VirginiasWolf
05-05-2009, 10:37 PM
Here's my problem in a nutshell.
I have a rather crummy health insurance (at least I have something) but my problem is after many tests and referrals (EMG, MRI's, ortho surgeons) I've not been given a diagnosis.
The closest thing I have is the EMG suggested in his report that I suffer from either two things. Nerve entrapment at the fibular head or Heriditary Neuropathy susceptible to Preassure Palsies (H.N.P.P.)
I seriously do not believe I'm being a cyberchondriac, but I've been reading up on the symptoms of HNPP along with patient reports and it seems to be exactly what I have.
Here's the real problem. While there is a genetic test for HNPP that can give you a diagnosis, I really doubt my provider will pay for it as not only is HNPP relatively new discovery, there's only one place it seems that actually performs the test on top of genetic testing being inherently expensive.
I guess my question boils down to this. If I can never get a definitive diagnosis, can I still get a recommendation from a MMJ friendly physician? Or do I need a definitive diagnosis?
I know diagnosis can be very difficult and can take patients years and years to get one, even with the best of insurance, but is there any leeway given for those that have a 'probable diagnosis' with entractable pain but can not afford the tests for confirmation?
Any advice or thoughts would be apreciated! :)
I have a rather crummy health insurance (at least I have something) but my problem is after many tests and referrals (EMG, MRI's, ortho surgeons) I've not been given a diagnosis.
The closest thing I have is the EMG suggested in his report that I suffer from either two things. Nerve entrapment at the fibular head or Heriditary Neuropathy susceptible to Preassure Palsies (H.N.P.P.)
I seriously do not believe I'm being a cyberchondriac, but I've been reading up on the symptoms of HNPP along with patient reports and it seems to be exactly what I have.
Here's the real problem. While there is a genetic test for HNPP that can give you a diagnosis, I really doubt my provider will pay for it as not only is HNPP relatively new discovery, there's only one place it seems that actually performs the test on top of genetic testing being inherently expensive.
I guess my question boils down to this. If I can never get a definitive diagnosis, can I still get a recommendation from a MMJ friendly physician? Or do I need a definitive diagnosis?
I know diagnosis can be very difficult and can take patients years and years to get one, even with the best of insurance, but is there any leeway given for those that have a 'probable diagnosis' with entractable pain but can not afford the tests for confirmation?
Any advice or thoughts would be apreciated! :)