Sorry, but I need help again
#209944 - 08/30/05 07:37 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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I'm so sorry, but I need to unload again.
Recently I got some ideas for getting myself out of this dark hole. Mainly, by getting a new GI doc and, also, by getting a counselor to talk about living life with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression that comes along with it.
Well, I gathered up all my stength, made some phone call (this is very difficult to do when you feel beaten down already), and got myself an appointment with a new GI doc. His office is about 20 feet away from my old GI doc's, so I was very scared to go because I felt like a total betrayer.
The appointment was today which was good because I am having a particularly bad tummy day. I left work early and went.
I didn't even finish filling out the paperwork when the nurse calls me back. She takes my BP, asks me what med I am taking and leaves. I'm starting to feel very uncomfortable. These people are not very thorough. I mean, she didn't take any history or anything.
The doctor walks in about 3 or 4 minutes later, and asks me why I am there. I told him I hurt all the time, I'm constipated, and I have not received any advice on how to manage all my symptoms or what to do about my abnormal gallbladder, gastric emptying, and gluten antibodies.
Cutting to the point, he responds by simply telling me there is nothing he can do for me. I am too "dissident" and he doesn't want to waste my money. He decided this after less than 5 minutes?  He said he scanned my chart and feels that I need to go to Mayo or some place in Ohio or even Northwestern in Chicago. I told him I tried to get into Northwestern where there is a good Motility expert but I was told by them that they couldn't help me.  I told him I have no money to go to Mayo or Ohio...that I need a doctor close by. I asked him how he could make this decision without even talking with me or examining my chart. I thought about begging him to see me, but to be honest, he was an A**. He refused to even listen to me. He said he had made his decison and that he wished me well and walked out the door. 
I am dumbfounded. Why can't I find someone to help me? This just makes me believe even more that God wants me to suffer for some reason. Why do I keep getting kicked? It took so much for me to go to someone else and this is how I am treated? I cannot afford to go to Mayo..the hotel costs, no insurance, driving back and forth for follow up? The doctor I saw today told me I need a team of doctors working on me. Well, what if I can't afford that? And what about my job? I just want a GI doctor to listen to me and to help me. What do I do now????
On top of that, I mustered the courage to call some counselors (before I went to this GI appointment). I was told that my insurance will only cover 7 visits per year, at 70% coverage, and a 750 dollar deductible. This is for the out of network Psych I liked. Even if I found one in network, they only cover 20 visits a year at 90% coverage and a 350 dollar deductible. That's less than 2 visits a month. I need more than that...and I don't have an additional 350 dollars for a deductible.
I need help...I need a Good GI doc, and a caring counselor. I am begging them for help, and no one cares...no one cares if I suffer. I'm not their problem and they don't want to make me their problem.
What is wrong with doctors that they will not help someone who is suffering and in pain and just begging for answers and help? I don't know what to do next? How many times must I go into this dark hole before I get buried...and the medical community seems to be shoveling the dirt and dumping it on me.
If these doctors won't help me...you guys must be very sick of me. Who is going to help me? Who is going to tell me what all these tests mean...what I can do to help the pain..what diet is appropriate...if any medications can help?
I actually begged the nurse at the doctor at Northwestern to see me... and she said "sorry, the doctor does not think he can help you". How scary that my body is so screwed up that doctors are refusing to see me? I am at a loss. Is this my life? Pain and suffering and anxiety over not haveing answers.
Tomorrow, I call my shrink and tell him what happened. He is the one who encouraged me to go to another GI. But look what happens when I finally, finally do. Shut down again. 
Seeking advice from my buddies...please don't shut the door on me...please, don't get sick of me ...don't tell me I am too complicated to help... And, all who pray, keep praying. I am not doing well.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Beth, this really pains me to read. Not because I find you to be annoying, you know that is not the case. What apins me is all the crap you have to go through. I feel awful for you. I cannot imagine how you must feel. All I can say is that you must keep trying different doctors until you find one that can help you. I have a feeling your health insurance may not be good (not your fault at all) and that is why these doctors willnot help you. They realize they can't get paid, so they say, why shoudl I bother. But, you still need to keep trying. You can't give up. I have no other advice but that. You will be in my prayers. All the best Bethie.
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All I can offer is my sympathy, I do not know of any good doctors in your area, I know the feeling of looking for a doc. I spent two and a half years bouncing around to get a diagnosis. Now since I'm at college, I have to start over with a new doc. Keep trying, something will fall into place, you will have a break through. I'l be praying for you too.
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Hi Beth... hang in there! I can't believe that doctor didn't even try. Are there any others you can go see? You'll feel so much better just finding a good doctor, so keep looking. That really sucks about your medical insurance too. Maybe you should just move to Canada! In the meantime go do something nice for yourself. Go buy yourself flowers or some new bubble bath, etc, something to pamper yourself. You deserve it!
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Tommy
#209953 - 08/30/05 07:55 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Aren't doctors suppose to help suffering people? Isn't that their job?
I can't even get through the front door. Do you know how scary it feels to be told that you are so hopeless you need to go to Mayo?
Is it even worth it to try another local GI? The doctor I saw today told me I shouldn't be community shopping for a doctor. He told me I didn't even bother to leave the same building to get another opinion. I would never see this man again...but he certainly did a good job at making me feel like a total lost cause.
Thank you for your prayers,,,but God and I aren't exactly on good terms these days. Why does he allow one of his children to continue to suffer, and when they do reach out for help, the door is slammed in their face.
I know some of you may be starting to think it is me that is the problem and not these three doctors ...or can I really run into 3 doctors who are jerks?
and thank you for calling me Bethie...I know the people who call me that truly care about me. My Grandma has always called me her little Bethie.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Post deleted by Jeano
Edited by Shelby Jean (08/30/05 07:59 PM)
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I cannot afford to go to Mayo. I just need a doctor here who will give me the time of day, for gosh sakes!
I was dumbfounded that he made this decision after 3 minuts of talking with me. At least he didn't charge me for this 2 second consultation.
There has to be something they can tell me...some diet advice, some med to try ...like Miralax again or something for the pain ...something...But with an appointment that lasted a whole 5 minutes...didn't leave much time for anything except him telling me to stop community shopping for a doctor.
I can ony hang for so long...then the arms give out.
Thanks for your support Jackie.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Don't be sorry, Beth! I'm sorry that you're still suffering and not getting any support from your doctors. What is your PCP like? While you continue to search for a good GI, would your PCP be able to help you manage your illnesses?
If you can't get counseling atm, is it possible for you to join a support group? You might not find one for your specific problem, but you should look into groups for people suffering from chronic illnesses or chronic pain. Check with your local hospital or university.
Please don't give up! We're all here to support you. I want you to keep updating on how you're doing. Also please know it's not you--it IS possible to come across three jerky doctors in a row.
*hugs*
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although BarbaraS told me that she believes they have helped her more than any GI doc ever has. She doen't feel the GI docs spend the time with you...but my problems are all a mix of GI problems...so wouldn't a GI be the best person to manage all the different varialbes going on? They won't even tell me if I have IBS...neither wants to make any diagnosis...just leave me on my own. The two docs I saw are jerks because of not treating me. The third is the "specialist" who refused to even see my chart!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling me you will not give up on me. I know I am draining you all, but if a doctor would be willing to help me, I wouldn't have to unload on your poor people all the time. I want to start having fun on the boards! Believe it or not, I used to have a wonderful sense of humor!
Hugs to you, my friend. I'm belching up stuff again. Oh another GI symptom.
My old GI receptionist saw me going into the other doc's office...so I'm sure they all know and I will have explaining to do if I go back to the old GI. Unfortunatley, with my Insurance, most of the in network doctors are in those two practices which cover about 10 doctors total. So, it eliminates a lot. I asked the doctor today if one of his associates would see me (a friend who has Chrones really likes his partner) but I'm sure after this Dr. talks to his collegue and gives his side of the story, the other doc would not go against his partners advice for a patient who is a total stranger.
I am just so tired of fighting. I know how Ruchie feels with all this fighting to get the need we need and so desperately want.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I will think about your advice tomorrow when I have some brain left. I will try to call the insurance co to see if they have a nurse line. I need to try and go to bed now...
One of the places this doctor referred me to (and I use the word doctor with sarcasm because he is not a doctor to me) is located in Ohio. Some special clinic in Ohio..is it anywhere near you? Do I need to move to MN in order to go to Mayo and get some quality of life back? MN is so cold though...
How is your sister? I pray she not in too much pain......and that you are coping as best as possible.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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