But we need you to do pt first before we get you an mri.
With all of that going on? That's terrible; I'm sorry.
I saw an orthopedist this week for some chronic issues (but nothing like a stroke, in-hospital time, potential brain implications, or any of the rest of the severe things you described, or at least not to the degree you described), and he simultaneously ordered an MRI and an EMG to suss whether there are multiple things going on, along with immediate PT, at least for the (likely) known issues. But there was no suggestion of holding off on the mri to see whether the PT resolved things. I hope you get solid info soon, and that there's a path to a positive resolution.
A Peer got seriously promoted at work even though he's a yesman, uber bland and a milquetoast.
It doesn't mean something is "wrong" with you, but "will do"/ seemingly or actually bland people are exactly who gets promoted. And I will say that that is often because they make their bosses' jobs easier. Doesn't necessarily mean that they are actually brain dead (though they might be, idk), but rather that they take care of things people care about and don't seem to cause others (esp higher-ups) to expend extra energy, and often anticipate what is wanted and convey it well ("managing up"). Obviously I don't know if that's a difference btw that person and you, but I have been around a long time, and if promotions are available, they tend to go to those who figure out what the place wants and deliver it/ results, whether or not it is
objectively better. ...my point is, don't feel you're "wrong" or incapable, but if there are opportunities to tweak what you present to people, it can help put you in that pool of people who are considered for promotions and don't have to be so concerned about what organizational changes mean for them. ...Some might call this "selling your soul," but at the end of the day, it's a job, and it doesn't require your soul, so unless succeeding requires doing evil, learning and acting on what is valued at a workplace can make a big difference (assuming you're good at the basic skills required). It sucks you have to be looking, but it's smart you are, and I hope you find a new situation that really works for you.
(Also, if the new owner keeps people on and they start poking around or you now need to have meetings with them, recognize this for what it is, which is figuring out whom they want to keep. Bring your game face, listen to what they suggest they value, and pitch yourself accordingly. Be excited about the "opportunities," speak knowledgeably about your area, and ask about what they care about & really listen & respond to what they say so you can pull that in to your own comments. It's amazing how you can practically parrot someone 20 seconds later and they often will think you really "get it.")
Go to the ER an hour later assuming I might have just had a sprain or torn ligament…
