[h0kie]

I give up. Bare with me as I get to my point.

I have been having..."girl problems" for 7 weeks now (well, the same girl problem, just escalating).

I've never been to the ob/gyn because it scares me. (Please don't lecture me...I know.) So I have carefully avoided going there since I was 18 (I am 24 now). But hubby kept pushing me to go...and he's right (shhhh don't tell him).

So June 20th I went to Planned Parenthood. (Yay me!) They wouldn't do an exam since I was still...having "girl problems" . But they handed me three months worth of birth control pills and said, "See! I bet you didn't think you could get birth control without an exam!" Yeah. Yipee.

So I faithfully started taking my medication. It made me sick. Like clockwork, 30 minutes after I take it, I run for the bathroom. Then I spend the rest of the night feeling queasy. So after 2.5 weeks, I stopped them. The problem hadn't gone away (in fact it had gotten worse) and I was sick of being sick. The night before the 4th of July, I let my mom and hubby talk me into going to the ER.

After taking blood and a drive-by pelvic (that's what I've decided to call the minute - and I timed it - that the doc was in the room) they told me to get an appointment with an ob/gyn in 4 days because there was nothing they could do. They didn't see a problem.

I called the ob/gyn and they said their first available appointment was July 18 (2 weeks later!), After some wheedling, they agreed to *try* and squeeze me in on the 14th.

Then Friday it got worse. I put up with it for 2 days, hoping and praying it would go away. So last night I decided I should follow my last ER's post-care instructions of coming back if it got worse.

We finally left after 2 hours without being seen because I was sick of the nurse's looks and the whispers. Add to that the fact that the triage nurse told me that I had to go to my Thursday appointment. DUH! (she ASSUMED I had been canceling them). THEN she proceeded to tell me that I need to get seen because they couldn't (and I quote) "keep putting out fires". I'M TRYING!

What am I doing wrong?!

It takes so much for me to ask for help and now, when I do...I am reprimanded, chastised, and talked to condescendingly.

I just want this fixed. I'm scared. I'm worried and I'm sick and tired of it all.

I called the doctor's office to see if I could possibly be squeezed in sooner and they said Thursday was the soonest. But if things got worse to go back to the ER.... Yeah. Right.

When I feel better I hope I can convince myself to write a strongly worded letter to the hospital.

I think tonight I will try starting the pills again. Sick is better than this.

I am off to spend the afternoon in the bathtub....it's about the only thing I can do right now. Forward my mail to the bathtub. Thanks for reading...I know it took me forever to get to the point. Take care.

[mrb020377]

I won't lecture you cause I know that OB/GYN appointments are scary. You have taken steps to find out what is wrong and that is what matters.... it isnt your fault that they cant get you in any sooner.
I hope all is ok. thinking of ya

the behavior in ER is inexcusable. i'm sorry that you were treated so badly. you should be seen by the doctor that i used to work with. he's divine. so calm and talks you through everything. and doesn't rush in and rush out. no drive in pelvics. please go to the doc on Thursday.......xoxox pat

[(JD)]

Whew I'm sorry too, that you were treating so inconsiderately. They sound very insensitive. Sounds like the clinic attitude hasn't changed in 30 years! Make sure you do see the doc on Thursday... no matter what... try meditation, breathing, drugs! whatever... and take a list of what you want the doc to know, let him/her read it if you can't! Maybe you need an ultrasound to view if there is a bigger problem than just being "female"' like those at the clinic seem to be treating you like. sheesh. Fibroids are common, and can cause significant problems.... the fix is easier than it used to be though. TC

[h0kie]

mrb ~ Thanks In my mind, I know I am doing the right thing, but it's hard when people keep treating me like I am "bothering" them.

fayerody ~ I was appalled too. I spend a lot of time defending that hospital when people call it awful. Now I am apt to agree with them. It's one of the 99 best places to work in Ohio...but, for me, its not very comforting to go to anymore.

Sky ~ I have been lucky enough to not have been treated badly. I guess it's because I'm young and haven't had enough experience with people. Sad really. I am working on a list - great idea, since I will be eager to get the whole thing overwith. My mother mentioned that things are probably even worse because I am so upset...yeah, that is probably true.

(((((mrb))))) (((((fayerody))))) (((((Sky)))))
Thanks so much for your support.

Back to composing nasty letters to the hospital in my mind.

[Perzephone]

Dearest Day,

I know what you're going thru - it's like, after millenia of applied science, medical professionals still don't know how women's bodies work... I've been on the pill for 18 years now, luckily side-effect free. There are alternatives to it - maybe, if the pill is too hard on your digestive system, you could try the patch.

You might also want to see if there are any TCM (traditional Chinese medicine)or wholistic herbal doctors in your area - if you've got insurance, some might even be covered by it as GP's. TCM focuses more on the whole body, not just getting rid of symptoms. Sometimes, there are herbs that may provide you w/a hormonal balance that is gentler than the pill... but may provide more relief because you can tolerate it.

[h0kie]

Thanks for the great ideas. I am writing them down to ask the doc when I see her on Thursday. I decided to start taking that pill again today as being sick is better than what I am currently dealing with. So far...no side effects AND I am feeling better. A hesitant yay? I think so.

No insurance, currently. Hoping that will change someday.

[SweetSunshine]

Pat ,
She has to go to mine first ! NANANANAANANANA LOL. JK! Sounds like we got similar docs. Truely wonderful.

Beth

[h0kie]

Uh...just for the record, there is no way I am going to 3 doctors!? lol One is more than enough. Two more days....and counting. Terrible cramps today...not even Advil helps.

This had better not ruin my trip next week (aren't you glad to see my priorities are straight...lol).

Thanks everyone.

[Dolfin]

1Day,

Have you tried taking your BCP with some toast? It may be if you're taking it on an empty stomach is what is making you sick. I know when I first started the pill, I was getting ill because I was taking it on an empty stomach.

Everyone else has offered some great advice, and I think you should definitely make a list of all your symptoms so your doc can be as thorough as possible to get to the bottom of the problem. Make sure you take the birth control with you - it may be too strong of a hormone for you, which is causing you to be sick.

Try a warm compress on your tummy to ease the cramps. I have endometriosis and that's how I spend the first couple of days of my 'girly time' to tame them.

Sending well wishes your way!

(((((1dayatatime2)))))

Dolfin

[h0kie]

Thanks for the idea Dolfin. I will try that tonight. I will definitely stick my pills in my purse since often I forget what the heck they're called.

My appointment is tomorrow. I'm terrified, yet strangely looking forward to it. Maybe this will finally be over.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes.

[jmo531]

(((((((((((((((Erin)))))))))))))

Hang in there hun. Please keep us posted. Thinking of you.

[h0kie]

Yay, yay, yay, I love my new doctor! She's wonderful! A cute little Indian woman...can't be more than 30.

I have to go get some blood tests done , but I was expecting that. I also have to get an ultrasound. Then I need to go back in a month for a full exam and test results.

So...I'm fine, but defective ( ). She thinks it could be Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which can, left untreated, become cancerous. However, it's not getting left untreated. lol Right now she has me taking 1 birth control pill every 6 hours for a week. (I've already started it and its leaving me a little queasy...but I'm coping). Then back to normal (one a day) for 3 weeks. Hopefully, this will get things back on course.

Thanks so much for all your support!

[Perzephone]

Glad you hit it off w/the new doc & I'll keep my fingers crossed for your good health!

[wisewoman]

I know you are going to take care of your health problems so let me say this to you. Call the cheif of the emergency Department where you went and give him/her the story and the name of the nurse if you can. You were poorly treated and the only way that gets changed for the rest of us humans' "assuming those nurses are not human", is to speak up about the embarrassment and shame and ridicule. My nostrils are blowing fire for you. Get to a good doc whom you can trust and go from there. A doc you get along with is most of the battle.

[h0kie]

My week of being on a super high dose of hormones was wonderful. I took my pill and 2 Advil every 6 hours and I felt like I was "normal" again. Besides getting a little moony over the hubby, I was good. lol

Had the ultrasound and blood work done. Doc should get the results today sometime. I've been back to one pill a day now for over a week and each day is worse. All the old problems are back.

I finally broke down and called the doctor's office last Friday (only took me 2 days after the techs who took my blood told me to call her "sometime" regarding my glucose resistance test - they didn't finish it because my blood sugar was already "a little high"). Then I spent the rest of the day talking myself out of a breakdown when the recptionist told me the doctor wasn't in on Fridays. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Another weekend wasted.

So I called the doc's office this morning. Receptionist said she would pull my chart and have the nurse give me a call back. That was at 9:30. I know they're busy...and I'm sure they will give me a call back, but the waiting is miserable. Having a popular doctor stinks sometimes. I don't want to be obnoxious but this is getting ridiculous. I don't even want to think about how I will make it to the 25th...or what it will be like for the "placebo" week.

I want to go outside! I want to go with hubby to sign his contract for his new asst. coaching position tomorrow! I want to walk out and play with my dog. All I can do is lay in bed or the bathtub and watch the minutes tick by.

It's my own darn fault this is happening. I understand that and am trying to change what I can control. Not seeing an end in sight.

I'm tired. I'm sick, and most of all, I am scared. I keep playing out worst case scenarios in my head. (I always say, prepare for the worst, hope for the best) When I am not worrying about that, I worry about where the money is going to come from to "fix" me. (I like to shake things up a little...vary my routine...lol)

Probably not the best week to start my diet. lol

[Mahali]

1day,

Did the doc call?? I don't have any great advice but wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.

Take care.

place

[h0kie]

Thanks place. ((((((((place)))))))))

Yes, the office returned my call at 4:15 (I'm thinking when the office closed). The nurse said that I should start taking 2 pills a day, then if that doesn't work, go back to 1 pill every six hours for another week.

As for the bloodwork issue, I need to see my family physician. I didn't waste time telling her I don't have one. I can't afford to be diabetic. Soooooo depressing.

Thanks for caring place. You're a peach.

[Mahali]

(((((( 1day ))))))

I'm glad the doc called back. I know sometimes my doc calls when she is done because she sees pts. back to back and runs late all day. Sounds like they are still working on things.

As for the cost...do you know for sure that you are diabetic? Can it be controlled with diet ( 4 letter word sorry ) ? I don't know anything about it except I do know there are programs that allow free or reduced cost for medication. I don't know if that applies to testing supplies but I would sure be contacting the companies to find out.

Could the one issue be affecting the blood sugar levels?

ok I have many more questions than answers sorry. Just know that I am wondering and hoping for the best for you.

Thanks I like peaches.

Take care.

place

[bebop]

maybe if the pills every 6 hrs help so much maybe it is just a huge hormone imbalance! good luck and best wishes. I hated my female issues! thank goodness I don't have those anymore!!

[h0kie]

I was thinking that too. No one seems to be in a big hurry to get me "fixed". What I am experiencing cannot be normal...but no one seems concerned expect me (and my loved ones). Maybe I am just overreacting.

I just have no idea what to do. Gonna try and hang on until the 25th. Boy does that seem like a long ways off. Thanks for caring.

[Gemstone]

((((((1day))))))))

[h0kie]

Thanks Gem. ((((((((((Gem))))))))))

[h0kie]

Have to call the doc on Monday. Back to 4 pills a day and I am feeling good. Just in time for the bills to roll in.

$500+ dollars in blood work
$750 dollars for ultrasounds
$350 for ER visit where I was treated badly
$212 for the doc who preformed the drive-by pelvic
$218 in Radiology fees for ultrasound

Several of these will hopefully be taken care of by the hospital patient program. But some will not. Honestly, the only one that really upsets me is the radiology fee. At the bottom of the bill it states "Payment in full is expected in 30 days". Yeah. Right.

Ugh. It never ends.

[vanna123]

I am really sorry to hear about all you are going thru.
In New York when you have medical bills that pile up like yours are you become eligible for medicaid if you don't have insurance. maybe you can apply and see what happens.
Good Luck I will be praying for you. Take Care.