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Post by omaklackey on May 31, 2011 15:07:34 GMT -5
the earliest appointment I could get to follow up on the "phone call between providers" was not until June 9th. I have researched several ideas and come up with... nothing, I spent time on my final essay for English instead. So anyways, I can't wait till June 9th (I think its stupid I have to make an appointment to find out what they said), so I got a copy of the notes from the phone call. All they noted was they talked and he suggested cholystramine (anti bile medication for the over production of bile). I'm so frustrated, the heart palps were awful at work from the beginning of shift to the end, add getting dizzy and sick to my stomach all hours of the day (possibly a side affect of the ranitidine) and I think its time to ditch all medications. I'm going to talk to my doctor before I do this. One of the causes of over production of Bile is all the stomach meds I have tried/been on this last year. So why would I take something to counteract the bile, instead of just dropping the stomach meds? I've been having a horridly painful weekend so I'm using all kinds of tricks, cracked out my TENS machine and reused it. Hot baths, distraction, medication, etc... and worked on my English essay! I worked in the ER yesterday and it was a Long day with several disturbing patients. Had to kind of download that information. I had a drug seeker and I wanted to shout at her so badly "that's not pain your describing, that's withdrawl, you moron!!!" oh well... ;D I keep having instances in my "career" where I want to educate the patients. I know it wouldn't help, but its in me to want to! 2nd time this week this has happened.
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 8, 2011 15:52:20 GMT -5
I finally realized I never got a copy of my CBC to check for anemia. That was the lab test that took six pokes to get and was very important to me. They called and said normal but we all know "normal isn't optimal". My HnH or Hemoglobin and hematicrit or on the dead bottom of normal. Would Iron be the supplement for that? It may explain the tiredness I have been fighting? If I can get that up to a better number I may really feel the difference.
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Post by Karen on Jun 8, 2011 20:57:39 GMT -5
I'm not familiar with those, but I think it'd be worth asking what causes lower levels such as yours, what possible symptoms might they cause, and what you and/or your doctor will (not can, WILL) do to address it. Be persistent and tell him what you want out of the appointment!
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Post by JC on Jun 9, 2011 6:14:11 GMT -5
Usually iron, folic acid, and B vitamins together are good for anemia but as always, it's a good question for your doctor. And six pokes! YIKES!!!
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 9, 2011 14:56:47 GMT -5
I gathered up my research papers on endometriosis and SBO's and Crohns and whatever else I can think of. I also took a cue from Karen and have typed out what I need from my doctor. I just have to be brave enough to actually give it to the doctor...
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Post by JC on Jun 9, 2011 15:19:25 GMT -5
I remember I made a list of questions for my doctor once and once I got into the office I felt embarrassed to take the list out and read from it. For some reason it made me feel like I was one of those crazy patients. My husband ended up saying out-loud, "Where is your list of questions?" right in front of the doctor. The doctor actually looked happy to see the list and said, "Hey yeah take the list out! That's what I'm here for!" All those feelings of being a weirdo were all for nothing. I think your doctor will understand if you take out your piece of paper and show it to him/her. I actually think it makes their job easier since they don't have to sit and listen since it's all typed out for them.
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Post by Karen on Jun 9, 2011 17:59:23 GMT -5
Well, hey, prepping for the appointment is step 1. You can check that off the list! Next is getting up the courage to give it to him. Remember, he's not really affected if you hold back, you're only hurting if you don't! And if he pushes back on things, ask him for the rational behind it, push him to give you some answers and direction!
Good luck.
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 9, 2011 19:34:14 GMT -5
unbelievably frustrated right now. I just want to bawl. I waited an hour to see my doctor because they were behind. She walks in and tells me that she consulted with Dr. B my GI doctor and they will not do any further tests. That's it, done, over, no diagnosis, no answers, no nothing... I had this pile of research, this list of tests I wanted and I sat there just stunned. I finally stumbled my way into asking questions. Why being the foremost of them. This is the second GI I have been through and I just don't understand why its so fricken hard to get a GI doctor that will actually do any testing. He did one biopsy sample in the lower half of my rectum and he is ruling out all further IBD testing? WTF? I have done my research and he is an moron. Crohns disease, Small Bowel endometrisos all have to be diagnosed through MRI/CT, Endoscopy and even then its not conclusive but this guy does one small biopsy and I'm good. My doctor suggested Naturopath, I told her I would love to but Its very expensive. She wont suggest sending me to another doctor in the clinic. (which she offered two weeks ago) and I finally said well I did find an endometriosis specialist but there is no way they are going to even offer me an appointment if I haven't done any of the testing that is typical. So she agreed to contact dr. mosbrucker in gig harbor and ask her what "appropriate testing I should be offered". I dont want more surgery, we couldn't do it even if I wanted to. We just don't have the resources for it so I don't know why contacting the specialist is going to do for me. I'm hoping to start school in the fall and mostly. I JUST Want someone to listen. I'm going to think about this for the weekend and try and come up with something... My doctor did suggest/allow me to go off all PPI/H2 blockers for my stomach for one month to see if it helped. If I'm still having problems we will trial the choleystramine for one month. That was how we ended the appointment. She was in a hurry and rushed out the door but she did agree to read my papers and look into the research I found.
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 10, 2011 16:25:19 GMT -5
I'm sure she is great but ultimately she is a surgeon. I had three major abdominal surgeries in a year in 2009. The memory of how much pain it causes to how much it relieves is still a little to fresh in my memory. I consented to my PA contacting Dr. Mosbrucker because I want my PA to understand that I'm still willing to search out help one way or another. (actually with my pain level becoming more increasingly distracting surgery is starting to tempt me a teensy tiny bit) I'm just trying to make the right decisions so that I still get help of some kind from the local clinics. I just wrote quite a long blog about it on my xanga because I needed to download some information. I'm just really hurting and now not just physically but emotionally from the blow of all this. I may also contact our local naturopath but I'm not sure how to afford that. I believe in naturopaths quite a bit but that won't matter if I can't find the money for it. I have a rather large check coming in one week (provided I survive working ) so I am making phone calls etc. and trying to not leave this like it is.
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Post by hellsbells on Jun 10, 2011 16:56:35 GMT -5
Ah Karla that sucks. You get yourself all prepared and then just get let down. I'm sorry. Don't give up!
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Post by Karen on Jun 10, 2011 17:28:01 GMT -5
I know a naturopath may seem incredibly expensive and out of reach for you, but since most of them don't accept insurance, you might find that a lot of their rates are actually quite reasonable. And if you have a limited amount to spend, tell them, and that will help them decide what to focus on. I honestly think it would be well worth it IF you can swing it, or at least something to save up for.
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Post by pretty on Jun 10, 2011 17:35:27 GMT -5
Karla I'm sorry, I get it now. My enthusiasm got ahead of me however I DO understand about getting the brush-off from people you were hopeful about. And I DO understand being at the end of your rope. Don't give up dear! You are worth one thousand of those idiots and you are going to succeed in spite of them. xxxxx
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 10, 2011 19:35:44 GMT -5
just so you ladies know I have researched the Naturopath. Its 85$ for the initial consult and then 125$ every time you walk through the door. They do not do any billing at all, its a pay before you are seen so i would have to have that money up front. I'm still considering it but I would need to be really careful. We live on a very tight budget even with me working now. My hubby is gone until tommorow so we will discuss what our plan is. Its not that I don't think it will work. My hubby and I have chosen to live a little tighter then a lot of people so he can work at a job he loves. It can really suck though which is why I'm trying to get my RN license. Getting a job that I love, as I'm finding out is a bonus!
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Post by 1234 on Jun 11, 2011 9:02:29 GMT -5
Working at a job you love is so important. Sorry you had such a frustrating experience with that doctor. especially since much of the problem seemed she was too rushed to pay attention.
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Post by omaklackey on Jun 16, 2011 17:23:15 GMT -5
I haven't talked to the hubby about the naturopath yet. I worked all four days he was home and didn't feel like starting an argument about money the few hours we had together! I called the GI on Friday and left a message. I haven't heard back from him yet so I called yesterday and left another message. I don't know when I go from just trying to get heard and being annoying so today I got my medical records instead from Dr. B so I could see what he said. The phone call between providers wasn't documented. Its very strange. I guess I may have to go on his next med and see if it works before I get any more help. Its sulfracat (sp) an overproduction of bile medication. I have been off of my stomach meds for two weeks. (ran out a week before my appointment) My tummy is not happy at this time. The pain is bad and I now have constant bowel issues. Oh well.. guess this is as good as it gets.
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