If you’re been following my Twitter stream, you’re probably aware that I’ve been in pain for the past week. So far I’ve been told it’s my gallbladder. I know that it’s NOT gallstones (thankfully), but I don’t know anything more than that the fact that it still huuuurts. Now, to top this very stressful week off, I’m playing one way telephone tag with Vanderbilt.
I’ve had many tests done. They have shown that I thankfully don’t have gallstones. But there is something “abnormal” that showed up on my gallbladder. As to what that abnormal thing is, I have no idea. My doctor hasn’t said anything more to me. My doctor said that she was going to refer me to a gastrointestinal specialist. That was Thursday morning.
Thursday afternoon comes along, and I haven’t heard anything from the specialist’s office. Not even to set up an appointment, nothing. We call my doctor, and she calls the specialists office again and leaves another message.
It’s now Friday mid-morning, and I STILL haven’t received a phone call from the specialist. After numerous calls to my primary doctor, I finally get the direct line to the specialist office. At this point, I’m pissed. I’m in pain, I’m worried, and I’m not getting any answers. I get a nurse on the phone, and she admits that the specialist I was trying to get in touch with is OUT OF TOWN. Oh boy… You don’t want me to repeat what went through my head at that point.
They hadn’t told my primary doctor that this specialist is out of town either. At this point, my primary doctor had to go out of town for a family thing. She was under the impression that specialist’s office was going to set up an appointment, etc. and I would be getting treated on THURSDAY. That’s obviously not the case.
I’m writing this Friday night about 9PM. And I still have yet to hear anything. The last nurse I talked to about 5:30 said I probably won’t hear anything until Monday. Not Acceptable.
My question is this: Why with all of the HUNDREDS of doctors at Vanderbilt didn’t someone look at my file? I know there has to be more than ONE gastrointestinal specialist that works at that hospital. Also, they failed to mention that the doctor we were expecting to get back to me very soon, just happened to be out of town. This just seems so incredibly messed up. Honestly. I’ve always received amazing care at Vanderbilt in the past. This isn’t something I would expect from this group of talented doctors and staff.
Sigh. I’m just exhausted and want some answers. If you got through all of that, thanks for reading. Hugs.
Posted on May 17th, 2008 by Lizzie
Filed under: Personal/Health
Hey, it’s probably no biggie. I had stones that were more like sand, which was harder to figure out on the ultrasound. Once they took it out, it was not an issue. It was a good thang.
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Thinking of you, dear. *hugs*
Heather (@cantalyssa on twitter) had problems with her gall bladder that nobody could diagnose. Finally, they ended up removing it and she has been feeling SO much better.
I hate it when doctor’s give you the run around. I hope that you will get answers soon and be feeling better as well.
They should be ordering a Hidascan test for you. I was in unspeakable pain (worse than giving birth to 2 babies drug free) and had the test. It showed I had only 5% functionability, so buh-bye to g.b. When they took it out, the doc found something unusual in me, too. It was a new organ that was removed and sent for testing. Long story short, it was a part of my body that had come loose and settled on top of my liver. Because it was “me” the body didn’t reject it… I felt like such a freak. But it’s gone now, g.b. is gone, and I’m all better. You’ll be fine too. My thoughts are with you.
Awww, so sorry to hear about that, Lizzie!! I hope you’ll get better soon. Update please when you know what’s wrong exactly. I’ll be thinking of you!