
to the Froedtert Hospital radiology department at 805-3777.
Since I
talked to you last, my sister, Marifran Cataldi, an employee of the
UltraVisual Medical Systems, has prevailed on her company to except
the electronic data of my scan and make it available for easy
viewing by physicians of my choosing. Once in this conveniently
available database form, at UltraVisual, I hope to persuade Dr Gary
Wendt (UW Hospital - radiology) and Dr Paul Nagy (radiology -
Froedtert Hospital and staff - Medical College Wisconsin), to take a
quick look at the data (image) on my behalf. Both of these
physicians have been aware of my situation for months.
Please
let me know if I can help in advancing my cause. Sincerely Vincent J. Cataldi
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10-20-03: SS Disability
Applied for Phone Interview scheduled for 11-12-03 at 1:30 PM.
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10-16-03: back to Wetzler,
fighting de-feet Met with Dr. Wetzler at 9 o'clock, the first time I talked to him since the end of May. I asked to see him on a cash basis, because the inefficiencies at GAMP are not being address in any fashion, and I fear giving them control could kill me prematurely, while costing society a great deal of money too. His primary concern is still my purple feet. We also discussed in detail my strategic plan, which, after a little bit of explanation, he endorsed and agreed to. My research indicates that General Electric Medical Systems makes a CT scanner with the resolution of .625 mm per slice; Columbia St. Mary's best machine has a potential resolution of only 1 mm. GE Medical Systems uses Froedtert Hospital as a demo site, and therefore only Froedtert Hospital has this new technology: the GE Light Speed Pro or the GE Light Speed 16; it is the only such machine in town. The waiting list for this machine is approximately 7 to 10 days, but they will not do a full body scan. I have requested a high-resolution CT scan of the entire spine, this should serve as a baseline to monitor changes over time, and to serve as a knowledge base for any surgical planning and the desperately required diagnosis. As I am indigent with no insurance, including GAMP, I intend to schedule this CT scan at Froedtert Hospital and tell them to bill me. The hospital will then have tremendous incentive to help me secure Title 19 (state), and I will contact the governors assistant to help expedite the approval process arguing that delays to date have been very costly and will continue to become even more costly. If I must, I will force myself back upon GAMP (Milwaukee County) by paying my $40 fee. This is a backup plan, I hope to get past them and illustrate their absolute uselessness, inefficiency, bureaucratic insensitivity, and fiscal irresponsibility. This is especially true because I see myself confronting GAMP and County executive Scott Walker in the court's, due to their repeated refusal to honor my legal request for my patient information. I wish to bypass them, yet clean them up, for both the other indigents that need medical help, and the Milwaukee County community which supports their efforts through taxes. I will also contact our asked Governor Tommy Thompson currently a Federal Secretary, and ask that he applied pressure to Froedtert hospital and I Wisconsin College of medicine, he knows the systems their people and how much money they have gained through state and federal handouts. I also wish to point out to him that John Trish has been effectively fired, I dedicated human with tremendous experience and ineffective track record in managing GAMP; politics aside, this makes no sense. I am also currently applying for Social Security disability, although this could take years; my greatest hope for the moment, is with the current Governor Doyle who has supported me against the bureaucratic fortress walls of GAMP (T-19).
Dr. Wetzler to do List
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10-13-03 Don't make up your mind until you have to?
I am seriously interested in stalling. Not to postpone the inevitable,
but rather to open up new possibilities. The two different MRI studies show very little change over six months,
although I do not understand exactly how accurate this is. I am however
see news/forum for more information:
(link below)
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10-11-03 Troubled feet for the first time
since 03-25-03.
About one week ago the center: toe of the right foot hurt when I walked, upon casual observation and I saw nothing. About three days later I noticed the ease of walking, the pain was gone. This last Friday my left foot hurt greatly, upon casual observation the outermost little toe was purple. Upon a more comprehensive exam, I found a purple spot the size of a quarter underneath the large toe of the left foot also, and a scab underneath the center toe of the right foot; I problem I never saw because it was under the toe. The following day the left foot did not hurt, but the right foot did, underneath the large toe of the right foot appeared a quarter size bruise also; both big toes two days apart. For the past several months my symptoms were primarily in the upper extremities, overnight as I slept, the lower extremities became affected, and the typical upper extremity symptoms had vanished. The bruising under the two large toes is somewhat like a water blister, with blood behind it. Within two to three days, the skin above the bruise is dead, and I snip it with scissors and soak them and hot salty water. This greatly increases the healing time and allows me to monitor changes which would otherwise be obscured by the purple blood just beneath the skin.
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10-01-03
decompression & fusing C3-C4 - step one?
This is only the introduction, see full letter/summary:
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| 09-17-03
Searching the world for brilliant minds with ideas
I have been pursuing my primary objective, working on three fronts: 1. I am asking doctors from around the world to come and look at my situation, as posted on the Internet. I have submitted so to nearly a dozen web site/newsgroups Many or most of these require your membership first. These web sites are devoted to orthopedics, spine, spinal fusion, spinal column damage, etc.. 2 I spent considerable time improving the meta-tags in my web pages on the primary site givehealthachance.org.. I also have 12 other web sites, 10 of which are dedicated to the topics within givehealthachance.org web site. By pointing back toward each other, both increase the absolute visibility of each other directly, especially because 10 of the sites are on Yahoo, but also, this increases the value given to these pages for search ranking. After this I then went on to submit nearly 30 pages to approximately 750 search engines each. I want in visibility 3. I am trying to learn to intertwine interaction between my medical needs and politics. The web site givehealthachance.org is based on the concept of a participatory democracy.. My goal is to bring the power down from DC, down to people, as close as possible. Yet both my County executive Scott Walker, and Bridget Murray, operations manager at GAMP hide, as though protecting themselves from behind fortress walls, as though to shield themselves from the needy are to serve. I therefore created a web site for the GAMP organization and County Executive Scott Walker. The sub sites are on my server givehealthachance.org, and also copied to Yahoo sites; these sites I created for their convenience. http://www.givehealthachance.org/~GAMP.milw/ Within hours of posting, I received my first response:
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09-12-03
HHS Civil Rights Violations: GAMP
vs.,Cataldi For details see:
County Executive Scott Walker -
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| 09-14-03 Opinion requested regarding:
surgical decompression of C3-C4 Opinion requested regarding: surgical decompression of C3-C4 with anterior decompression using arthrodesis and cervical plating, then perhaps additional surgical intervention for a posterior decompression. I have been able to obtain satisfactory answers to almost all my questions, I am still concerned however about the possibility of a posterior decompression after surgical intervention using anterior decompression and the fusing of these vertebrae. I find it difficult to understand how the second procedure, which made become required, could be accomplished in order to decompress. After the vertebrae have been anteriorly fused, would a posterior decompression cause seriously increased stress on some other point of the spinal column, or perhaps break the fusion of the vertebrae corrected during the first suggested surgery. I have been informed that working on the spinal column to perform a posterior decompression is much more risky especially with regard to working around the arteries. I wish to understand more clearly the risk/benefit trade-offs, the likelihood of success in the first process so that the second process is never required, and the possibility of doing both the anterior and a posterior decompression and fusion simultaneously. I am also somewhat troubled by the apparent asymmetrical nature of my spine with respect to its abnormalities. There are slight abnormalities at the very top and the very bottom of the spine. There is also an apparent asymmetrical nature correlating the cervical and lumbar abnormalities, and stress fractures in the center, in the thoracic vertebra. It worries me that decompression of C3-4 especially during the second posterior process, might precipitously exacerbate problems in the lumbar areas in ways, which I do not yet understand well enough. He does have evidence of myelopathy and the abnormal signal within the cord at C3-C4. I would recommend surgical decompression of the area and in his case would probably favor an anterior decompression with arthrodesis and cervical plating. The main goal of the surgery would be to prevent his symptoms from increasing.. I did discuss with him also that he may need a posterior decompression at some point in time if he continues to have stenosis from posteriorly. Jack H. Deckard, M.D.
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| August 27, 2003
-- consulted with Dr. Oelke
Consulted with Dr. Oelke, hoping to explore some of the unknowns that trouble me especially with regard to my overall bone density, and the cause of the problems throughout my entire spine. Dr. Oelke seemed to appreciate my concerns regarding the cause of the abnormalities in my spine, and my need for a more complete understanding of the actual situation, although he made it perfectly clear that these were secondary issues at this time. He most strongly encouraged me to schedule surgery as soon as possible. We discussed, bone density measurements of the spine, and yet he discourage this, agreeing with Dr. Dicus. Both of these doctors agree that there is no absolute value standards for bone density of the vertebrae, and therefore, although such as would give absolute values, they would not necessarily tell us anything except perhaps as the base line for the future, to determine how things have changed over time. There are base line density values established for the larger bone such as the hip's and the legs, and yet Dr. Oelke felt that a simple x-rays of the pelvis would allow us to determine if the bone problems exist in the hipbones at this time. He also ordered some blood work for: HLA B27, suggested slight changes to my medications, and asked me to keep him advised of my pending surgical schedule so that he could make a courtesy visit to check up on me. I asked what other questions he may think I should wish to ask or understand better and he suggested that I should understand and know the anesthetist. He suggested that this man may wish to have an EKG, a pulmonary function test, and a cholinesterase deficiency test.. I feel extremely lucky that I have were doctors, who seem to truly care about me, and respect my need for answers. I must also seriously consider that each of these four doctors is in virtually complete agreement with Dr. Deckard's . surgical opinion; although I still have concerns regarding the increased stresses, which may be applied to adjacent areas of spine, especially if a second decompression process is required in the future at C3-4.
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| 08-19-03
Fighting fainting & unanswered questions
Last Sunday I nearly fainted. I had just walked about a thousand feet, about my limit, but I was sitting and talking for at least fifteen minutes. I had ordered a beer but taken just a sip. I had eaten well and was not dehydrated. The dizziness came about fast, within fifteen seconds from the starting hints of a funny feeling, I was head down fighting to stay conscience. The worst of it lasted about five minutes, about ten minutes before I could sit up again, and another half an hour before I felt normal in the head. After the incident I was soaked from the neck up, sweat pouring off me, and quite alarmed. Questions & Answers Yes, surgery seems imperative immediately; so I now work to help answer questions. I have 6 things to explore
08-06-03 Dr. Dicus - surgical-solution second opinion The MRI performed at Columbia Hospital on 01/29/03, was interpreted as showing possible multiple myeloma, whereas the later studies were said to show fatty infiltration. It is easy to see why the patient is concerned. At this time, Vince does complain of some pain in the neck, occasional double vision, fatigue, but most specifically, weakness and discoordination in both his hands and his legs. He is here to have my opinion on whether or not the surgery should be done. He is interested in what the affects on adjacent joints will be and whether cervical surgery would affect his lumbar situation. He also wonders whether the abnormal areas in the vertebral bodies need to be assessed further. It seems to me that he has an obvious concern about the possibility of malignant disease there, even though the current feeling is that he has just some fatty infiltrate.
08-04-03 Patience, GAMP patients; Semi-annual medical check-up My wisdom: for a Semi-annual medical check-up, don't send the check up! Semi-annual medical check-up is now easy. Technically I can do what I must because I have no insurance, not even GAMP. Also I have no worries they will kill me with inaction. Initially I have two doctor appointments scheduled. Dr Dicus on 08-06-03, where I started two years ago, and also the Rheumatic Disease Center (RDC) with Dr. Oelke on 8-27-03 at 10am. (but I am on hot standby too) These people can explore all auto-immune problems, bone problems, and have the tools to measure bone density very accurately. I will re-enter GAMP when I know more, and several experts and data agree what to do. GAMP is turned on, when I decide to pay my 35$ administration fee. I lost control when I was pushed into GAMP by Columbia, and the $1200 self-pay price I negotiated for the scans was bill at about $9000. I need to know more before I surrender control back to GAMP.
07-29-03 Dr Jack Deckard - surgical opinion
----- Original Message -----
From: Vince
Cataldi
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 9:09 PM
Subject: Re: At last a diagnosis (#1)
Cause and rate of change are unexplored - so unanswered.
What if this risk is accepted, and the two
bones used to brace things together deteriorate faster because of the
increased stress caused by the bracing, could we end up with a bigger
problem?
This is way too risky to accept the first
opinion unchallenged by supportive data to assure it is the most
appropriate possible first try. Why not test for arthritis and all the
cancers, why not look at the other bones? I only believe there has
been too little exploration for facts. A smart doctor told me in
4th grade that major surgery was anything done to him. Dr
Wetzler said he 'has a new patient with a history of 12 back
operations, each made her worse, when will people learn'. That
is a my style of concretive attitude.
No hope to stop or slow the deterioration until we test for Why?
If 6 months showed no change, we have time to explore, also this stops
things as they are, pain and all as it is now, is that the best to
hope for? Perhaps though I need a brace of the neck while we
study further.
Deckard sees no change in 6 months from the photos - I feel it, but
he says no, but too he is relying on somewhat antiquated equipment
which saves only a fraction of the real data. He may be right, but
why race? Also to say this normal wear and tear is not the
type of terminology others use Wooten said ugly ugly, the
radiologist called it bone cancer, this confuses me some.
----- Original Message -----
Vince, why is the "cause" important to the decision for action? From whom will you seek alternatives? Do you have something in mind? Oriental medicine? How risky is the surgery? He wants to move fast--does he see indications of fast deterioration?
Dr.
Jack H. Deckard I did have a lengthy discussion with Mr. Cataldi including reviewing the films. He does have evidence of myelopathy and the abnormal signal within the cord at C3-C4. I would recommend surgical decompression of the area and in his case would probably favor an anterior decompression with arthrodesis and cervical plating. The main goal of the surgery would be to prevent his symptoms from increasing. Hopefully, however, he would gain some improvement in his complaints. I did extensively review the actual operation including the operative indications, expectations, alternatives and extensively reviewed the risks. I discussed the use of allograft versus autologous bone. He would need to be in a firm cervical collar for at least six to eight weeks after surgery. I did discuss with him also that he may need a posterior decompression at some point in time if he continues to have stenosis from posteriorly. He also is aware that he could develop problems at other levels. He asked about the potential danger of falling. I discussed with him that he certainly would have increased risk of increasing neurologic problems with a fall compared to someone with a more normal appearing cervical spine. I did recommend again that he not wait an extended period of time before proceeding with the above recommended surgery.
07-21-03 Full body CT scan ordered by me. As a scientist by nature, I must logically argue against the artistic decisions of GAMP (URD) medical decision makers - in order to save my life. The Art of Medicine is not science, but still these artists must be held to answer logically for their actions, for the consequences of their actions and inaction; scientific logic must insist. It required ten weeks from the initial request for an obviously needed specialist, until the obviously, logical and required tests were approved, and this was expedited only with my governors assistance. Truthfully though, it took six months to get this obviously required test approval. Are GAMP URD employees paid to help or are they paid based upon savings, what they refuse to spend? Do they really make more if they approve less - this is a conflict of interest! My next appointment with Dr. Deckard is in 10 days, the same day my GAMP eligibility expires. I will not easily survive another six months of un-professional in-action, six more months of mal-practice by GAMP is not acceptable. Nor do I expect my specialist doctor to freely fight for the next logical tests, I insist upon my right to act as my own medical power of attorney, I will. I logically deduce that a full body CAT scan is required next - and I request it herein and I and request it be considered and approved in an immediate time frame, and I will phone, email and/or fax everyone at GAMP and the others supporting me on Monday to logically argue this medical/legal point. There is an awful problem everywhere I have been allowed to look, and MRI soft tissue exams of the entire spine insists a CAT be performed immediately to analyze the structural stability of all these bones in the spine, or explain why waiting is better. Also, since there is disintegration of every bone examined so far, it would be obvious mal-practice by GAMP and their URD not to approve this CAT study of the other bones too. No cause has been suggested, but it is ugly everywhere we looked, so let me look everywhere else so we understand the scope of the problem. Exploration of this serious, life threatening problem is required logically. Further stalling the obviously required study will jeopardize my life, and create complicated medical and legal problems, and as much attention as I can generate. Please contact my doctors office to get the specifics of how he wishes my CAT study be performed, as he wasted so much time dancing with the GAMP URD last month on my behalf. There is no reason that such an obviously needed test can not be requested by me, and approved and scheduled before the 29th of July.
If a convicted felon, I could legally
represent myself , and I would receive timely life saving medical care
in prison as anything less would be cruel and unusual
punishment. Why must the free fight so hard for life saving
rights? I must suppose freedom is an allusion!
I finished, mostly, searching and linking
searches to the last radiologists report. (report) Apparently he believes I am not sick in the head! That's what I've been telling everyone, now I have proof, backed by data, and a professional opinion. vjc
07-16-03 What next, how do they fix you? Now how do they fix you? Vince, the report is interesting to read but, since I'm not a medical person, leaves serious questions, like: what is the prognosis and what happens next? Are you holding up okay? I got the results, don't yet know what it all
means. It's a bit shocking, sort of sounds like my worst case
imagination come true, doesn't it? Sounds like the lumbar are
bad as the cervical, and the lump in my head too. What a kicker! I don't like the way
that sounds either. Actually, I was expecting to rule out these possibilities so I could specifically and narrowly define the problem, then attack it. All I did was raise more questions. It did not get worse, we just proved it was worse, yet what else should we look at? How fast is it changing, how fragile is
it, and where is it, or where does it stop?
Erin: at least we all now know I am not
just whining, and now I understand better why I need a tool for
leverage, just to turn the car ignition key. Thank you so
much. I hate to think how much I would have waited for these
comprehensive tests, and the damage caused by any more delays.
Mostly fearless, Vince
07-15-03 Weighting the wait: cost effective? WITHIN THE SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUES POSTERIORLY AT THE LEVEL OF THE OCCIPITAL PROMINENCE. THERE IS A 2 X 0.5 CM MASS-LIKE STRUCTURE WHICH IS WITHIN THE SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUES AND IS ADJACENT TO THE SKULL WHICH HAS HIGH SIGNAL ON T1 AND HIGH SIGNAL ON T2. THIS IS THOUGHT TO REPRESENT PROBABLY A SEBACEOUS CYST WITH CHOLESTEROL PRODUCTS GIVING HIGH SIGNAL ON BOTH T1 AND T2 WEIGHTED IMAGING. IMPRESSION:: NO EVIDENCE OF INTRACRANIAL PATHOLOGY IMPRESSION: MULTILEVEL DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE WITH AREAS OF BULGING AS WELL AS BONY OSTEOPHYTES, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. THE BONY CHANGES ARE MOST PRONOUNCED AT THE C5-6 AND C6- 7 LEVELS. FOCAL DISC HERNIATION IS IDENTIFIED ON THE RIGHT SIDE AT C6-7 ON THE SAGITTAL VIEW ONLY. THE MOST PRONOUNCED LEVEL IS AT THE C3-4 LEVEL WHERE THERE IS A SLIGHT ANTERIOR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS OF C3 ON C4 WITH A DIFFUSELY BULGING DISC AND SIGNIFICANT FACET HYPERTROPHY. THE CHANGES CAUSE IMPINGEMENT OF THE CORD AS WELL AS INCREASED SIGNAL WITHIN THE CORD CONSISTENT WITH MYELOPATHY. THERE IS- MULTILEVEL NEURAL FORAMINAL NARROWING, PARTICULARLY BILATERALLY AT THE LOWER THREE CERVICAL LEVELS. IMPRESSION:: MODERATE STENOSIS AT L4-5 WITH MILD STENOSIS AT L3-4. THERE ARE DIFFUSE BULGES AT L3-4, L4 -5, AND L5- S1 FOCAL DISC HERNIATION IS IDENTIFIED PRIMARILY IN THE FORAMINAL REGIONS AT L4-5 AND L5-S1: ON THE LEFT SIDE AFFECTING THE EXITING NERVE ROOTS. IMPRESSION:: THERE IS SEVERE DEGENERATIVE FACET DISEASE AT C2-3 AND C3-4, AND THERE IS BILATERAL NEURAL FORAMINAL NARROWING, MOST SEVERE ON THE LEFT SIDE AT C3-4, C5-6 AND C6-7.
July
14, 2003
07-14-03 Scanned: Head to Tailbone Took scans, x-rays of cervical are 'nasty', MRI people would tell me nothing. As insulting and ridiculous as this was, I did not argue with them as I can pick up all slides and radiological report tomorrow. MRI scans taken of brain, cervical, and lumbar. Four people called me at 5:30 to assure I was awake.
07-11-03 Finish-Line
by Dead-Line: possible Due to her/their efforts: X-rays are scheduled at 6:45 AM, and MRI scans scheduled for 7:45 AM, on Monday July 14, at Columbia Hospital. Then a return appointment with Dr Deckard is scheduled for July 29th at 9:00 AM, also at Columbia. My GAMP approval expires on this same day, July 29th, I believe this specialist doctor, and his team, made sure I could be see him again to get his professional assessment before the six month dead line with my GAMP eligibility expired. I am so pleased and thankful. I am most heartened by his last statement in his report: ''Thank you for allowing me to participate in his care.". I believe his sincerity. Thank you Sir - and your entire team. I am so sorry for the bureaucratic hassles you all endured, in order to insist, persistently, and fight GAMP to allow you to help me, yet I am embarrassed and so sorry you had to be so seriously persistent to help me. Please note also: I
protested bitterly against the inefficiency, waste, and rudeness which I
perceived that you received from GAMP, and expect it will not reoccur,
for any patient you offer to help; our Governor helped greatly, quietly,
and effectively, to push GAMP into action, and minimize you wasted
time. The assessment from Dr
Deckard's original appointment with me is available: Also, the initial MRI image
most interesting to Dr Deckard is: Thank you all who help me - visibly and invisibly. - vjc
07-10-03 When test, no?
----- Original Message -----
From: Vince
Cataldi
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 9:55 PM
Subject: When test, no?
No. but I knew no, now you know no,
no? So sorry to say no, no news yet, no change yet, no
tests, no schedule, no diagnosis yet. No reason to run off, half
cocked, and act hastily due to hurry.
My GAMP eligibility officially ends at the
end of the month, that would make it a full six months without any
actual progress. If I had to guess, I might
suppose God is making some behave as though stupefied, just so I
have the right to laugh at them through my tears. Nothing else
makes much sense.
I am on the brink of sanity, very
disheartened, very scared, I don't always see a way through
this. It is a ride which I can't get off. The only thing I
can do is work to help others, and try to stay active, and not
too mad at the system. Thank God it seems so stupid that I can
laugh at it!
I wonder if they at GAMP, again will make
me wait four weeks while they try to review my renewal
application. Such a delay could bring my care to a screeching
halt? Where would you put your money! Send me a hug?
vjc
I built Laura (dancer) a web site at
www.cataldi.us/laura/
I am dancing with BCBS at www.giveHealthAChance.org/reform/
----- Original Message -----
To: 'Vince
Cataldi'
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 1:36 PM
Subject: RE: When test?
Anything new/scheduled yet? No wonder everyone chafing at the bit knowing these tests are right around the corner!
-----Original
Message-----
From: Vince Cataldi [mailto:vince@cataldi.us] Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 6:17 PM Subject: When test? Thank you all: Every one responded similarly:
Each
test is about an hour or so; so I need a 3 hour time slot. Vince
This
is great news... keep me posted on how things go.
07-07-03 Back on track - MRI tests approved GAMP approved all three MRI tests requested by Dr. Deckard, approval was faxed to the doctors office today. Two of these tests will study and evaluate my backbone, the third test is to see if something is wrong with my head! This seems reasonable to me. Thank you very much to everyone who is helping me.
07-04-03 GAMP investigation warranted and requested My sister asked for a favor, and found an ear at the Governors office. Erin, who thankfully came to the rescue with care, professionalism, and effectiveness, found my GAMP specialist who blamed the delays on me. Erin researched at the web site, and saw past this ridiculous statement, found her boss, the head of GAMP specialists, who was great, and her people told us, that my doctor made no requests of them, which was proven to be non-sense. This was the second of three un-truths, intended to evade responsibility. Next someone in the Utilization department dropped the ball again, lied to me, refused to give her name, but suggested I write if I have a problem, so I decided to oblige her. I don't care if she likes me, perhaps a taste of fear - my fear - will help. My friends ask me not to make waves - but I don't see how it matters much, this should not be an issue of favors, but rights. GAMP is ignoring me as nothingness, if I seriously annoy them, can they harm me any better, so 'Dam the torpedoes, full speed ahead.'. Some inept bureaucrat in the GAMP Utilization Review Department cares about themselves, but not the sick they are employed to help. The Utilization
Review Department failed to act professionally twice, just with Dr.
Deckard. This department stalled to approve the first doctor
consultation, and then abused the system to delay progress to explore my
problem, why? There was another personal favor to me involved here too. I was so delighted that DR Deckard agreed to help me as a professional favor/referral, he gave me a huge favor. I am embarrassed, insulted, and furious with the way GAMP dealt with him. Why should this specialist doctor help me for no money, piles of paper work, and the run-around; why would GAMP treat him like this, with complete disrespect. I feel betrayed. Power comes from
knowledge, timing, and its' assumption, I assume. If I don't fight
for myself and my doctors, why should anyone else care if I live or die.
OK, ... I decide to I demand any and
all legal rights due me to INVESTIGATE this situation, to my complete,
detailed understanding. If it is within my legal right to act as
my own medical authority, I write now to all of you to demand an
audit of every snippet of information concerning me, ... at
GAMP-Milw..
07-03-03
GAMP aint nimble, GAMP aint quick, I was so delighted that DR Deckard agreed to help me as a professional favor and referral from Dr. Dicus, they both gave me a huge favor. I am embarrassed, insulted, and furious with the way GAMP dealt with Dr. Deckard. Why should this specialist doctor help me for no money, piles of paper work, and the run-around; why would GAMP treat him like with complete disrespect. I feel betrayed. Pseudo Summary Without my Governor Doyle's assistance, I would still be seeking diagnosis after six months of being ignored. I politely asked if we could discover why all those communications from my doctors seem to disappear, and why there was inefficient flow communication. I was told to write a letter. I wrote to the County Executive Scott Walkers office, it seemed appropriate as he is in charge of the Milwaukee County. Also he was on a search for money, by slashing budgets, how better to find money than to use an existing budgets, but rather use this money more efficiently! Since I was given no answers I decided to use my legal right to legally request my own patient information within the GAMP bureaucracy, and so I sent them is digitally signed and legal document three times now requesting my patient information. GAMP recognized receipt of this legal document, yet denies it as any paperwork concerning me, they're patient. I told them what I thought of that analysis, as you can read below. If I must fight them in the courts to determine why things are so inefficient I will, hoping those that follow me will get the support that GAMP was intended to provide as a core function of the community as Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walkers assistant states. The 31 emails, starting in the Governor Doyle administration, onto General Assistance Medical Program - Milwaukee (GAMP), and then on to the Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker administration, and eventually complaints to the federal government. It is a joke, except the inefficiency and waste are worth crying for.
06-16-03 GAMP: more comprehensive tests requested Dr. Jack Deckard seems efficient and busy; I can't imagine a specialist, who I might trust, unless he was busy efficiently; no problems to complain about therefore, yet still I know nothing more, but logically, from my perspective, more testing has been requested from GAMP so I am hopeful for progress. Logical progression, you must appreciate that, even a small step in the right direction is useful and comforting. Now I again await GAMP approval.
06-06-03 Dr Jack Deckard approved/scheduled GAMP approved the neural surgical expert I have needed and longed for. I scheduled the earliest possible appointment on the 16th at 11:15. Now, after working so hard to see the expert, I am quite scared to hear what he might say that I must do, or what I may never be able to do again.. An angel came to help me, a long lost friend from twenty years ago, came to my rescue, and made inquires within GAMP to help me understand what's up, and see if gentle pushing might help speed things up a bit. As a result of what she reported back to me, I have a much greater respect for the GAMP organization, my doctor Wetzler, and the difficult challenges these care givers must deal with. GAMP is so over worked, or under funded, that this neural specialist was approved a week ago, but no one was told yet until today, GAMP is just overwhelmed. I would like to help publicize their lack of resources, so they might be allocated more to help the most needy better. Regarding my Dr Wetzler, GAMP believes that he is one of their best, because he cares, and too few doctors are willing to work for 30 cents on the dollar, and deal with the mountains of paperwork too. Dr Wetzler is a GAMP specialist, so he is not in it for the money. All doctors should feel obligated to help some GAMP patients. As much as possible, I feel lucky, all things considered.
06-04-03 Awaiting GAMP: 06-04-01 to 06-04-03 Three years ago today I needed medical help. Two years ago was forced to seek medical help, I sure try, yet to date I can not get proper medical help. Waiting is what I do most poorly, and now I await GAMP approval for two tests. One of these tests is recent, one however seems ancient. I am waiting approval to test for celiac disease, I do so love pasta but I would love to have answers even more Mostly though I wish to keep my head connected to my body, with good electrical and physical links. I need GAMP to approve a neural experts opinion, ASAP. I may be uncommonly concerned by this connection, but then using my head has always been one of my strengths. I believe that, since GAMP took charge of my medical options, much time and money has been wasted with illogical delays, and chasing down symptoms instead of dealing directly with the problem which causes my awful symptoms. I do suffer from poor circulation in the outer extremities, sometimes the lower and other times the upper extremities. It switches back and forth, but usually only affects one half of me at a time, upper-lower or left-right. My ABI test results were great, despite no medication that day, because the episodic nature of the symptoms had flipped to my upper extremities, up to the arms and hands. I expected good results in the feet and presumed the upper extremities would test poorly that day; and I asked if such a test could be used to objectify the blood flow in the upper extremities, hands and fingers, and yes was the answer. Today my hands don't work, but walking is easy. I'm not too likely to fall, but I break lots of plates and glasses, and opening a cellophane bag of bread is horribly frustrating because it takes so long. Tomorrow perhaps, I will walk klutzy as a drunken bum, but be able to open a milk bottle without a tool. My scientific nature would love to see two complete ABI studies, each testing all four extremities. I would love to see both of these tests compared objectively, once when the hands fail and then again when the feet fail Then we could better understand the entire system over time. This could help determine if there is one or several primary problems. The point is, that we know there is no question, that there is at least one problem, a problem that could account for all my symptoms, and so why not look at this first. Scientific intuition must insist upon this, medical intuition should yearn to offer care as directly as possible, and even institutional intuition must cry for the waste. "The patient is advised of the severe central canal
stenosis at C-3-4 with evidence of cord compression. I believe this is
the source of his symptoms. "
05-31-03 Dr Wetzler contacts Dr Wooten for help Dr Wetzler is still convinced that my circulation in outer extremities is my primary concern, but begged him to find Dr Wooten and start his plan for further exploration of my neck. Their conversation resulted in a referral to Dr Jack Deckard, a neural surgical expert I am delighted, yet still must await GAMP approval before I can call for an appointment. I faxed Dr Wetzler celiac disease information I found on the internet. This information specifies the most recent testing and facts for this new possibility. I am eager to rule it in or rule it out - though I do so love pasta.
05-30-03 Beg Dr Wetzler for help Called Dr Wetzler to report/request:
05-29-03 Celiac Disease - autoimmune possibility celiac disease (sprue) may be in the family. Another family member recently has such a diagnosis. see celiac disease sprue or
05-28-03 ankle brachial index - AOK Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) seemed normal, and showed no hint of vascular disease. The test accurately measures blood pressure with Doppler technology in three places on each side. Measured at the arm the numbers were both about 128. At the ankles, my measured index was about 1.2 and it needs to be at least 1.0. At the big toes, my index number was about .8 and it needs to be at least .75. Additionally, tri-phase rhythmus are found everywhere. Disease causes bi-phased or eventually mono-phased rhythms. This is my understanding without consulting a doctor yet.
05-21-03 ABI and toe pressure tests scheduled I don't yet know what an
ABI test is, but I enjoy collecting objectified data. Toe pressure is
like bp straps for the arm, only in miniature, I am guessing but will
learn during the testing. Wednesday, 28th at St.
Josephs' Hospital at 2:45 to quantify blood pressures in the
toes. By then all nine will likely be wound free.
05-20-03 Dr Wilson - vascular tests & drugs ordered Dr. Wilson ordered test to quantify pressures, in the toes I believe, for a base line; I like his style. Since he squeezed me in after his official scheduled hours, I did not pressure anyone for a clear understanding of the test, and what we are to measure. Tomorrow I will ask more when I am advised of the scheduling. He too sees no correlation
to anatomical configuration, via the upper spine, even if short
circuited at c2-c3, but I am grateful for his objective
attitude. Objective conclusions require elimination of every
other good ideas through objectified testing. I have been begging for
tests, for nearly three years. I see progress.
05-19-03 Dr Wilson - vascular disease specialist scheduled Dr. Wilson at Milwaukee General and Vascular Surgery will see me tomorrow at 4:15. They were kind to squeeze me into an already full schedule, and I am thankful. I must try to get a copy of the report from Dr. Hassan Eghbali faxed to him before then, and anything that Dr Wetzler may have on file.
05-16-03 Back to pain My low back is killing me, (poetic license I hope), and this pain is debilitating despite the drugs that I currently consume. My history of back pain is extensive. Several times since the mid seventies, I was forced to sleep sitting in a chair for weeks because I could not get out of bed if I lied down, and then bed rest for more weeks once I could get out of bed. This is why I am disturbed and concerned that there have been no scans of my low back. The evolving problems (symptoms) seem to be systematically though sporadically progressive. This progression is usually a laterally asymmetrically progression, and episodic in nature. This jerky process is somewhat periodic as though behaving as loosely (sloppy but direct) correlated systems oscillating slightly out of phase within an inwardly contained geometric environment. I came through the medical system quite logically all on my own; selected a generalist, accepted his advice, found a specialist, followed his advice to seek out a specialized specialist, and I earnestly wish to follow the advice of Dr Wooten. Yet GAMP denies the recommended testing, I need a GAMP approved specialists' recommendation to agree with and follow the very logical recommendations of DR Wooten. Why is there insufficient collaboration to allow non-GAMP resources to assist in the health recovery process for needy GAMP patients?. I am balanced on the edge of appropriate pushiness, and not being so aggressive that I am labeled or 'black balled' as a problem - but I am pushing up the steamy pressure a turn or so. Time to act - I am ready to be the cheer leader. I believe in the cause.
05-14-03 GAMP approves vascular disease specialist Dr Wetzler is so concerned with the longevity of my precious toes and feet, that he, and GAMP, seem to be focused primarily on these symptoms, as the most critical problem, and they see no correlated with the neck; while I suspect, and I believe Dr Wooten believes, these symptoms are directly correlated. GAMP approved a vascular disease specialist, and I have two to choose among, although I asked Dr Wetzler to contact Dr. Wooten for advice, and again to push GAMP to approve a neural-surgical specialist for an assessment of my spine as DR Wooten suggested, hopefully soon. Despite this progressive activity on the vascular front, I am concerned that misdirection is causing waste of time and money. I suspect we are attending a symptom and ignoring the cause. Got a script renewal for my meds with no change:
Also taking non scripts daily
eu•sol
Pronunciation: (yOO'sôl, -sol), —n. Pharm. I learned of this solvent in Australia, Dr Wm. Hannam of Eastwood, NSW used it to avoid surgery of an ulcerated coral cut on my leg. Dr Wetzler sent me off to find it and I did. PS - see # 2 below
05-13-03 Dr Wetzler tomorrow at 11am This time I find Dr Wetzler at 118th and North Ave - another temporary location Dr Wetzler has been stymied, he can not get me an appointment with an appropriate specialist. He states that he speaks in medical terms, yet the ultimate decision makers who must approve all my needed testing, know nothing about medicine, He has been unable to persuade others that I need help and that I am also an 'unusual' problem worthy of study and relief. My goals for the meeting tomorrow are to discuss:
05-12-03 Spinal Stenosis: says Froedtert ER Double and blurred vision in both eyes (with only one eye open), a basically numbed mind, and sudden, severe nausea until I sat down, caused me go to seek emergency help. Drove to Froedtert Hospital since, on 02-17-03 when I last needed help to save my body parts, St. Mary's ER refused me emergency assistance. Five hours at Froedtert ER was a joy - efficient, helpful, friendly, compassionate employees at each turn. I saw Dr Hansen (sp?): he seemed seriously confounded and troubled that I was not attending to the obvious problem in my neck - I agree, and I somewhat gently begged for help - directly asked him for a professional referral at least. He instead sent me a social worker who gave me a list of the three clinics associated with Froedtert and the college. (but they don't accept GAMP) The diagnosis for the day is 'spinal stenosis', although they insisted no likely correlation with the neck - until the release form. My release form says to return to the ER if: 'fever, chills, nausea, tingling, severe pain, loss of consciousness. I suffer severely from all these to my imaginable limit of tolerance, except fever and loss of consciousness. This may be a standardized response on my 'discharge instructions', and since I can not come in 'unconscious', fever is the only trigger!
05-07-03 No help still Errrrrrrrr My hands, especially the
right hand, is clinched as a knot.
04-23-03 No access to Wisconsin Medical College GAMP approved a CT scan of the spine, but not the whole body, and not at the college. Also they denied me access to a vascular disease specialist at the Wisconsin Medical College. I called Dr. Hassan Eghbali, last vascular expert who recommended the medical college to see if he can help get someone interested in my case, as he mentioned to me I should go there for specialists, and the interesting, unusual nature of my situation. In the mean time, lots of salt and lots of soaking , no smoking, and time, has helped. Nearly all wounds are healing well. Both feet were worse than I guessed though. Sadly, the worst toe is the first one damaged. St Mary's ER should have told me to soak it and alerted me to the danger.
03-29-03 good news-day Friends: I finally got some test results and it was good considering all. 1. The lab work for proteins 'M' and 'BJ', came back completely normal, as I understand so far. That likely rules out Multiple Myeloma, about 98% cases, but a small number of victims test negative. "A rare form of myeloma called nonsecretory myeloma affects about 1% of myeloma patients. In this form of the disease, plasma cells do not produce M protein or light chains. A rare form of myeloma called nonsecretory myeloma affects about 1% of myeloma patients. In this form of the disease, plasma cells do not produce M protein or light chains. " http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/about_myeloma/2.02.asp I am hopeful. Next want to know the real extent of fragility and study of low spine particularly. Also wish for assessment of 'stability' or 'speed of change', in the neck since MRI scans. I want a risk assessment. 2. vascular expert (Dr. Hassan Eghbali MD) finds great arterial function except in hands and feet, but wonderful to wrists and ankles. Still a danger but controllable with complete reduction of nicotine. He last saw such a thing in '71, so it is rare. Thought it might be 'Burger' disease. 'Burger Disease' is not cool http://www.worldmedics.com/vkagarwal/. Raynaud's Disease is a related type of problem, and this was the best guess of the doctor at St Mary's ER. http://www.etsus.com/html/raynaud.html. I think one is arterial and the other veins. He wants to know how fast I improve without nicotine, or see him again in 4-6 months. This could surely be the knot. I worked for years stretching and exercising my legs and feet to control the problems in the outer extremities. But, I stopped all stretching until I understand the risks to my neck. I hope soon I can get the specialist recommended tests beginning with a ct scan of all bones, to see what is there, it was requested three weeks ago.
03-25-03 Heal to toe Despite poor circulation in my feet, I heal quickly; a good sign. The good news is that I have really cleaned up the mess quickly. It's not invisible. but looks relatively great. This has happened before, but clears up so quickly, that no one in the past, accepted my description well enough. This time a doctor saw it and declared it critical. The right foot problem that sent me to St. Mary's ER is no longer visible, but this latest instance reinforces my opinion of the treatment they gave me. I feel lucky I got someone to see it in time. I was lucky though because it was the worst I ever found it, and it was a bit tricky to stop. GAMP did not respond yet.
03-24-03
Left foot went
south Made appointment on Saturday because my left foot went south. Several weeks ago I went to St. Mary's ER because my right foot had a purple toe. I found it because to hurt like hell. Friday night my left foot went purple and I did not notice because it always hurts so much. By the time I found it and soaked it back to color, I lost a lot of skin on four toes; like frost bitten or burnt. Dr W is very concerned I might loose more toes (I have only 9) or a foot (I have two still) and requesting immediate attention with a specialist, perhaps tomorrow. Must ask GAMP! No answer from GAMP yet on CT scan requested on 03-11-03. Took test today for 'M' type and 'BJ' proteins at ST. Mary's. No results yet available.
03-11-03 doctor visit (Wetzler) 9:45 appointment Come back in three weeks. GAMP officially said yes but then made me start from scratch, with an internist. He has gone off to 'request' a full body ct scan (from GAMP) and thought they might respond to him within one week (tomorrow I will call him). He also gave me a script for a blood test for BJ protein, but upon further research at the multiple myeloma site, I need several other tests also to rule mm in or out. Only 20% of mm victims have the 'BJ' protein, but bigger 'm' proteins are a better sign. http://www.multiplemyeloma.org Next I need a neural surgical opinion. I put the scans out there on the web site so experts can look at them for me. I hope there are several friends of friends being asked for a favor to see what they think. The more opinions the better. Wish I could clean the scanner glass better though. I need to know how 'fragile' the bones are, because of the 'catastrophic' potential if they fail there. C2-C3 are the worst of the problem. These are the 2nd and third from the top. This is where the radiologist described Multiple myeloma with metastases down through c6. That's quite specific, hope he is wrong though he is the expert.
03-10-03 doctor visit (Wetzler) 2 pm appointment - canceled He left K&R Clinic
03-08-03 GAMP says OK GAMP says OK as of 1-29-03 That is the date of my MRI scans.
02-24-03 Doctor visit (Wetzler) I found a great doctor. Had to pay until GAMP kicks in, but he charged a nominal 50$. He is seventy, and he and his staff just got paid for the first time in six pay periods; waiting for government payments which are always quite overdue. Got lots of drugs for pain, and all else too. A confusing array actually. Mostly free samples. I'll do serious drug testing and report back. What are the odds that I would find a doctor that I like? Next we gather all records into his hands. Tests and surgical opinions begin after GAMP kicks in. I pushed my way into this weeks ahead of what I was told to do. See him on 10th, but I will keep watching GAMP status, and can re-schedule. I believe he wants to help me
02-17-03 St. Mary's Emergency Room My complaint was my purple right foot, and it's poor circulation, and my worry for clots. I gave her 'Tidbits as Required' (partial) to read. It describes the history of the purple left foot as the beginning, etc. Showed the latest Wooten letter. I tried to explain my belief it indicated a progression in the evolving problem, and suggested a simple next test might be blood work as described therein.. She was there to talk, not to listen. That was not possible because the results would not be available that day. She insisted on defining acceptable procedures as those whose results were immediately available to her. I made her say it several ways. Emergency service at St Mary's meant fast service, that was her logic. She dismissed the entire problem, scolding me for not having an intern, sent me a social worker, and as an after thought, on the way out, looked under the blanket to see my toes.
I decided I would pay for the needed scans without waiting any further. Worked with Columbia first to understand price.
08-15-02 GAMP rejected Income was $285 in excess of poverty limit
07-15-02 Applied for GAMP
06-20-02 Doctor visit (Wooten) Requested MRI scans.
06-07-01 Doctor visit (Dicus) Orthopedic specialist Dr Wm.
Dicus.
06-04-01 Doctor visit (A. M. Vinluan) did basic blood tests and ordered arterial Doppler test of both upper and lower extremities. I rejected this test ($1600.00), and decided to ask Dr. Dicus his expert opinion first.
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brief medical history (1999 - 2002)
Below is a summary description I wrote to friends Honest Tidbits as requested
It started about 2.5 years ago and
danced about masked as the knot, in fact I am shocked it was not the
knot (I had too). A left toe went purple with pain one day
and was fine the next day. Days later a different
toe, and the pattern went to the fingers. Two years ago it was
painful to walk and walking was no longer automatic - I thought my
left leg forward only consciously.
1.5 years ago I went to old friend
(orthopedic specialist) because lots of the left foot was purple and
icy cold. I went to assure blood flow adequate to prevent
clots and was told ok but go see neurologist. His big concern was
super topical pain on the entire left torso, which got outrageously
painful but only to the lightest possible touch. A drop of water or
the shirt going on, but only as it was going on, and once on,
nothing hurt because it was already being touched.
By last June things progressed enough
for me to find the neurologist (This nice man refuses to take my
money) who wanted scans. The next two months I ran around
looking for a way to do so. I was 200$ over the yearly limit
for indigent help, and I was indigent because our bank fell on 9-11
and we lost four years of work. I tried to get a job for
insurance but my honesty prevented that.
So I had to wait for Jan 1 so I could
file taxes to prove I am broke enough for help. That was my
choice because things were stable, and I wanted to protect my
fathers home and his security. Thanksgiving or so got rougher
but I was so close to the end of the year that I waited, and thus
the scans last week.
At this point I can hardly walk two
blocks sober though coming home is much easier. From elbows and
knees down I am icy cold, too numb to feel, and chronically
cramped. Imagine me unable to tolerate a back scratch, and too
nauseous to eat with comfort. I am building my character
exploring pain.
It seemed the knot at first, them I
began to suspect MS type problems. Lisa I almost called you
many times but worried about drawing upon your insider knowledge
without knowing what I was talking about. I also assumed if it
was ms, what could I do any way.
I am still trying to figure out what is
up, and what this may all mean. I must finish taxes and GAMP
application by Wednesday and hopefully next test can begin in about
two weeks.
Sorry this truth is brutal, but my love
for you two requires forthright honesty, I know this causes pain for
you.
The good news is that my head feels fine
- so there is no problem smiling.
enZo
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Subject:
RE: Town meetings schedules: Regarding the
GAMP program - this is a program for the indigent that do
not
qualify for Medicare or Medicaid and have no other health insurance
option.
Milwaukee County is not mandated to have the GAMP program, but it was put
into place after Doyne Hospital was closed to serve the indigent
population. Milwaukee County sees it as a service to its residents
that
need health care assistance. Again this is not a mandated or
required
program for Milwaukee County, however, it is a program that is necessary
and speaks to the core functions of county government.
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County
Executive Scott Walker - Milwaukee General Assistance Medical Program - Milwaukee Seeking answers to resolve GAMP inefficiency |
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My favorite Quotes
These three quotes I invented to paraphrase long stories which I routinely used as motivational assistance. These three each took ten years to condense, and were created ten years apart, taking thirty years to complete the recursive trinity lessons. Vincent J Cataldi - October 2006 |
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Please
stop the BCBS 'Insurance Monster'
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after a year of trying... 
