I really cannot believe I actually had it happen again. I was referred
to a prominent doctor/surgeon by my GI and waited weeks to see him. Upon
my initial office visit he immediately admitted me into Temple
University Hospital and stated he could help me and sees people with
adhesions all the time. He proceeded to repeat all of the GI tests(?) I
have had recently. I told them I had all of them last week but they
said they wanted to do them again. They also took me to the short
procedure unit and inserted a central line.
I really thought I was on the right track with this one. Well, after
seven days by myself in a hospital where I know no one and my family
cannot visit me due to the distance, the "prominent" doc, whom I hadn't
seen since my admission, arrives to tell me that he is not going to do
anything further for me. He isn't going to do surgery or ANYTHING!
At first I was in shock, then I just cried and asked why??
He knew what my problem was going into this. He simply stated "YOUR
CONDITION IS NOT LIFE THREATENING" and I asked what about my quality of
life? He said" YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS NOT MY CONCERN" He then, get
this, put out his hand like I would shake it. That's it, discharged.
Pain management will see you before you go. Which they did-duragesic
patch and some drug they use for parkinsons disease. I don't want to
deal with pain docs anymore, I don't want the pain anymore, I can't take
the pain anymore!!!Why, why, why won't anyone listen. So now I sit here
at home, haven't stopped crying, in the middle of limbo. Why was my
time wasted? This did it, I am done. I have lost jobs and precious time
with my child. My marriage is barely there anymore. No one believes me
about adhesion pain or even thier ability to cause such pain. I don't
know where else to turn, I am truly tired. I was forced, not by my
choice, to leave school for a semester on a academic leave due to
medical condition. I truly now have nothing. Oh yeah, I tried the
"patch" I heard it really helped some people, I woke up at three oclock
with hives all over me and I was having a hard time breathing. Of
course, I am allergic to the adhesive. One more strike against me. I
know we are all supposed to be strong and supportive, and god knows I
have tried to help people in my own way, but maybe now everyone will
truly understand my bitterness towards the medical community and docs
who don't understand adhesions and their sufferers. I am sure R&R will
love to hear that I was shot down so severely by another doc. Hey, this
one took my insurance but wouldn't help me. Then there are some who
will help me, but won't take my insurance and want cash up front. Ugly
cycle here, and in the mean time I am truly afraid for myself.
Regina T.