Surprise, Surprise
October 1st, 2008 at 1:56 pm (Physical)
I admit to feeling a little smug when I found out that my referral for an endoscopy was denied. Apparently, the insurance doctors couldn’t find a good cause or medical necessity for the procedure, based on my symptoms.
So, I called my doctor today and badgered him for the results of the CAT scan that I underwent on Monday morning. He wanted to wait for my insurance to reverse the denial of endoscopy coverage before we discussed the results, because he’s convinced that I have indigestion, or an ulcer. However, because I believed that my pain was a result of gall bladder issues and not stomach issues, I felt that the CAT scan would be just as informative as the endoscopy, if not more.
Well, it took some convincing but he finally looked at the results and read them to me over the phone. Indeed, the CAT scan technician had found multiple gall stones, thickening of gall bladder walls, and severely contracted gall bladder, “which would likely account for the patient’s symptoms.” Now I await referral for a surgical consult and will probably never have to deal with this particular GI specialist again.
But, I will have to have surgery.
At least we are finally getting something done. I read this article about listening to your body earlier, and I think it’s a good reminder for us all.
floating princess said,
October 1, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I can’t believe you had to convince him to look at the results! What an ass! At least now hopefully you will get some results. I hope it moves faster for you from here on out!
The Bigger Idiot said,
October 1, 2008 at 10:01 pm
You had all those problems (which the doctors themselves said would likely be causing your condition!), which are bad enough to need SURGERY, and they’re trying to fob you off on the phone? I call bullshit. Big time.
Thanks for your comment the other day. I know that things don’t have to be perfect, but the things that was bothering me was that I wouldn’t have minded having lessm I could have been just as satisfied, so to mind out I’d crunched the numbers wrong was frustrating.
mal said,
October 1, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Honestly, TBI, I really think he was happy not to have to see me in his office again. I was pretty persistent with my questions and demanding understanding. I refused to take the pills that he wanted to prescribe to me. He was pretty annoyed by the time I left. I think he was happy to be rid of me.
i i eee said,
October 1, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Yeah, he was happy to be rid of you because you’re actually someone that requires him to DO HIS FREAKIN’ JOB.
Okay, I’m having my post-op for my gall bladder surgery on Friday. Let me tell you, I noticed a difference right away how I felt overall. Sure the first two days after surgery SUCKED, the first day was painful, the second for me I was hit with mad nausea. But by day four I was feeling pretty great. And I swear my whole body works better than it did before.
My only recommendation: do NOT go on a hike on day five because you’re feeling so effing fantastic. I ended up having to take a massive shit in the woods (sorry for the visual). For the first couple weeks, the diarrhea may become your new little friend. But DUDE, I lost 7 lbs. after surgery alone. HA!
So glad you were given a proper diagnosis. I hope your surgery goes well.
lilbet said,
October 2, 2008 at 6:43 am
My mom just had hers out. She was NEVER uncomfortable, not even post-op. I think you’ll find you’re on the road to recovery!
Surgeons are typically a__holes. So, just be forewarned. But, they literally hold your life in their hands, so you want them to be Type A (A__hole) super meticulous person.
Does your area have a publication that rates doctors? Look for it and then pick a good one.
A bit of relief in the diagnosis, yes?
Mymsie said,
October 2, 2008 at 8:16 am
Yipes, that sucks. :( I’ve had an endoscopy and let me tell you, it wasn’t fun. I woke up at the end of it and sort of freaked out, what with a camera shoved down my gullet and all. Yowsa!
darian said,
October 2, 2008 at 4:46 pm
It’s surgery, yes, but laproscopic (sp?). The hardest part to deal with is the gas they use to puff up the body to get access leaving your body the next day or two after surgery. Trust me, you’ll feel so much better afterwards. If you want, you can ask the doc to save your stones - they are fascinating to look at. :) Your bod might have a slightly tougher time processing fat for awhile afterwards, but it’ll get back on track. I’m so glad you found out what’s wrong - my issues came on as a super attack - pain on Monday/Tuesday, ultrasound on Wednesday, surgery on Friday.
Jen said,
October 3, 2008 at 7:55 am
I am glad you’ve been such a strong advocate for yourself, and I really hate that doctors treat people like this. I hope you can get scheduled for surgery soon so you can start feeling better.
Congratulations on the Belt victory too! You look great in your pictures. I know this is a weird thing to say but even in your before picture I’d never guess you weighed close to 300 pounds.