Doctors:

What the fuck. I had two doctors appointments today. Two. One 10 minutes away from work, and another a little over an hour away. I had to leave work for both. Unexcused time. If I rack up so much of that, I lose my job. Both appointments today were just: "So what's up? My kidneys hurt sometimes, and when they hurt I get really lightheaded and weak and lose all my energry." "No, I think you're here about colitis." "My colitis went away two weeks ago. It was something I ate, and a lot of other people I saw about it agree." "No, we need to milk your health insurance some more."

I have a birth defect that caused me to grow an extra part of a kidney. It's filling up with excrement (The doctor used medical terms to call it an exploding balloon of piss. Delicious.) and is going to explode at some point. It's been fine for 21 years, but it's starting to cause problems. That's bad for business. I have to have surgery to cut that off so I wont get really really sick or die, but nobody seems to care about fixing the problem. Only milking insurance. I've had 5 appointments since leaving the hospital on the 11th. They didn't really do anything in any of them. Just "Hey Tyler." "Hey." "Okay, your next appointment is XX/XX/XX at 8." They found out at the beginning of the month and I still have literally no idea when the surgery is. Any way I can talk sense into these guys? "Hey. Shut up and cut me open" might work? I dunno.

So: If anyone has a knife and some chloroform, I'll give you $20 and a pack of PBR to cut that bitch out of there. Supply your own zip ties. My kitchen table is clean-ish, so we can use that.

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Something about something....dirt.

Tyler, went thru the same shit for years only it was mostly out of my pocket and that got empty real fast..

I filled in the same shit everywhere i went usually taking 2 pages to list day/month/year all the way back to 22 Nov 1962 and writing at the head of the "additional Sheets I put "Between 1 Jan 1974 and 1 Jan 1980 lost 40mm in height"

Bullshit everywhere....I was asking "I am looking for an answer to the source of this blinding , maddening pain. I can then consider how to proceed but first an answer, and I'm not here to be told "Take it easy""

Answer: "Take it easy....take 4 king sized _____________ 4 times daily. If it corrodes thru your stomach lining and epidermis, you might consider reducing the medication"

It WAS badly crushed Intervertebral disc
Cervical

Cervical disc herniations occur in the neck, most often between the fifth & sixth (C5/6) and the sixth and seventh (C6/7) cervical vertebral bodies. Symptoms can affect the back of the skull, the neck, shoulder girdle, scapula,[8] shoulder, arm, and hand. The nerves of the cervical plexus and brachial plexus can be affected.[9]

Of course after several rounds of this I was noty a happy camper and then I got comments "You seem to be upset about this, are you upset about this? Why are you upset"

I actually convinced one doctor to stand where I could point out exactly where the pain seemed worse: I grabbed his wrist and jammed my Right fingers HARD under his shoulder blade and pushed as hard as I could. The fucker was on his tippy toes gritting his teeth with eyes bulging and walking in circles--I had his left wrist, eh) "Now do you understand? NOT SHOULDER !!! Under the shoulder blade and inside the body about level with spine. UNDERSTAND???!!! I can't hear you!!!"

I am surprised I wasn't arrested.

I don't know what to suggest but you have to think. Talk to fambly, older peoples, talk to people quick.

Gawddamn.

I told you in the end the Good doctor who carved me up said--when I asked "Why was it so easy for you to just do it when I said and wrote down the same shit 5 times before and spent 10 years crippled?"
He said
"You wrote it right there on the top where you wrote "Minus 40mm"; to do that you have to crush discs, it was right there in print"

Conclusion---the other fucking quack fucks didn't read the shit or were just greedy fucks.

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John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Too many uncaring, over worked, untalented and god knows what else doctors. If you are healthy and don't see a doctor often the bastards won't see you when you need help. Hang in there kid and ask around for a better doctor. Don't be shy, tell him what is going on and what you expect.

I hear you. I'd cut on you but PBR???? Are you anti-InBev?

Here are a few things to ask or think about:

1. Are they taking blood during your visits? If so make sure you ask what they are looking for. If you have an infection and are on meds they may want it to clear up before surgery...cutting on an infection not good. The symptoms go away before the infection. One leak of that stuff into your belly not good.
2. Surgery is expensive and of course all surgery risky (you know this) seems like they are buying time for something...either your blood work might be off or the doc they want to do the surgery is off on a nice Christmas holiday.
3. If they haven't mentioned the worse case scenario for a surgery ask them to explain it to you. Cutting on a major organ isn't like removing a freckle. Worse case you leave with that kidney in a pan in the operating room because something went wrong....ask how likely that is.
4. If you still have time to get into a Flex Spend with your company do it, most people forget all about it until they wish they had it.
5. I'm not sure why it would be getting worse as you get older. Have they asked you about your diet (i.e. your drinking, do you drink more or less water now, more or less alcohol, etc)

And ps, ask the doc to put something in writing for your employer regarding the multiple appointments and seriousness be proactive with this part so you don't have that to worry about.

Take care



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2012 09:04PM by Wannabe.

If you need to go to the doctor for shit that could kill you, I don't think your employer can call that "unexcused time".

Something something healthcare system something something one big union one big strike.

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Andrew Steere
Lyndeborough, NH
KB1PJY

I'm in bed using my Droid which is very slow typing compared to a computer, so I will be brief.

I am very lucky to have very good health insurance through my wife (teacher). If you are able to shop around do it! In the past 12 years I have had multiple heart surgeries (some emergency), 2 knee replacements and other surgeries.

If your situation is not an emergency interview as many doctors you need to until you Fonda one you like. Also ask around. Takes time and work, but is worth it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2012 09:24PM by Jens.

Alright, so I went to the urologist appointment yesterday.

He said I don't need surgery. He also acted like I was really healthy.

Despite telling my that a whole kidney and 25% of the other one failed. I didn't even know that was possible. So yeah. I have one dead kidney just in there chillin' and he said it won't hurt anything. No medications, no advice, no nothing. He was ridiculously nonchalant about it.


He drew me a picture and said something along the lines "Yeah, you had a REALLY bad infection and it just plain killed one of your kidneys. How old are you?" "21" "Oh yeah, you've reached the age where you won't get any more kidney infections. Now go ahead and get outta here. And don't come back unless they hurt." "But they do hurt. And when they hurt I get really light headed and dizzy and I can't see straight." "Alright well when that happens just make an appointment and we'll take a urine sample. Have a good Friday."

That's exactly what he said. Not word for word, because my memory isn't great.


But I agree with my co-workers: get a second opinion.


He acted like I scraped my knee when I have less than one kidney to work with. Doesn't seem legit.

Here's what I've been thinking: I have 3/4 of a healthy kidney. How long before that fails? I drink enough water to drown a fish and I stopped drinking alcohol. Unfortunately. If and when it fails (25% of it already has, supposedly) what then? Lay in a hospital on dialysis until I can get a transplant and then spend the rest of my days in bed taking care of someone's else's kidney? That's no way to live. From what he says, I'm not even sure why and how I feel as good as I do. I mean, my kidneys hurt all the time, but it's not that bad. And like I said, he acted like I just skinned my knee. I'm not trying to be a little girl about it. Just wondering...is this doctor a liar or just retarded? I'm still getting a second and maybe third opinion.

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Why do you even need brakes? Are you some sort of pansy or something?

One of my customers has kidney issues. She is in her twenties, cute as a button and spends 3 nites a week I believe on dialisis (sp) . The center here runs all nite so she spends evenings there. Not a nice thing to deal with. I'd be getting a second opinion for sure. Like everything we discuss here car related there are other ideas and methods in the health business also.

I'm sorry to hear of your condition. There is nothing I can say to make you feel better.

As a heart patient (multiple heart surgeries), I have gone through several heart sugeons before finding one that is great.

I also went through several cardiologists (one I liked died), and finally found one that I feel good about for the past 6 (or so) years.

My primary care physician retired last summer. Although I haven't needed much I am carefully watching the physician (female this time) who took over the practice.

As I wrote earlier - if you can afford it meet different doctors until you feel comfortable.

Some people want doctors with a good bedside manner, others want the credentials, others want the doctor to be an intelligent machine. I tend to lean to the machine type. For me they don't need to be empathetic, but need them to be good. I don't give a shit where they went to med school. I had one Harvard surgeon who was a complete asshole.

Good luck!



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2013 05:26PM by Jens.

Quote
heymagic
One of my customers has kidney issues. She is in her twenties, cute as a button and spends 3 nites a week I believe on dialisis (sp) . The center here runs all nite so she spends evenings there. Not a nice thing to deal with. I'd be getting a second opinion for sure. Like everything we discussn here car related there are other ideas and methods in the health business also.

I hope she's doing okay. Any chance of her recovering or is that her treatment and that's that?
I hope I don't have to do that. I know there are younger people that are worse off than me, but I feel like I'm too young to have to deal with that BS. I'm going to see who else I can see and ask what they think about it.

Quote
Jens
I'm sorry to hear of your condition. There is nothing I can say to make you feel better.

As a heart patient (multiple heart surgeries), I have gone through several heart sugeons before finding one that is great.

I also went through several cardiologists (one I liked died), and finally found one that I feel good about for the past 6 (or so) years.

My primary care physician retired last summer. Although I haven't needed much I am carefully watching the physician (female this time) who took over the practice.

As I wrote earlier - if you can afford it meet different doctors until you feel comfortable.

Some people want doctors with a good bedside manner, others want the credentials, others want the doctor to be an intelligent machine. I tend to lean to the machine type. For me they don't need to be empathetic, but need them to be good. I don't give a shit where they went to med school. I had one Harvard surgeon who was a complete asshole.

Good luck!

Sounds like you're worse off than I am. Get better. Or else.


And that sounds a little rough.

My insurance is great. I only have to pay HALF the DEDUCTIBLE from my whole visit from when I had colitis. Including my last CT scan. So it's basically a matter of gas money. And that's just plain no big deal. The only problem is finding more than one specialist in this field. I'm doing research so I can find someone who actually pretends that they know what they're talking about. And I'm with you when you say you want a machine. So what if they're nice? If I want nice, I'll go find a desperate fat chick on the internet. If they know what they're talking about and can help me, then job done. Not this guy I saw yesterday.

"DURRRR What's a kidney? Is that a type of beer? Beer is like sody pop that makes you feel funny. My mommy said I can't have none or else I'll get sick. Do you like Pokemon? I like Pokemon."

Enough of that guy.

My PCP seems pretty good, but I'm not sure if he knows what's up. He said I need said I need surgery, but the urologist said no. And also, my PCP looks a little like an older version of Zak from Ghost Adventures, so I have to try really hard not to laugh at him.




"I'm totally a doctor. Probably."

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Why do you even need brakes? Are you some sort of pansy or something?

Tyler, she will need a transplant. You need to find someone to prevent that from happening to you.

Around here docs are not so good. I had a bad cough, lungs not happy in '03. Went to the doc. I was sick as hell. He said it was just the west coast crud and not to worry. No antibiotics needed just take some Nyquil...If it got worse call him. That was Wednesday. Friday I couldn't walk, literally no strength in legs. I was coaching youth soccer at that time so in pretty ggod shape..call doc explain the situation. Nurse wouldn't let me come in. Had to wait until Monday. Arguing didn't help. So that afternoon I got into another doctors office. Bacterial pneumonia , I wouldn't have survived the weekend. So on Monday morning I could function a bit, called the first asshole doc and canceled my appt. The bitch nurse said "oh you must be feeling better?" "Yup , I got into another office and they found I have F'n pneumonia and nearly died" Phone got very quiet and she was glad I was better. Never got a bill for the office visit and when I saw the bastard in the store a coupe months later he actually turned around abruptly and went the other way.

So keep looking and find someone you have confidence in. It's your life after all.

Damm, Tyler! That sucks. Just because you are a young guy does not mean that your health concerns should not be taken seriously. You have gotten some good advise here, you need to be proactive and assertive when dealing with your doctors. In some ways I think that doctors and mechanics are similar. We are trained to listen for and respond to certain things. I get all sorts of blah blah blah from customers, but when I hear "my brakes don't work" I know just what to do. You need to figure out what that is with your doctor. I also think that if you are not adamant about what you want, or are at all dismissive about your symptoms you will not be taken seriously.

The very best of luck to you.

PS you kind of look like a baller.

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Robert.

"You are way too normal to be on Rally Anarchy." Eddie Fiorelli.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2013 10:29PM by Rallymech.

Quote
heymagic
Tyler, she will need a transplant. You need to find someone to prevent that from happening to you.

Around here docs are not so good. I had a bad cough, lungs not happy in '03. Went to the doc. I was sick as hell. He said it was just the west coast crud and not to worry. No antibiotics needed just take some Nyquil...If it got worse call him. That was Wednesday. Friday I couldn't walk, literally no strength in legs. I was coaching youth soccer at that time so in pretty ggod shape..call doc explain the situation. Nurse wouldn't let me come in. Had to wait until Monday. Arguing didn't help. So that afternoon I got into another doctors office. Bacterial pneumonia , I wouldn't have survived the weekend. So on Monday morning I could function a bit, called the first asshole doc and canceled my appt. The bitch nurse said "oh you must be feeling better?" "Yup , I got into another office and they found I have F'n pneumonia and nearly died" Phone got very quiet and she was glad I was better. Never got a bill for the office visit and when I saw the bastard in the store a coupe months later he actually turned around abruptly and went the other way.


So keep looking and find someone you have confidence in. It's your life after all.

Jeez. Hope it works out for her.
Your old doctor sounds as dumb as my urologist. I'm glad you're feeling better. I had a pretty gnarly lung infection too, so I feel you there. It was all my fault, though. Yep, I'm definitely going to do some shopping around. Being Missouri, my hopes aren't that high, but I'll still give it a shot.

Quote
Rallymech
Damm, Tyler! That sucks. Just because you are a young guy does not mean that your health concerns should not be taken seriously. You have gotten some good advise here, you need to be proactive and assertive when dealing with your doctors. In some ways I think that doctors and mechanics are similar. We are trained to listen for and respond to certain things. I get all sorts of blah blah blah from customers, but when I hear "my brakes don't work" I know just what to do. You need to figure out what that is with your doctor. I also think that if you are not adamant about what you want, or are at all dismissive about your symptoms you will not be taken seriously.

The very best of luck to you.

PS you kind of look like a baller.

It could be worse, but I guess kidneys are of moderate importance. Or something. I'm just glad that I stopped looking for advice from TurboRetardedVirginLosers. Or TurboBricks. Whatever they're called these days.

I guess you're right. Some differences, but I totally agree. I'll tell mt PCP what the urologist said after he goes back to work on Tuesday. When I talk to doctors, I'm pretty assertive and try to act like I know what I'm talking about.
Thanks, mang.

And the guy with the cross on his shirt and the "I drive a huge truck but live in a city because I have inadequacy issues with my boner" face and hairstyle is the host of a TV show, if that's what you're referring to.

I dress like a metrosexual hipster, but I suppose that I am a ballin' ass playa.

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Why do you even need brakes? Are you some sort of pansy or something?

Going up to Group Health Tuesday for a new doctor appt myself. I found out they have a big clinic in Olympia and lots of doctors. Don't like the one you're seeing ask for another, no problems. You have to be a member and stuff like physicals and wellness stuff is free. I too have the 'colitis' issues on occasion. Tired of the intestinal burning. Cut back on the gluten/wheat intake and helps a bit. Colitis is medical term for 'we don't know what the fuck it is' but a tummy ache. I did end up in the ER with diverticulitis the day Brent graduated high school, CTscan confirmed that , massive infection and schock. Antibiotics fixed that. A week later back in wth a kidney stone. Different type of pain but same general area. That really hurt! Quit drinking soda pop. No issues since then except the stupid ache and burning in the gut once in a while..last week was bad, this week back to ok.

So get the colonoscopy scheduled, get a new doc, get something answered hopefully or at least a better direction. PSA is low .68 and supposedly the prostate is ok. Nice thing with being a mechanic you only have to deal with sticking your finger in old gear grease... well anyway, take care of yourself now. A few of us here had too much fun when we were young and pay the price later on.

Quote
heymagic
Going up to Group Health Tuesday for a new doctor appt myself. I found out they have a big clinic in Olympia and lots of doctors. Don't like the one you're seeing ask for another, no problems. You have to be a member and stuff like physicals and wellness stuff is free. I too have the 'colitis' issues on occasion. Tired of the intestinal burning. Cut back on the gluten/wheat intake and helps a bit. Colitis is medical term for 'we don't know what the fuck it is' but a tummy ache. I did end up in the ER with diverticulitis the day Brent graduated high school, CTscan confirmed that , massive infection and schock. Antibiotics fixed that. A week later back in wth a kidney stone. Different type of pain but same general area. That really hurt! Quit drinking soda pop. No issues since then except the stupid ache and burning in the gut once in a while..last week was bad, this week back to ok.

So get the colonoscopy scheduled, get a new doc, get something answered hopefully or at least a better direction. PSA is low .68 and supposedly the prostate is ok. Nice thing with being a mechanic you only have to deal with sticking your finger in old gear grease... well anyway, take care of yourself now. A few of us here had too much fun when we were young and pay the price later on.

Oh, that sounds like a good deal. Good luck. I think my colitis was just a one time thing. I hope that shit clears up. Shitting blood is no fun. Mine was completely gone after some 'roids and antibiotics.
And yeah, I quit drinking soda about a year ago. Started drinking the shit out of water. Great decision. I got a colonoscopy scheduled too, but I might accidentally forget about it. I don't feel like missing MORE work just to get my ass violated and some guy say "Yep, you're still healthy. Except your kidneys. You're boned when it comes to that."

Yeah, those poor doctors have to put their fingers in something a little more unpleasant than gear grease.

I had my fun when I was a teenager too. If you count living in a cardboard box and doing meth and smoking crack all day fun.


Which it was. Hence my gnarly lung infection.

No bueno, por favor. Taco.

Hope you guys have a good weekend. Especially if you guys are off tomorrow for MLK Day.

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Why do you even need brakes? Are you some sort of pansy or something?