Newbie update

Sounds like the usual doctor's office runaround/minimization.  Very frustrating for sure.  The good news is you are armed with information, so it's not a surprise.  The CT order is SOP- it's the best way for them to decipher what they see.  Don't know why they're ordering the HIDA though.  That's usually done to check for cholecystitis (gallbladder disease).  You have stones- that's pretty cut and dried.  I just had that surgery 3 weeks ago for stones, but my Path report also said I had chronic gallbladder disease.

As for the skeptical measurements:  Ultrasound isn't an exact science.  It's operator dependent, so I'd be mroe likely to trust the CT result.  For example:  when they first found my thyroid nodule (cancer), both ultrasounds said it was between 3.5-3.7 cm (still huge when it's on your throat).  Turned out after surgery it was 6.4 cm.  Twice the size.  Who knows what those techs were smoking to get it so wrong?

Anyway, you've come to the right place for support.  Best wishes to you.

icemantoo said:

Let us hope it is nothing

J_B,

 

Ho[efully it is nothing and you can get on with your life. If it does turn out to be something we will help you thru it as we are required to have been there and done that to join our group.

 

Icemantoo

Agreed about J_B iceman but not about this club - do remember that there are some here who are highly valued members who haven't 'been there and done that', except by proxy, e.g. Alice.   We don't want to suggest to any possible participant that caregivers aren't equally entitled to be here, now do we?

On top of the strain and stress by facing an unknown medical condition, having to deal with incompetent medical staff is the last thing you need right now.

Unfortunately, in my experience, the only answer is to confront them with their shortcomings to get them to focus and exercise a more professional approach to your case.

/G

Galrim said:

Sorry to hear you story JB

On top of the strain and stress by facing an unknown medical condition, having to deal with incompetent medical staff is the last thing you need right now.

Unfortunately, in my experience, the only answer is to confront them with their shortcomings to get them to focus and exercise a more professional approach to your case.

/G

Galrim,

you have hit the nail on the head.  I would document your complaints as well. Perhaps a  logbook.

Nothing like the perceived threat of malpractice to get people to pay a little more attention.

What can it hurt to demonstrate you are keeping records of their inefficiency!

That's my two cents worth anyway!

J_B said:

Thanks

Thanks everyone for the input. I wasn't sure if I was being overly sensitive to the situation or not.

As of yesterday afternoon my insurance company hadn't approved the CT scan yet. I'm suppose to call back later today to see if it's been approved, if not we'll have to cancel tomorrow mornings appointment.- Am thinking I may call the insurance company myself and explain that I have an appointment tomorrow and don't want to have to cancel it. (not that it will do any good but it it may help me feel like i am doing "something!" )    

 

 

 

Crossing finger, eyes and toes for you that they approve it!

The only good thing about Canadian health care is we don't have to wrangle with insurance companies.  Everything is approved once ordered... just takes so dam long.  I lived a few years in the US and it astounded me how complicated getting approvals were.

J_B said:

And now we wait.....

Have I mentioned that I am not a very patient person??

One week to the day after getting the news of a 4cm renal lesion....my CT Scan is now done...with only mild frustration.

They told me my appointment was 10 am but to be there at 9:15. so I was.

Finally at 10:00 -while still sitting in the waiting room I asked why they had me come in at 9:15. The lady said...your appointment is at 10. I said yes, but you told me to come at 9:15.

She said "ohhh I hope you were not suppose to drink the contrast at 9:15, I questioned it but then figured no". So as she's looking through script in her computer, she's like nope they don't want you to drink it so I'm not sure why you were told to come at 9:15! UGH.

Within 5 minutes they took me back and got me hooked up to the IV --it popped out once getting the sticky contrast all over my arm and sleeve, but at least I can say it is done now!

Now we wait.....over another weekend..... 

Let me share my quote for today with you all:

"Fear of the unknown is your worst enemy. Knowledge is power. 
Time to go get my power!!"

 

Happy Friday!
~Quote by ME!

Waiting, it seems, is always worse than the actual event... try keeping busy to the point of near exhaustion, time passes faster and your imagination doesn't get a chance to run wild...or plenty of alcohol works too

MDCinSC said:

Is it your turn to pour Gary?

I'll have my Lagavulin in the rocks!

J-B, while you're waiting, realize that worry amd anxiety can do nothing to help.  Believe me, I didn't take that advice myself. I wish I had because I spent days-weeks with my stomach in a knot.  It did not serve me any good, only anxiety and depression.  You've done all you can up to this point. Live your life until you hear, then deal with it.

Pax vobiscum

Michael

 

Got a date with my mom tonight anything more than a short beer gets me scolded...she's 85 and fiesty as ever...gotta love it!

J_B said:

And LOL Gary!  You'll just

And LOL Gary!  You'll just have to order them ahead and when you see the waitress coming over with one, get your mom to look the other way at something or hopefully she has to use the restroom! (or take her glasses off??)

 

The guy that was putting the needle in my arm for the scan was cutting up-quite the jokester, then asked why I was having it done, said he hadn't read my chart (he's just the helper)...I told him renal lesion blah blah blah....he says, "Yeah ultrasounds show all kinds of specs of dust....we'll take a look and get you taken care of" like- don't worry ultrasounds can be wrong.

When he came out he was a bit more serious .........but there i go probably reading into things  looking for signs of what they MIGHT have found/seen/confirmed.

UGH. Monday or Tuesday is a long way away for waiting for results. Maybe i should just drink all weekend! LOL

 

 

We had no idea. Im shocked by that revelation :-D

its going to be a long weekend, hopefully your worries will turn out to be unfounded, and all of this will be just a minor speedbump on the road of your life.

Some long walks, good company and a lot of deep breaths, to pass the time, is the best advise I can give.

/G

garym said:

Hafta wait on that too...

Got a date with my mom tonight anything more than a short beer gets me scolded...she's 85 and fiesty as ever...gotta love it!

Gary - How 'bout sending a live feed of your "date" for the rest of us? I'm sure it would be great entertainment. It heartens me to know someone can control you GARY! Enjoy and give mom our love.

alice124 said:

No slight

You’re kind for worrying Tex, but I assure you the  “no harm no foul” rule is in place for me. Can’t get rid of me that easily. . .

Thank goodness!

I'd have no one to discuss the Bromo Seltzer Tower or Lexington Market with!

Seriously, you've been gracious, helpful and kind to all I've seen you respond to.  Blessings!

Michael