Update on my situation...

[TheMightyFavog]

My doctor is sending me in for an ultrasound tomorrow morning to see if it's gallstones or a gallbladder infection.

Fuck. How am I going to pay for all of this? Even with the community care program, I'm still going to be up to my eyeballs in debt. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Kali]

1. I wondered what happened

stop stressing, you are going to give yourself some other problem! Lots of us are in debt, it is the American way. If you have to you can deal with it legally, but you need to concentrate on getting well first.

you will make small payments until you can make larger ones, that is all you can do

an ultra sound isn't as bad as an MRI or some of the other high tech tests available - did your doctor discuss treatment plans with either of the possibilities?

[TheMightyFavog]

2. If its inflammation or stones, it's coming out.

He said it's the only effective treatment.

[Kali]

3. well, it will definitely cure the pain

sorry you are going through this, I DO know the stress but get it done as soon as you can - especially if they will LET you go into debt - some people don't get that option, they just get to suffer

gall bladder surgery is usually done laproscopically (spell?) now - couple tiny incisions and out in a day or two. For me it was pretty easy, others take longer to recover (a week or two, for me it was about a day and a half at home and I was back to normal by 5 days)

I haven't noticed any changes in anything other than no more colicky pain (enough to make me throw up).

Good luck! It will be OK, I swear!

[TheMightyFavog]

4. Thanks. No vomiting for me, thank goodness.

But I would love for the pain to be gone.

I was a little concerned about me not being able to do laprascopy on my because of my weight, until my friend from college who makes me look like a skinny minnie said she had it done that way.

The general anesthesia scares me. I've never been put out before. As does the cost, as does the possibility that I might not be able to go to Seattle late next month.

[TheMightyFavog]

5. Thank you all fro everything.

It's making me feel a little better, I'm trying not to stress but it's hard.

[siligut]

6. Have you tried changing your diet?

Dairy, fats and alcohol are the biggest culprits. Here is a link: http://www.gallbladderattack.com/gallbladderdiet.shtml#gallbladderdiet

What Kali says is true, now you will just have little trocar incisions and a small one where they pull it out, so that part is easy. When they give you anesthesia, you are closely monitored. And it is like one minute you are chatting with the doc and the next thing you know you are in the PACU (Post-anesthesia care unit). Give the diet a try though, you may save yourself some grief and money. Good luck.

[Dappleganger]

7. Sending good vibes your way, had my gallbladder removed last year.

Don't miss it one bit. :D

[TheMightyFavog]

8. Could I please ask for thoughts/good karma/prayers?

I would appreciate them very much.

[annabanana]

9. I'm with you TMF..

I had mine out just last month. Going "under" isn't too bad, just like sleeping. They usually give you a little "relaxer" first. Mine was laproscopic and the healing was quick.

[applegrove]

10. vibes.

[emilyg]

11. Prayers on the way.

[bluesbassman]

12. Healing vibes and prayers for you TMF.

Don't strees, just talk to the billing department, they'll set up a payment plan you can afford. Start at the lowest amount YOU can afford.

:pals: