I'm in a desperate situation, so I thought I'd start a new thread on gallbladder problems. I had mine removed by laparoscopy two years ago this April. Since then, I've had pain off and on in my upper-right abdomen, but nothing that lasted very long. More recently, this pain seems to be occurring with greater frequency and is more severe.
I'm not sure if it's because of something I ate or what. It comes and goes. The other day it went away completely after I had a bout with diarrhea. I've got IBS too, perhaps that's why I've got this pain??? Don't know....I'm not running a fever, not nauseated or throwing up. Because I'm a diabetic, I was told to cut down on carbs and sugar, so I'm wondering if my diet change could be a factor too? In my attempts to cut back on carbs I've been eating more meat, some of which may not be as lean as it should be. Tomatoes seem to aggravate this as well.
So, I called my primary care md's office this morning and was told she wasn't in, but that if I came in this afternoon, I could see whoever was working the "express" clinic. So, I waited to get help until 1pm and went to that clinic. After I signed in, the registration clerk had me come over to her, and within earshot of other patients, informed me of an old $15 bill that I disputed several years ago. My health insurance has at times stuck me with copayments for services that should have been fully covered. It's been so long since I heard about that bill, I thought it was resolved. And, I saw my PCP several months ago, and the bill wasn't brought up then. Why now?
So, because I couldn't cough up an additional $15, I was turned away. I think that what happened today was in violation of the law for two reasons: 1. I was turned away in an emergency. 2. Confidential billing information was discussed within earshot of other patients.
I left in a very, very bad mood and went to the ER, only to have to leave because they were too busy. I thought it would be best to suffer at home, rather than in a cold ER without a blanket, pillows or anything to eat or drink, esp. since I am a diabetic, among other things.
Has anyone out there had a similar experience with these issues? Could whatever is causing this pain be serious? I hope not, because I can't seem to get anyone to help me, although my appointment with that endocrinologist is coming up Wednesday. Maybe he could advise me. I'm going to cancel my eye doctor appointment tomorrow. I'm too sick to go, and too upset anyway, after having gone through all this today.
And, lastly, does anyone know if I have legal redress for my complaint about our local health center? Thanks.
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