Hi, I am new

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

Hi everyone, I am new and I have a lot of questions. I am 49...First let me tell you my past. By age 24 I had 2 c-sections and a complete hysterectomy. After that I had 5 complete bowel obstructions due to adhesions. Over the years I have had a lot of bowel problems and a lot of trouble having bowel movements. I have been on everything to get my bowels working. I was told I have diver and polyps. I had a huge polyp removed about 6 years ago but it was so large and deep they couldn't get all of it. They said I had cells in it that didn't belong but not cancer. Well for the past year I started seeing blood in my stools just once in a while, but I would have so much pain in my lower ab like I was being ripped opened. When I would have a bowel movement it would be running or skinny or mucus or bloody or hard. It would also feel like after my bowel movement like my colon was contracting like I was still going for about an hour after bowel movement. Well these past few months are worse, two weeks of constipation with blood inside of bowel movement or on the outside, to 1 week of runny bowels with blood. I would have these pains like I am ripping open inside with any movement. My stomach is so swollen. So this last month I was so constipated I tried everything to go and nothing worked, so I went to ER they said I was constipated (like I didn't know) and told me to drink bottle of magnesium sulfate, so I did. Within an hour of drinking it my stomach felt like it was being ripped open and only blood came out, looked like clots of tissue. Finally I drank milk of magnesium and it opened me up, but it felt like acid was poured into my colon and I was bleeding. My stomach is still swollen... I have no insurance and don't know what to do, I can not afford to see a doctor. I have not been able to work this controls my whole life, I never know when I will be doubled over in pain. I am so afraid I have cancer, oh and my glands under my arms are enlarged for about 5 months now. Really scared.
Pam09
P.S. Als I get this pain in my lower left ab that feels like I am brused deep inside last for a few days, then keeps coming back, feels like when you have surgery and that deep brused feeling.

star · Senior User Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 308 Location: Ohio

HI Pam

So sorry to hear about what you are going through, Pam you muct go to Drs this is so important for your health,,, do not think about the money as your life is so much more important and you need a colloscomy to determine whats going on. Please go to Drs NOW make an appoitment...as each day you put off it will get worse ...

Also what are your eating habits? sounds like you need more fibre in your diet, do you eat plenty of fruit and veg and drink lots of water, so important.. if you need any more help let us know and keep us informed..

God Bless You ....Rob

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

Thanks for the response.
I cannot have a lot of fiber I have narrow areas of my colon due to the surgeries, they tried fiber in the past and it won't go through me, I ended up in the hospital last time trying to open me up. Fiber swells in you and those parts of my colon are to narrow, It's like I'm in a no win situation. I believe this is what made my colon so unhealthy. I eat fruit and veggies but I must be careful.

And the money is an issue because I have not been able to work. I tried but I was always in such pain and it caused them to have to let me go. I have tried to see doctors but they turn me down for any help because I own a house and 2 cars with my boyfriend. I am getting a free mammogram, that's the most I was able to do. This is the first time I have been without medical insurance, I have always worked in the past and was able to have insurance. I feel like they might have botched my surgeries, they removed my Ilium it had twisted and formed a pouch. I don't believe this is a bowel obstruction again it is different. I have no energy; I don't sleep well my eyes always look sunk in with bags under them. I don't feel well, it's hard to describe.

I live in CA and I have been searching everywhere on the internet for help. One doctor said he could help me get on disability, but I want to go back to work, I hate sitting home. But with these problems I am having, it feels like my whole life is centered around this, like it is control everything I do. It's hard to even just run to a store; because it never fails I will double over in such pain.

I tried and went to ER last week and because I had no medical I feel like the doctor didn't want to do any test. He said your constipated are you sure you see blood and sent me home and told me to drink magnesium sulfate, if I have any bleeding to go to ER (funny I told him I am bleeding) That really hurt, because I know there is more going on, and I felt like he didn't care. Now I got a 2,500.00 dollar bill to pay just to be told I was constipated. When I go for my mammogram Tuesday I will talk with that doctor to see if they can do anything.

Thanks for taking the time to write to me, it sure has made me a lot happier to know someone cares. It's really scary dealing with this on your own not knowing what is going on. You know your body better than anyone else. Last time I had an obstruction, no one would believe me. I went to the ER in severe pain and they told me I was having a bleeding ulcer and gave me a shot of demurral and sent me home. That night I was curled up in a ball screaming in my sleep and my dad picked me up and took me back to ER. Well by the time we got there I was vomiting feces and they said I was inches from dying. Like I said you know your body. They almost killed me because they would not listen to me, I knew I was having a bowel obstruction I had already been threw four of them in the past.
Thank you again Star for your response.

topazil · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, I am new

Dear Pam,

I know it is scary and it is more scary because of the unknown and it will remain unknown until you can get the tests and Dr's.

What area of California do you live in? I will do some research (hey all I have is time to do research (in between the side effects LOL) to try and see what help you might be able to get.

Are there any free clinics around you? Again let me know what area you are in and I will do the research to help you.

I am on disability and I understand you want to go back to work BUT remember you paid into disability and if you need it USE it, you can always stop it and go back to work when you can.

hope to hear from you soon....................
_________________
Total hysterectomy July 23 2008, mass in colon.
Colonoscopy Aug 2008
Rigid Sigmoidoscopy with a laparoscopic-assisted partial colectemy with en bloc small bowel resection Sep 2008
Diagnosed: Stage IV Colon Cancer mets to lungs and liver. (T3,N2,M1,G2) KRAS Mutation
Started chemotherapy: 09/14/09 Folfox-6 with Avastin then Avastin alone.
Next treatment 03/22/10 Camptosar with Avastin every 2 weeks for 3 months then PET scan
Most recent CEA Level: 03/08/10 79.4 down from 240 on 03/01/10

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="topazil"]Dear Pam,

I know it is scary and it is more scary because of the unknown and it will remain unknown until you can get the tests and Dr's.

What area of California do you live in? I will do some research (hey all I have is time to do research (in between the side effects LOL) to try and see what help you might be able to get.

Are there any free clinics around you? Again let me know what area you are in and I will do the research to help you.

I am on disability and I understand you want to go back to work BUT remember you paid into disability and if you need it USE it, you can always stop it and go back to work when you can.

hope to hear from you soon....................[/quote]

Hi topazil, thanks for responding.

I live in Kern County, I wish it was LA County can get more help there. Thank you for wanting to help me, I really can use it. I am hoping it's not cancer, I don't know what cancer feels like. I just know everything I look up points to that direction. Do you have cancer? I do hope you are feeling better and wish you the best. Maybe disability is my answer to getting help, do you know how long it takes to get disablitly. I have been bleeding from my bowel for about a year now, but it was just once in a while, now it's almost everytime, so that scares the hell out of me. My low ab area is very tinder to the touch, like I am brused inside. Does it sound like I could have cancer, I am praying not, but I am not sure of all the symptoms. I am afraid because it's been a year since I first saw blood. The blood is either inside my stool or on the outside. Sometimes it's red or dark deep red color. Sometime's it looks like blood clots. I worry because they couldn't get all of my polyp out because it was so deep, and the doctor was puzzled because I had cells in it that didn't belong their, that belonged to other organs. Also they found a mass on my liver and my liver test was slightly elevated so the doctor decided to wait and watch my liver test to see if it changes, but I lost my insurance and never continued to see what it was.
Well I wish you the best, thanks for answering me.

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="star"]HI Pam

So sorry to hear about what you are going through, Pam you muct go to Drs this is so important for your health,,, do not think about the money as your life is so much more important and you need a colloscomy to determine whats going on. Please go to Drs NOW make an appoitment...as each day you put off it will get worse ...

Also what are your eating habits? sounds like you need more fibre in your diet, do you eat plenty of fruit and veg and drink lots of water, so important.. if you need any more help let us know and keep us informed..

God Bless You ....Rob[/quote]

Hi this is Pam09,

I was reading through the post and read your post, I am so sorry to hear about Barb, so sorry for your loss. God has a special place for both of you, for all of Barb's help to others, and for you continuing to help others after your ordeal. My prayers are with you, your a special person.

God Bless You.... Pam09

topazil · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:39 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, I am new

CalWORKs Programs (provided by Human Services)
661-631-6000
CalWORKs is a program that gives cash aid and services to eligible families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by the Kern County Human Services Department. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.

Kern Medical Center
661-326-2000
Kern Medical Center (KMC) is a 222-bed acute care hospital offering comprehensive emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and ancillary medical services. KMC also operates seven graduate medical education programs affiliated with the University of California Schools of Medicine at Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego. KMC provides services to patients with private insurance or other private payment means, patients with Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage, underinsured and uninsured patients, and inmates of County institutions and juvenile facilities.

The Care-A-Van is a mobile medical clinic that delivers health services to the uninsured and impoverished working families of the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County. This joint venture of Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse Community Services with support from United Way, California Community Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and other private charitable organizations annually ensures access to medical care for thousands of children and adults who would not otherwise have it.
In America today, more than 40 million people lack health insurance (equating to about 15 percent of the population), and four out of five of the uninsured are hard-working families with children. In the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County, many such families live in poverty and without access to medical care, and without resources to pay for care.
The Care-A-Van, under the sponsorship of Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse Community Services, is a mobile health clinic serving Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County residents who live below 200 percent of the federally determined poverty level – $18,000 a year for a family of four. Since its start, it has served more than 15,000 people. Without this traveling medical facility, 3,000 children and adults in the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County would not have access to basic health care – basic care that keeps healthy children in school, and allows adults to work to support their families.
661.942.9715

2-1-1 Kern County, a program of Community Action Partnership of Kern (the Partnership) will provide comprehensive Information and Referral services that links Kern County residents to community health and human services and support. The Partnership has been designated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the 2-1-1 provider for Kern County. Services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the 750,000 residents in the county. Callers seeking assistance dial 2-1-1 and are connected with Information and Referral Specialists

California Disability filing (State disability) If you have worked in the state of california file for this first. (Dr's statement will be needed)
http://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/DI_How_to_File_a_Claim.htm

Social security disability, file for this right after you file for state disability, even before you get an answer from the state. Again a Dr's statement will be needed.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

That's what I have found for now, will post more later as am able to find things to help.

((((((((((((((hugs)
_________________
Total hysterectomy July 23 2008, mass in colon.
Colonoscopy Aug 2008
Rigid Sigmoidoscopy with a laparoscopic-assisted partial colectemy with en bloc small bowel resection Sep 2008
Diagnosed: Stage IV Colon Cancer mets to lungs and liver. (T3,N2,M1,G2) KRAS Mutation
Started chemotherapy: 09/14/09 Folfox-6 with Avastin then Avastin alone.
Next treatment 03/22/10 Camptosar with Avastin every 2 weeks for 3 months then PET scan
Most recent CEA Level: 03/08/10 79.4 down from 240 on 03/01/10

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="topazil"]CalWORKs Programs (provided by Human Services)
661-631-6000
CalWORKs is a program that gives cash aid and services to eligible families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by the Kern County Human Services Department. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.

Kern Medical Center
661-326-2000
Kern Medical Center (KMC) is a 222-bed acute care hospital offering comprehensive emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and ancillary medical services. KMC also operates seven graduate medical education programs affiliated with the University of California Schools of Medicine at Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego. KMC provides services to patients with private insurance or other private payment means, patients with Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage, underinsured and uninsured patients, and inmates of County institutions and juvenile facilities.

The Care-A-Van is a mobile medical clinic that delivers health services to the uninsured and impoverished working families of the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County. This joint venture of Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse Community Services with support from United Way, California Community Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and other private charitable organizations annually ensures access to medical care for thousands of children and adults who would not otherwise have it.
In America today, more than 40 million people lack health insurance (equating to about 15 percent of the population), and four out of five of the uninsured are hard-working families with children. In the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County, many such families live in poverty and without access to medical care, and without resources to pay for care.
The Care-A-Van, under the sponsorship of Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse Community Services, is a mobile health clinic serving Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County residents who live below 200 percent of the federally determined poverty level – $18,000 a year for a family of four. Since its start, it has served more than 15,000 people. Without this traveling medical facility, 3,000 children and adults in the Antelope Valley and Eastern Kern County would not have access to basic health care – basic care that keeps healthy children in school, and allows adults to work to support their families.
661.942.9715

2-1-1 Kern County, a program of Community Action Partnership of Kern (the Partnership) will provide comprehensive Information and Referral services that links Kern County residents to community health and human services and support. The Partnership has been designated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the 2-1-1 provider for Kern County. Services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the 750,000 residents in the county. Callers seeking assistance dial 2-1-1 and are connected with Information and Referral Specialists

California Disability filing (State disability) If you have worked in the state of california file for this first. (Dr's statement will be needed)
http://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/DI_How_to_File_a_Claim.htm

Social security disability, file for this right after you file for state disability, even before you get an answer from the state. Again a Dr's statement will be needed.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

That's what I have found for now, will post more later as am able to find things to help.

((((((((((((((hugs)[/quote]

Thank you so much, I will check these out. I did try the kern medical center, they turned me down because I own a house and two cars is what they told me. You can't own anything, or they can not help. They told me I would have to pay 9,000.00 a year. We have had so many problems since we bought this house. They messed up on our taxes when we financed and 2 years later told us and we are having to pay all this money back on back taxes to our mortgage company for there mistake. We fought it for about a year and almost lost our house. So my boyfriend is strapped for money just making enough to pay for this place and the bills. We are having to pay 350.00 more a month then what we had signed into for this house. We have another year to pay on this before things get better. We couldn't afford a lawyer for the mistake they did. And we didn't catch it at the signing of the loan. They had put our taxes at 220.00 a year when they should of been 2223.00 a year. Our taxes are taken out of our monthly payment so we didn't catch it and they took 2 years to tell us. But because my boyfriends income is not poverty I am having trouble finding any kind of help. There is no common law in CA but they treat you as if there is. I have paid for insurance all these years and had great doctors, but now I have none they don't want to even talk to you. Sorry to say but I have never met so many arragant, smart mouthed rude doctors in my life. You are treated different when you do not have insurance.

Again thank you so much for your help and I will check into this. I need help soon, so worried I might have cancer.

Thanks Pam09

topazil · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, I am new

Here's a bit of advice, now it may sound shady to some but the beating we take on health care makes some people have to do so, IF this does not go against your principles:

Who needs to know you have a boyfriend? Who needs to know you and your boyfriend live together? I live with my boyfriend and i do contribute to the rent with my disability and buy groceries every other grocery shopping time, I don't have any property and no vehicles. Even if you have a vehicle is it under your name or your boyfriends? If your boyfriends then it is not YOUR asset, is the house under your name, his name or both names? If it's under his name same thing it is NOT your asset.

Since you talked about the financial problems with the house I am assuming that the house is under both your names so don't know how that will work but seriously, when you go say into a free clinic and fill out the forms, who says you can't say you live alone, pay all the bills, have one vehicle needed to get to the Dr. etc. I am usually a very honest person but there are times when you will get no help anywhere unless you can learn to not break the rules but bend them if only for that one time to get your immediate help it sounds like you need.

A P.S. IF you go to a clinic or the ER again do NOT let them bully you, if you have to exagerate the symptoms (although from what you are saying you shouldn't have to and if they treat you other than you think is the way you should be treated, ask to talk to their superior, then their superior, etc, etc. Do NOT let them dismiss you so easily, this is your health and MAY be your life.

((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))

As I said, will check more later as I can
_________________
Total hysterectomy July 23 2008, mass in colon.
Colonoscopy Aug 2008
Rigid Sigmoidoscopy with a laparoscopic-assisted partial colectemy with en bloc small bowel resection Sep 2008
Diagnosed: Stage IV Colon Cancer mets to lungs and liver. (T3,N2,M1,G2) KRAS Mutation
Started chemotherapy: 09/14/09 Folfox-6 with Avastin then Avastin alone.
Next treatment 03/22/10 Camptosar with Avastin every 2 weeks for 3 months then PET scan
Most recent CEA Level: 03/08/10 79.4 down from 240 on 03/01/10

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="topazil"]Here's a bit of advice, now it may sound shady to some but the beating we take on health care makes some people have to do so, IF this does not go against your principles:

Who needs to know you have a boyfriend? Who needs to know you and your boyfriend live together? I live with my boyfriend and i do contribute to the rent with my disability and buy groceries every other grocery shopping time, I don't have any property and no vehicles. Even if you have a vehicle is it under your name or your boyfriends? If your boyfriends then it is not YOUR asset, is the house under your name, his name or both names? If it's under his name same thing it is NOT your asset.

Since you talked about the financial problems with the house I am assuming that the house is under both your names so don't know how that will work but seriously, when you go say into a free clinic and fill out the forms, who says you can't say you live alone, pay all the bills, have one vehicle needed to get to the Dr. etc. I am usually a very honest person but there are times when you will get no help anywhere unless you can learn to not break the rules but bend them if only for that one time to get your immediate help it sounds like you need.

A P.S. IF you go to a clinic or the ER again do NOT let them bully you, if you have to exagerate the symptoms (although from what you are saying you shouldn't have to and if they treat you other than you think is the way you should be treated, ask to talk to their superior, then their superior, etc, etc. Do NOT let them dismiss you so easily, this is your health and MAY be your life.

((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))

As I said, will check more later as I can[/quote]

Hi, I have thought of that many times, the house, my name is on title only not the loan. As for the cars the one car is paid for and in my name only have had for 10 years, the other car is in both our names we have a loan on it. If I was to say I live alone how do I explain how I am supporting myself with no job. Well with getting disability sounds like it takes some time and is hard to get. I feel like I need test done now not a year from now. I will check into some of these places. If I say I live with my boyfriend and I don't tell them about the house how can they check it out. Do they really check everything out. Just because I own a house doesn't mean I can afford medical, so I don't understand there logic. I am fighting that bill from ER visit because I feel like they didn't take me serious even when the doctor pressed on my lower abs it was very painfull and he saw my face, he knew it hurt very bad. He also new my history from previous surgerys and didn't care. He told me you don't get constipated if you have cancer. So I do not have cancer is what he told me. I am so glad he can tell by pressing on my stomach. I should of went back after drinking the magnesium sulfate and only blood came out, but I was so mad, I broke down. I have 2 grown boys and a three year old grandson, I have so much to still live for, so I will fight to get these test, but I don't want to put my boyfriend and family in finacial ruin. I am finding out our system sucks for so many people, you don't get to choose your path, who chooses to be ill. Our government should be there to help the people that get sick and can not afford the help they need.

I really appreciate all your help,

Thanks so much Pam09

P.S. I hope you are feeling well, all my wishes go out to you.

topazil · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, I am new

Real quick as I am nodding out here from fatique:

How are you "supporting" yourself? Simple your not, you go to churches for free food and have friends who help as they can but your utilities, car payment etc are way behind and no they do not check all these things.

Disablity? Took me two weeks from sending in the Dr. signed and other forms to getting my first check. I am told this is an unusual case as it can take awhile.

Personally in your shoes and in your pain I would have my boyfriend drive me to the ER, explain ALL your symptoms in graphic detail, get admitted, and then have them run every test in the book and find out what the hell is going on NOW before whatever is going on makes you fall over dead one day let alone doubled over in pain each day.

The bill, Pay $5 a month, sounds like your credit isn't so good right now so how much worse can they make it and they DON'T have debitors prison anymore. Would you rather get rid of the pain and know what is going on or be in pain and not know?

As I said tomorrow I will try to find more resources but for now YOU call 211 and ask for any references and help you can get, they can give you a lot of places names and numbers, they are staffed 24/7 (24 hours a day seven days a week)

Thank you for your concern, the side effects from the second chemo session have subsided and Monday I go for the 3rd session. With me, it's pretty much let's stave off the end for as long as we can as there is no cure and surgery is not an option so I do chemo till it either I can't take the side effects (which so far have been actually quite mild) anymore, no chemo works or I just give up. Considering I started out with the mindset of not doing anything and just going when I go, well even this is progress (grins)

Have a wonderful night and you are in my prayers and thoughts
_________________
Total hysterectomy July 23 2008, mass in colon.
Colonoscopy Aug 2008
Rigid Sigmoidoscopy with a laparoscopic-assisted partial colectemy with en bloc small bowel resection Sep 2008
Diagnosed: Stage IV Colon Cancer mets to lungs and liver. (T3,N2,M1,G2) KRAS Mutation
Started chemotherapy: 09/14/09 Folfox-6 with Avastin then Avastin alone.
Next treatment 03/22/10 Camptosar with Avastin every 2 weeks for 3 months then PET scan
Most recent CEA Level: 03/08/10 79.4 down from 240 on 03/01/10

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="topazil"]Real quick as I am nodding out here from fatique:

How are you "supporting" yourself? Simple your not, you go to churches for free food and have friends who help as they can but your utilities, car payment etc are way behind and no they do not check all these things.

Disablity? Took me two weeks from sending in the Dr. signed and other forms to getting my first check. I am told this is an unusual case as it can take awhile.

Personally in your shoes and in your pain I would have my boyfriend drive me to the ER, explain ALL your symptoms in graphic detail, get admitted, and then have them run every test in the book and find out what the hell is going on NOW before whatever is going on makes you fall over dead one day let alone doubled over in pain each day.

The bill, Pay $5 a month, sounds like your credit isn't so good right now so how much worse can they make it and they DON'T have debitors prison anymore. Would you rather get rid of the pain and know what is going on or be in pain and not know?

As I said tomorrow I will try to find more resources but for now YOU call 211 and ask for any references and help you can get, they can give you a lot of places names and numbers, they are staffed 24/7 (24 hours a day seven days a week)

Thank you for your concern, the side effects from the second chemo session have subsided and Monday I go for the 3rd session. With me, it's pretty much let's stave off the end for as long as we can as there is no cure and surgery is not an option so I do chemo till it either I can't take the side effects (which so far have been actually quite mild) anymore, no chemo works or I just give up. Considering I started out with the mindset of not doing anything and just going when I go, well even this is progress (grins)

Have a wonderful night and you are in my prayers and thoughts[/quote]

Hi Topazil,

I have a question, my stomach stays so swelled all the time it doesn't match the rest of my body. When I lay on my stomach it feels like I have a ball in there I am lying on. When I eat just a few bits of something it feels like I ate a 10 course meal. My stomach starts hurting and it takes hours for it to feel better. It feels like it takes hours for my food to pass out of my stomach. Do you have that problem? Does your stomach stay swelled? I can only eat a little bit of food at a time, I am beginning to hate food because of this. My stomach looks like I have a watermelon in it. It feels like my organs are going to rupture because it feels like it's so tight all the time. I know this isn't normal but what is causing it.

Well I hope you are doing good and I hope you have a nice weekend.
Pam09
P.S. What state do you live in

REB · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Hi, I am new

Pam, I wonder if you have a blockage somewhere?

Right now, you need to make your health you number one priority. Don't worry about work- you can't work if you are not healthy. Don't worry about medical bills. You need to find out what is wrong and work on fixing it. I think topazil has the best idea. Go to the ER. Here in Texas, you can't be turned away from the ER. I think it is that way in all the other states.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor & Temporary Colostomy
11-07-07 - 04-09-08 FOLFOX regimen and Avastin.
04-28-08 Colostomy Reversal
06-02-09 3 Tumors in the adipose tissue.
06-23-09 Start FOLFIRI and ERBITUX chemo.
10-26-09 Tumors gone.
11-25-09 Finish FOLFIRI, continue ERBITUX
01-27-10 Tumors in Liver and Adrenal Gland
01-28-10 start FOLFIRI and ERBITUX chemo.
Age Diagnosed 40. Current Age:43

blessed1 · Regular Joined: 10 May 2009 Posts: 24 Location: California

I went to the ER since I didnt have insurance. After 6 hours, tests and suiting up in a gown, a doctor finally saw me. He had looked at my blood test results and said that there was nothing the hospital could do for me and refered me to an indigent program at the county hospital. They also charged me. The doctor wanted about $300 and the hospital wanted about $600. The hospital didnt charge me after I made a phone call, but the doctor would not reduce his bill by more than 10%. I was honest with them and told them I had no insurance. I wish they would have just told me up front to go somewhere else.
_________________
50 year old male
Oct 2008 diagnosed w/Low Rectal Cancer
Stage 3
Mar.19 2009 AP Resection
Oct. 23 2009 finished post op chemo (Xeloda)

pam09 · Regular Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

[quote="blessed1"]I went to the ER since I didnt have insurance. After 6 hours, tests and suiting up in a gown, a doctor finally saw me. He had looked at my blood test results and said that there was nothing the hospital could do for me and refered me to an indigent program at the county hospital. They also charged me. The doctor wanted about $300 and the hospital wanted about $600. The hospital didnt charge me after I made a phone call, but the doctor would not reduce his bill by more than 10%. I was honest with them and told them I had no insurance. I wish they would have just told me up front to go somewhere else.[/quote]

Hi Blessed1, I am so sorry to hear that, what were your symptoms. I tried the ER and they did nothing for me, just an xray and said I was not having a bowel obstruction because of my past history. They did not check for anything else to see why I am bleeding or in pain. I ended up with a 2500.00 bill. I also told them I had no insurance and that is why I felt they wouldn't do any other test. What test did they do on you? I don't know what test other then a colonoscopy is what I need. I am finding out that if you have no insurance they don't want to help you. I hope everything works out for you, I wish you the best.

Pam09

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