Anyone with health insurance want to marry me?

[Andy_Stephenson]

I'll sign a pre-nuptial agreement :)

I don't have the results from the CT scans yet so there is still a waiting game tonight...damnit!

However here is what I do know for sure. It seems like there is a real good possibility that there is a gall stone blocking the bile duct where it enters my duodenum. The ultrasound showed some "sludge and crystals" in the gall bladder...so barring anything dire from the CT scan I have gall stones but I am still holding my breath until I get the results from the CT.

The results from the liver function on friday showed a higher liver enzyme count than from wed 489 - 505 and a bilirubin level of 12. So needless to say I am very sick. All this information has me feeling a bit better but the cure seems worse than the disease.

My Doctor here is recomending these procedures:

1. ERCP which stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
2. laparoscopic cholecystectomy or Gallbladder removal.

I have a friend here in Seattle...he actually posts here at DU who knows a natural healer. She uses a combination of diet and colonics to cleanse the system and I would prefer that route to a 5-10k surgery and recuperation (which I can't afford). Robin is willing to treat me for free and it would be a week off from everything including the voting issue (lord knows I need it). The questions I have are...can this work? Would I be better off having the surgery? I don't want to die...but I am also hesitant to just cut out the offending organ if it can be saved. Additionally I understand that cutting out the gallbladder can increase the risk for colon cancer. Anyone here have any thoughts on this?

[EFerrari]

1. Yeah, I do. I'm GLAD TO SEE YOUR VOICE. lol

Choices are good, Andy. I know you'll make a good one. And imho, I'd go with alt med every time if there's a cushion.

Beth in SF

[dzika]

2. Andy, I would but

they don't allow that sort of thing in North Carolina.

[Andy_Stephenson]

3. Bummer!

Got an amendment eh?

[Wilms]

4. 2nd opinions are good.

So are inquiries regarding Naturopathy and Chinese Medicine.

Sounds like you're on the mend, though. :)

[Unreconstructed Lib]

5. How about adopting you, instead?

I'd do it, if I could. :hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

7. I'm too old...

to be adopted.

Just my luck.

[lala_rawraw]

6. Oh honey...

I wish I could help you:( I am sort of in the same boat. I have been fighting with my HMO for a year to get chemo for my MCTD, while they are busy filling in papers, I become more and more sick.

My mother-in-law, however, is a natural healer. She lives in South D. If you want, I will put you in touch with her. She is amazing. Email me and I will phone her and ask if you two can discuss. She helps me with pain, which no drug has been able to do. Colonics are a good idea, but it depends on your system. Some people cannot handle that kind of detox.

I have not heard of or found that relationship of gall.. and colon cancer. My mother had her gallbladder out some 20 years back, no problems.

As for the first procedure... been there, done that... the worst part is honestly the "prep" not the actual procedure.

Anyway, hope some of this helps. Again, feel free to email me. I was thinking of actually writing a health article (I know... for once).

Or...maybe we could have a drive for you? To help get money for your treatment.

[NV Whino]

I had gall bladder sludge

It was nasty vomiting at unepected times. Couldn't go anywhere, certainly couldn't go out to eat. Yuk.

I finally traced it to HRT (hormone replacement thearapy). That probably doesn't apply to you. ;)

However, look at what you've been eating/drinking. Clean up your act. Drink lots of water. And I, too, go with alternative medicine if possible. Don't know anyone in your neck of the woods, but check out homeopathy, acupuncturists, dieticians.

[NC_Nurse]

8. I work in GI procedures, we do ERCP's

and I've taken care of lots of cholecystectomy patients. They usually do very well. I can't say whether or not the natural route will work for you. I have had patients who did choose not to have cholecystectomy and did heal, but there is no guarantee either way I suppose. They may not have had obstrucing stones, I don't know. The ERCP procedure could probably tell you more about what is going on, but it has it's risks too, like pancreatitis for instance. I wouldn't want to risk doing permanent damage to my liver, either.
Tough call, but the money shouldn't be the issue. Maybe you can qualify for Medicaid, especially if you'll be out of work for a while.

Good luck, my friend!
:hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

14. Washington State DSHS is turning down all new

patients. So there is no money in the cookije jar for me right now. I think I need the cure sooner rather than later. I don't look good yellow.

[EFerrari]

24. Okay, but we don't know what's under the radar?

Same here in SF. But, Andy, you know, there's always someone, some program, some fund that goes under the radar. PM me if you want some hep combing through the bureaucratic (expletive deleted).

[helderheid]

9. Hmmmm

Well, I already have a husband but I DO live in Utah...

;)

As far as treatment, go to the natural healer and get their opinion. Keep those options open. I always prefer to go natural first, but I think you know in your gut what you need to do but first get all the information you need by getting the 2nd opinion.

Healing vibes Andy!

[EFerrari]

13. Hey, can you say more about Utah?

[helderheid]

32. what do you mean?

More about Utah?

[EFerrari]

36. Kidding on polygamy. Some days, it sounds like a good idea.

But, just some days. Like today, for instance.

(Most days it sounds like 2X my Catholic guilt. lol)

:crazy:

[helderheid]

61. LOL

I wasn't sure if that's what you meant!! Yea, polygamy isn't legal but it's a closeted accepted lifestyle here. I thought since that was the case, perhaps they'd let me marry Andy and practice polyandry. Or polyANDY. LOL sorry. I crack me up. Of course, he'd have to be on my husband's insurance. Wonder how that would work??? :)

[tavalon]

69. And in other places

we call it polyamory to distinguish it from the Mormon kind. Polyamory is alive and well and there are plenty of us happily practicing it.

[helderheid]

72. OOOOH

Do tell! :) Sounds interesting! :)

[EFerrari]

86. Polyandy, definitely. lol Helderheid, you crack me up too. Thanks.

[jkd]

110. Utah is not full of polygamists

The Republican Party was organized in 1856 with a platform which called for the abolition of “the twin relics of barbarism”, slavery and polygamy. My family tree includes slaveholders and polygamists on both my mother’s and father’s side. The “ Grand Old Party” was organized for my elimination, indirectly. I have one wife and I have no slaves, but I still don’t feel very comfortable around Republicans accept at church.

Neither the Mormon Church nor the State of Utah tolerates polygamy or slavery, anymore. Some small groups outside of the LDS Church still practice the fundamentalist principle of polygamy. I have been a member of the Mormon Church from my youth and I don’t personally know any polygamists. Helderheid, I know that it was just a joke, but Democrats are never going to make a comeback in Utah without more LDS in our ranks. Try to be a little more sensitive. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your posts. Although, I don’t agree with everything Freeman says in his article that you recently posted, I mostly agree. Keep up your efforts to keep electronic paperless voting out of our state. Thank you

[cry baby]

10. It looks like the ERCP would be a good thing rather than surgery.

You might just need the ERCP. It sounds like something needs to happen pretty soon to make you better. Try not to think about the worst case scenerio only. I know you can't help but let that creep into your mind, but also try to think that it may be an easy fix.

Personally, I am so happy that it is not a disease thing that couldn't be reversed. I'm so sorry you're feeling bad, but it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Also, can't hospitals work out a payment plan or something? I just hope you don't resist having a remedy because it costs too much $$.

[AtLiberty]

11. Does it matter if it's a man or woman, Andy?

[Andy_Stephenson]

12. Well no not really.

I will take what I can get ;)

[EFerrari]

15. More seriously, (I hate that) I know a black belt in resources

If you pm me your county, I'll be happy to ring her up. She's at UCSF and there's NOTHING that woman can't find.

If it helps.

[Karenca]

16. I am very much relieved.

O8)

[Andy_Stephenson]

17. Me too

thanks!

[Karenca]

18. You're welcome!

:hug:

[NC_Nurse]

21. Yeah, I'm so glad you don't have hep B or C

both are a medical clusterfuck of chronic illness, drugs with major side effects and continual monitoring. Of course, I always see the patients who aren't doing well, but still.

I hope you get what you need and make a speedy recovery. I'll be thinking of you.

PM me if you want me to ask our docs anything for you. Our GI team was voted best in NC and we take care of folks from all over the Southeast (gastroenterology program ranked 14th nationally).

[AtLiberty]

19. May I ask what city or state you're in right now?

Helps locate resources...

[Andy_Stephenson]

25. Seattle

Washington

[meganmonkey]

20. I bet you feel a lot better already!

Just knowing, and being ready to heal. I would follow your heart as far as treatment, and don't let money make your decision (easier said than done, I know). That said, I think if you are confident that Robin is experienced and a true healer, go natural. I have seen people heal in ways their doctors said would never happen.

[lonestarnot]

22. I know some people who have had gall bladders removed. They

have been doing well for years. Remove the offending organ Andy. You'll be fine.:smoke:


But on another thread they say you have hep...now that is a bummer. Didn't read if it said what type hep.. I am sure sorry and I want you to know I edited my post as soon as I saw hep but couldn't edit the subject line. Guess that is also going to complicate gall bladder surgery, if you even need it removed. Praying for you Andy.:hug:

[Deb]

23. Andy, my Dad almost died last year from septic shock

caused by a blocked gall bladder. The ERCP was a breeze compared to the complication of not getting a proper diagnosis in time. His recoup was months because of the infection. Please take care of you. You are in our prayers.

[bush_is_wacko]

30. Andy, i prefer NATURAL healers MOST of the time, but I'm not sure this is

something I'd be willing to mess with. The danger of waiting too long is fairly substantial. I have not had my gall bladder removed but I have had LOTS of laproscopic surgery. I know gallbladders can be removed laproscopically. My need for those surgeries was actually what led me to go to a naturopath. However, I still need a regular doctor too. The combination of the two is the best thing that ever happened to me. I think the risk of not treating this particular problem as stated above, posted by Deb, is enough to make me suggest surgical treatment.

Also, my mom had her gallbladder removed and did just fine. She had OTHER risks on top of the gallbladder thing as well. Do you have any pre-existing autoimmune disorders? The doctors never really talk about it, but I think allot of autoimmune disorders can lead to this kind of thing.

[Andy_Stephenson]

31. No autoimmune disorders that I know of

I was healthy as a horse until this.

[bush_is_wacko]

34. Well that is a REAL plus! I still think BOTH are the best route.

I can tell you my naturopath doesn't always agree with my medical doctor but I can usually make a reasonable decision based on the two opinions. You have enough time to at least consult a naturopath (damn that word is hard to type for some reason). but don't wait too long. yellow is not good and yellow is a pretty significant indication things aren't good. I bet a naturopath would probably tell you the same thing. Mine is pretty honest, but I am across the country from where you are.

[lala_rawraw]

44. i think a little fund party would be a good idea

do you have paypal?

[greatauntoftriplets]

45. Ask and ye shall receive....even though the diagnosis has changed.

Thanks!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x324175

[tavalon]

71. So, Andy

you can get the surgery even if you don't have insurance. You'll have a hell of a bill but as long as you are making some sort of token payment monthly, they can't do much to you. As well, you could declare bankruptcy which would clear the bill but probably deep six any future political career.

And lastly, I'll need to check with my partners but I personally wouldn't have a problem giving you a certificate of insurability. Unfortunately, I'm not your ideal candidate because I am a travel nurse, so my job security (and therefore my insurance coverage)lasts three months at a time. But no insurance versus insurance for the next few months - the second option might be the better option.

[DemReadingDU]

26. anyone heard of a gall bladder flush?

I remember hearing about it somewhere. I think it has to do with drinking apple juice followed by a combo of olive oil/lemon juice. It's supposed to expel those nasty gallstones. Don't know anyone who has ever done this though. Just the thought of drinking olive oil is enough to nauseate me.

Good Luck Andy, we're all praying for you to get well.

[bushcrab]

42. Gall Bladder/ Liver Flush

I've done this procedure twice now , just as a preventive measure. I have a fitness maniac of a friend in Colorado who does it once a year and swears by it.

Don't know if it would be wise for Andy to rely on it at this stage---I'm certainly no doctor--- but it does in fact remove some nasty looking material from your body.

We used fresh grapefruit juice and epsom salts, and had to chug a mixture of olive oil and gf juice. Sounds disgusting, but is surprisingly easy(not oily).

But DO plan to sit on the toilet for a good portion of the evening!

I can post a more detailed procedure that my wife and I have followed with no ill effects, if anyone is interested.

Anyways, we're hoping for the best for you Andy!

[bush_is_wacko]

46. Done this too and unfortunately forgot to take into account my thyroid

disease. Grapefruit is bad for thyroid! It wasn't pretty. I had a hard time getting it right again and my doctor was not very happy. thing is he never told me not to eat or drink grapefruit! My naturopath later told me NEVER to have anything to do with grapefruit.

I have to admit it was very "cleansing." similar to drinking that nasty stuff they give you before a colonoscopy. BTW, I'm in Colorado too.

Anyway, Andy probably shouldn't try this in his condition.

[Eloriel]

58. He should NOT 't do this without the naturopath being involved

at this stage. This is a great preventive, but I'm concerned if there's already some blockage or the threat of blockage.

I never could work up the nerve to do it myself when I had gallstones, and ended up landing myself in the hospital and having my gallbladder out. (I was really worried that one or more LARGE gallstones would get stuck somewhere they shouldn't. I might have tried it had I had someone who was a health pro of SOME sort to be with me thru the entire experience, but I didn't.) It took me a while to recover from the surgery -- or longer than I would have excpected with a lil ole laproscopy, but it was successful otherwise.

Andy, if you're yellow, I wouldn't think this is anything to mess around with. You probably know that I'm always very pro Natural Healing Methods, but I encourage you to get great advice and follow your heart and instincts, trying to separate those instincts from your fears including financial.

I too am very relieved this isn't hepatitis. You're going to do just fine, one way or the other. I promsie. :D

[Ellipsis]

63. Agreed, grapefruit and Olive oil not a good Idea

according to Encyclopedia of Medicine (Murry and Pizzorno) grapefruit has naringenin, which may decrease elimination of toxins from the blood by up to 30%. Olive oil may "contract" the gallbladder. For non surgical treatment the EoM refers to "chemical dissolution of gallstones", a combination of Bile acids and Terpenes, most likely the best.

Are you a sunbather? They sight a study where gallstone risk factor jumps 25 times if you burn frequently. Who da thunk it?

[wildflower]

96. Also, if you're on ANY medications, be VERY careful about grapefruit

Very careful. Check first. Grapefruit has interactions with some medications; some are serious.

Here's an article that contains a list of medications grapefruit interacts with. I'll paste in the list. But I've heard there may be other meds that aren't on this list:

Jan. 20, 2005 -- Grapefruit juice interacts with many prescription drugs, which can cause potentially serious side effects or make some lifesaving drugs less effective.

This interaction is listed on a medication's "drug-food interaction" label. But many people overlook those labels.

(snip)

Condition | Medications

Anxiety | Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
Depression | Luvox, Zoloft
Allergies | Allegra
Abnormal heart rhythm | Cordarone, quinidine
Heart disease/stroke/blood clots | Coumadin
Epilepsy | Tegretol
Cancer | Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide, tamoxifen, vinblastine, vincristine
Cough | Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cold medicines)
HIV | Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
Prostate enlargement | Proscar
Heart disease/High blood pressure | Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular, Covera, Calan, Verelan
Erectile dysfunction | Viagra, Cialis
Asthma/Emphysema | Theophylline
High cholesterol | Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
Pain | Alfenta, Duragesic, Actiq, Sufenta
Infection | Biaxin, Sporanox, erythromycin, troleandomyci

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/99/105271.htm

[helderheid]

62. PM me please

I'm interested in learning more on this! Thanks :)

[bushcrab]

70. I'm unable to PM, but here's the grapefruit one

First of all, there are photos of what you'll find here:

http://www.curezone.com/cleanse/liver/

Second, I'm sure there are risks involved in doing this procedure(read bush_is_wacko's post) so you might want to check with your doctor before you attempt this. I was dumb and trusting enough to try it and it did work for me, but, then again, I was not experiencing anything indicating problems with my gallbladder or liver at the time.

Here's what we did:


Liver/gallbladder flush notes


When we did this, we basically used Dr. Hulda Clark=s recipe. This is exactly what we did:

No fats the day of the flush. No food after 2:00 p.m. Water is okay.

6:00 pm - Squeeze out 3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice into a glass (always scoop out the pulp with a fork when doing the grapefruit juice). Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt. Mix until dissolved and then drink it down. Yum.

8:00 pm - Repeat the same thing you did at 6:00.

9:45 pm - Get everything ready for bed....brush teeth, etc. and put 2 cup of virgin olive oil in a pint jar with lid. Add 3/4 cup of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Close lid and shake until the oil is all taken into the juice and it will become a thin easily drinkable liquid. Yum.

10:00 pm - If you have already started to have trips to the bathroom you can be up to 15 minutes late in taking the olive oil mixture. Drink it down and walk straight to bed. Lay on your right side for 20 minutes w/o moving. Relax. After 20 minutes you can roll over or be in any position you want for the rest of the night.

At some point (for us it was within an hour of taking the oil mixture) you will begin your frantic trips Adown the hall@. Don=t be far from a bathroom as these will seriously be emergency trips! Do what you have to do when you have to do it until morning.

7:00 am - Squeeze out 3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice and add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts. Mix and enjoy.

9:00 am - Repeat the 7:00 mixture for the last time.

During this whole deal you may drink water if you want. After the 9:00 am dose you can have coffee or eat something light if you feel like it. Supposedly, the whole deal is supposed to be over by noon, but for us it lasted until late Saturday night and even into Sunday still producing stones.

You may repeat the process again in 2 weeks. We were told that stones will continue to migrate out of your liver to the surface and that 3 treatments should get everything. Be sure to read the Liver Flush details at www.curezone.com and see the pictures so you will know what the stones look like and can have the satisfaction of knowing when you are being productive. We each got rid of several hundred stones the first time we did this.

Also, in addition to the olive oil, Epsom salts, and grapefruit (we used a total of 18 grapefruit for the two of us) I would also strongly recommend making sure you have some Desitin ointment (zinc oxide) on hand. It=s sold in the diaper department of the store and used for diaper rash in case that explains why you will want this on hand.

Good luck!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

49. Here is the recipe...

after a light supper, start a fast for 24 hours. Then drink a quarter of a cup of lemon juice. Follow with a quarter of a cup of olive oil. Take an overnight laxative (such as Dulcolax). In the morning use a suppository. This will (by his theory) expel the gallstones.

I once worked with a doctor who was big on holistic remedies and he suggested this to some patients who had good results. However, I don't know whether this was his advice to all gall bladder patients. He probably only recommended this to patients with mild symptoms. But it was many years ago, so I don't really remember. I remember the recipe because I used it once myself when I had symptoms that I felt were gall bladder related. I wasn't able to see anything that resembled stones in the stool the next day, but I never had the symptoms again.

But I would certainly opt for surgery in the case of acute gall bladder pain or problems.

[porkrind]

80. I've done the Lemon/Olive oil one. Works great!

Lots of people swear by it. Give it a try, what do you have to lose? After all, it's just "food"

[EVDebs]

27. This is the greatest post I've seen in a long long time ! MSM should see

this. Great idea.

[firefox]

28. Read some at curezone.com

There is a google search bar at the top of the homepage that will lead you to information at the website. They are big on liver cleanses, I can tell you that now. I have done two, but I have not seen any stones like they describe in some of the flushes. It could be that not drinking apple juice to soften the stones up left them unmovable.

I just bought like 10 half-gallons of apple juice today in preparation for the next liver flush. A flush is a simple thing. A person should drink the apple juice for a while to soften up big stones so they can pass through the ducts. Then you cut off eating early in the day. You will drink Epsom salts in water and about bedtime, you drink a mixture of grapefruit and olive oil. Then you lie down and wait for sleep. You will actually feel your liver move and it will release cholesterol stones for sure. Like I said, I have not passed any big ones like in some of the pictures and descriptions.

An alternative health forum would be a nice addition to DU. There is no danger associated with a liver flush and it is the biggest thing discussed at curezone.com- http://curezone.com/default.asp?t=48795

Edit to add that liver flushes and gall bladder flushes are related. Here are two links to check out first- http://allonhealth.com/liver-cleanse/liver-cleanse-programme.htm and http://www.baymed.info/Liver%20and%20Gallbladder%20Cleansing.htm#Liver%20and%20Gallbladder%20Cleansing%20Protocol
It will not hurt you to do a liver flush. You will lose maybe 5 pounds because it will cleane your colon of food. Some people do flushes like every two or three weeks. Liver and gall bladder flushes are the biggest thing going. When I see some big stones I will be very evangelical on liver flushes.

[Unreconstructed Lib]

29. If it were me, I'd do the ERCP and decide what to do next based on

the results. I know money is an issue, but the ERCP must be less expensive than surgery. And, if your ducts are obstructed, the doc may be able to open them during the test, right? In any case, you'll have more information, after the test, which will make deciding on your next step much easier.

Good luck! I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[greatauntoftriplets]

33. Get the rest of the test results...then talk to your doctor.

Tell her about the gall bladder flush and ask what impact it would have on the liver involvement. It sounds like the stones are backing up the liver and it's much easier to live without a gall bladder than the liver.

Personally, I think you will end up having the surgery in the long run. Once stones start developing -- and it sounds like you have a bad case of them -- they tend to redevelop.

:loveya:

[demodonkey]

35. Andy, LOL, I would marry you in a heartbeat, but alas I am of the wrong...

sex for you ;-) and alas I have no health insurance myself! (Another reason for us all to clean up the voting problems; so we can VOTE OUT those 'Thugs who don't want affordable health care for everybody!)

If it were my gall bladder, depending on the CT result I would go for the endoscope first, see what it shows, then try the Natural stuff if it seems like a good idea at that point, and keep with the surgery as the last resort... I had the scope procedure TWICE for ulcers (back when I had insurance, now if I get an ulcer attack I just have to drink Pepto-Bismol by the bottle, lol!) The endoscope is sort of icky but NOT bad... the crap you had to drink for the other procedures today was a lot worse to me! The hardest thing is the scope going into your throat, but for me this was no problem. I guess because I am a singer and can open the back of my throat (??).... anyway first time I had the endoscope, they gave me a sedative which I WOULD recommend you take if you aren't sure how you'll do. NO big deal at all with the sedative. The second time I had the scope, I was wide awake... after that the Doc said I was so good at this, he was going to bring his "teaching scope" attachment for the third time so I could look at my own stomach, LOL! However my insurance ran out so there was no third time... darn... I think it would have been kind of cool to look inside my own stomach! (sorry if this is making anybody sick, but I am serious, I thought it would have been an adventure!) BTW, they took biopsies both times and I never felt a thing (even without the sedative.)

Anyway, please don't be afraid to do the endoscope, Andy. It is NOT a totally big horrible invasive thing and it may provide you with a lot of reassuring info (like in my case it told me I didn't have stomach cancer!)

If you want to talk, you have my numbers, or PM me.

:hug:

MB in PA

[AtLiberty]

39. Andy says that gender doesn't matter...

When it comes to health insurance, he's bi.

[Tess49]

37. The surgery is quick and easy these days. My 84 year old aunt had it

a couple of years ago and had a one-night stay in the hospital. Things to consider: The gallbladder CAN become gangrenous if an inflammaton is left untreated. That CAN be fatal. The hospital has to let you set up a payment plan. If the hospital takes any federal money at all, it has to treat you or send you someplace where you can get the treatment you need.

[Pacifist Patriot]

38. Aw Andy, half of nothing would make a prenup moot...

but alas, I'm already taken.

I do want you to know that I am thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery. My personal feelings are mixed with respect to natural healing. I'm a huge proponent of it until faced with mortality. Then my western prejudices rear their ugly heads and I opt for medical intervention. Hey, all three of my children were delivered in hospitals instead of my warm cozy bed at home. I'm an indoctrinated chicken.

Hang in there and know we're all pulling for you.

[AtLiberty]

40. If surgery is the only option, find out if laser would work...

;)

[bettyellen]

41. Andy... today we rejoice, okay. this is not the thing we worried about....

last night...this is fixable. but please don't give up on regular doctors just yet. ask them tons of questions. ask them if this was your body, what would you do?
a couple months ago i read an article in the nyt magazine about how catholic hospitals have been shirking their obligations to provide care on a charity basis by not offering it even when they know people are in dire need. i think there's some litigation going on.
at any rate, they sure do not publicize the fact that it's available. here's a resource on that.

http://www.wacitizenaction.org/hc/charity.htm


i can't stress this enough, pls do pick the brains of everyone there, including desk nurses/ admin people as to what your options might be. keep asking, someone out there in WA has your answer. my friend told me this when i was hitting a wall trying to get my mom into an excellent geriatric clinic that supposedly took medicare-- but none of the doctors there were taking new medicare patients. none. i was lost. i made dozens of phone calls, all the doc's/nurses had no idea. i finally called the front desk of the clinic and said how how how...please rack your brain, there has to be another way. she did, and at first she had no answer. i called her back the next day....and she said, you know, if you take her into the ER of the hospital we're affiliated with, those doctors could give a referral to one of ours. my mom was referred to the head of the fucking dept, her geriatric psychiatrist was the president of the american association of ger psychs. good fucking lord, i hit the jackpot! his specialty was not the more popular research end (which might help me someday) but the preservation of memory and the patients independence for as long as possible. it was exactly what we needed. my mom would have been carted off to a nursing home quite a while back if i hadn't been so tenacious. happily, she is still at home, and we did get a few good years of her memory back thanks to having the best care and advice possible.
so, andy, you know how to be an advocate, get out there and do it for yourself. i know it's easier to do for others, but ask for help/ advice/ ideas from everybody you come across, those people know the system, sweetie, and if it can be gamed, they'll let you know if you're sweet enough to them.
and that i know you can do.

[BushSpeak]

43. Andy, there is an old naturopathy treatment

that I used several years ago and was quite efficient to clean out liver and gall bladder stones. I had a handful flushed, the biggest being about the size of the fingernail on your pinky.

Depends on how big the stone is.

The basics are:

Tablespoon of a salt (family of Epsom salts - I'll look it up if you're interested) morning and night. This dilates the bile ducts.

A glass of olive oil before going to bed and lie on your side. This expulses the stones via the dilated bile ducts.

You probably will have to work with a doctor. If the stones are too big, this could cause serious problems.

This treatment was in a Naturopathy book I bought a couple of years ago. Actually, there were several naturopathique treatments a century ago that were used to cleanse the body.

Just had a thought that Bush's new SS "reform" may force people to return to affordable natural cures.

Anyway, if you're interested, I'll try to dig the book up and scan the treatment for you.

Direct e-mail for fast reply - [e-mail]

I'm in France by the way.

[Shopaholic]

47. Hey Andy--I'll marry you.

My boss is a GOP'er and it would really piss him off to have to pay the health insurance coverage for both my liberal ass and that of my new husband! :evilgrin:

[Andy_Stephenson]

48. Lets set a date...

nothing like pissing off a GOP'er. Should we tell him I am a reformed gay?

[Shopaholic]

64. Nah--he'll just

"Thank Jesus" you've seen the "light". We actually have to have prayer before we begin meetings. :crazy: I usually pray that the meetings will be over as soon as possible!

[tommcintyre]

57. Before you take the leap...

make sure they don't trip up your plans with either an open enrollment period (the only time of year you can add someone), or a "cooling off" period (for example, 45 days before you can add a new spouse). I saw both of these in a small business group policy here in Hawaii; and we have some of the most people-friendly health care policies/laws in the nation.

If you get multiple offers Andy, generally you will find better (more liberal) policies in large institutional companies.

Good luck!

[John Q. Citizen]

50. In China, all physicians are trained in both traditional Chinese herbal

medicine as well as in western medicine (allopathy.) This, to me, makes a lot of sense.

My personal non-professional advice to you Andy is this.

Find an allopath (MD) who understands and appreciates the limitations of allopathy and knows that alternative medicine has it's place and is often very effective.

Find an alternative practitioneer who understands and appreciates the limitations of alternative medicine and knows that allopathy has it's place and is often very effective.

I'd steer clear of medical ideologues of any stripe. After all, the point isn't to validate or discredit a medical system, but to get you better.

Good luck Andy, and I'll smoke a pipe of frop and ask JR "Bob" Dobbs to interceed with the elder gods on your behalf. In the meantime, I'm glad to hear your malady is considered to be succesfully treatable by both allopaths and alternative practitioneers.

Hang tough. We need you back!

[gardenista]

51. Andy, I hope you get better soon. Please consider the surgery.

I understand the desire to avoid the cost and pain of the surgery, but you sound pretty sick to be looking at a naturopathic approach now.

My mom went through this two years ago, and her recovery was quite rapid. Another friend and client also went through it last year, and she was out walking around in a week.

Please don't wait too long to get surgery if you may need it. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be.

Wish I could be more encouraging of the option you really want to take, but this is very serious stuff.

You're in my prayers, Andy.

Maureen

[Daphne08]

83. I must second this since

I ignored all the symptoms and waited too long -- developed acute pancreatitis (talk about sick), was rushed to hospital, and given pain meds and other drugs.

Then, I had to go for three days without food OR water (horrible, dreadful experience), and finally had the surgery. Overall, I spent one night in the emergency room (that was very expensive), five days in the hospital, and eventually recovered (relatively speaking) until the bill came. It was astronomical. Thousands and thousands of dollars!

Perhaps it would be better to treat this now. The hospital can set up payments and as long as you pay something, I don't think they can touch you (but perhaps an attorney should comment on this part).

Your health is the most precious thing you can have, for without it, nothing else can be enjoyed to the fullest.

No matter what decision you finally make, I wish you the best of luck.

[flyarm]

102. andy ..listen to your doctors...

there are a million things people will tell you..its like child birth everyone has the best answers and yours will be different..

your body is your body...and your body will tell you along with the docyors what is nessesary..if you have blickage..it can be very dangerous..got the doctors diagnois..the rest is like quakery...

listen to the doctors see what the cat scan showed ..then make decisions...its too early to even think of what you are going to do without test results!!
i have a friend who tried the natural way and damn near died..and ended up 6 months in the hosp because she played a foolish game with her life...she had blockage and treated it like natural child birth..and damn near died because of it..

wait for the test results then look at your options!


from a mom who cares!!

fly

[notadmblnd]

52. I would but

I lose my insurance if I get married again.

[MissWaverly]

53. Andy, please get the surgery

I had to have my gall bladder removed, there were gall stones the size of meatballs, I cannot see you dissolving them with green tea,
now the surgery I had was laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is same day, which means that you go home, you probably will throw up due to the pain killers but that's about it, you lay around and watch videos
and take heavy duty pain pills, this lasts about 3 weeks then you are fine, except that you really can't eat peanuts, and have to watch spicy food. Watch what you eat right now, try to stay away from lemonade, vinegar, wine, fried foods, olives, anything that might give you gas, maybe a juicer would help, it's is very painful,
the 2 most painful things in an adults that go to the ER are gall bladders and liver problems.

[Horse with no Name]

54. Come to Texas

And someone can take you to Parkland in Dallas. They do indigent care there and they don't ask for money if you don't have it.
I don't live in Dallas, but if someone there wasn't willing to lend you their address, you would be certainly welcome to stay with me and we could drive there.
They could do the necessary surgery and it would be compliments of the city of Dallas.:)
Most people that have their gallbladder out are in and out of the hospital in 24 hours and back at work in a week. It does depend on individuals though.

[tavalon]

79. This needs a bit of correction

Parkland does take care of the indigents, however, they do everything in their power to get whatever money they can from these folks, up to and including, collection procedings. Almost every large city has a facility that takes care of indigents, which is also usually the teaching hospital. I know that makes it sound like the indigent get substandard care but my experience working at such hospitals is that the indigent get the cutting edge, good care (granted, the facilities usually look like shit and you have to deal with resident MDs).

We have one here in Seattle. It is the University of Washington Medical Center/Harborview (actually, two separate facilities but both are under the auspices of UW). I work for UWMC and I would go there for my own care. I would go to Harborview for trauma care. These facilities are the best in the city, just as Parkland is in Dallas.

[Horse with no Name]

94. In Dallas though

You fill out a questionairre and if you don't have any financial resources, you are considered indigent.
As far as I know (I'm just a healthcare worker) if you can prove that you have no means, it is written off and they don't pursue collections, etc.

[HeeBGBz]

55. Can you request medical asylum in Canada?

I worry I will be in the same leaky boat, Andy. If I had insurance, I would try to help. Many people will be faced with these medical needs that can't be met.

I wish you well.

[WeHoldTheseTruths]

56. QUALITY NATURAL MEDICINE IN SEATTLE

This looks quality to me. I think somewhere browsing thru I even saw they help the homeless, so money does not seem to be a big inhibiting factor.

-----------------
Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, South ... these schools grant doctorates in naturopathy

Bastyr University: For 25 years at the heart of natural medicine
... Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is one of the world's leading
academic centers for advancing knowledge in the natural health sciences. ...
www.bastyr.edu/ - 41k - 13 Feb 2005 - Cached - Similar pages

-------------------

Bastyr Center for Natural Health is part of Bastyr University, one of the world's leading centers of natural medicine education and research. Staffed by health care teams that include advanced students under the supervision of Bastyr's clinical faculty, the center provides a teaching vehicle for the university as well as quality health care.

http://www.bastyrcenter.org/

Call 206.834.4101 to make an appointment for:
* Naturopathic Medicine
* Acupuncture
* Chinese Herbal Medicine
* Physical Medicine
* Homeopathy
* Nutrition
* Counseling

We offer several types of health care services. If you're not sure what type of care will best suit your particular health care needs, we recommend you make an appointment with a naturopathic care team first.

SEE THIS PAGE -
http://bastyrcenter.org/content/category/6/68/150/



************************

Also:
http://www.bastyr.edu/contact/referral.asp

And Browse health conditions and concerns
http://bastyrcenter.org/content/category/3/84/176/

[tavalon]

73. Yeah, Bastyr is the best of the best

I'm concerned that with his liver enzymes up the way they are, naturopathy may not be the best path at this point.

[woodsprite]

59. Andy, I'm relieved to hear from you.

Did you price out the lap surgery? I had it done last year and it was a breeze for this 41yo overweight post-partum female. I had a lap umbilical hernia repair one Monday, a gall bladder removal the next Monday and was back to work the following Monday. I think mine was around $5K for the both laps.

I would be VERY careful going the colonics/herbal route. You can get pancreatitis from ignoring gall stones or crystals and your pancreas is an organ that you cannot live without. If it was lower in the system, maybe it would work. Flushing the system, just like surgery, can sometimes push the stones farther into the ducts instead of flushing them out. Also, since your liver function has already been compromised, I'd be concerned about taxing it more.

I'm not a dr, and I don't play one on TV. I put mine off for 8 months until I could keep nothing down on my stomach but crackers, pretzels, poptarts, etc. and couldn't stand straight for the pain. I lost over 35 lbs. It wasn't pleasant, but having the gall bladder out was like flicking off a switch. For a few months, I had to be careful of eating too much fat because your system has to get used to handling it again without the gall. If you get too much fat, it may go thru you system pretty fast (like about 30-45 minutes). That is called "dumping". Some people don't experience that at all.

I have 3 scars about the width of my pointer finger which were stitched and covered with bandaids when I came home - one under my navel, one 3" under my breastbone and one right under my rib cage.

I haven't heard about the additional risk of colon cancer, but that vs pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis - well, colon cancer is more treatable. As you can guess, the pancreas issues figured heavily for me. I've known people who have died from both.

I hope my info helps you some. Ultimately, do what you feel comfortable with.

[stevedeshazer]

60. glad to see you up

Have the surgery, figure out how to pay later.

Take the time, life is too important.

Good luck.

[AuntiBush]

65. I would but, I wouldn't want to further your problems!

Honestly, what I have sucks! My sincere heartfelt hopes go your way. Here's hoping everything goes your way and you can find some "one" with good health insurance whom can aide you...;)

Trust me, you wouldn't want mine! It's that bad.

[finecraft]

66. Andy, don't wait too long...have the surgery

About 10 years ago I ended up in the hospital emergency room with a high fever, vomiting and jaundice. I exhibited all the signs of someone with severe hepatitis. The doctors ran two days worth of tests before they figured out it was my gallbladder, and I had several stones in the same place yours are. The problem I had was that I didn't know I had gallbladder problems prior to ending up in the emergency room, and the stones had been in that location so long they had adhered themselves to my bile duct....very, very bad. My liver function was so impaired, I had to take off work for six months after having my gallbladder removed to recover from the damage the blockage had done to my liver. Another issue is that if the stones get too bad, you won't be able to have the laparoscopic surgery. I had to have the "traditional and then some" surgery done. Nothing like having an abdominal scar from the top of your stomach to your groin. Please don't wait any longer than you have to. To put the money issue in perspective, my traditional gallbladder surgery, liver monitoring and related medical costs were over $40k....and that was 10 years ago. My advice...PLEASE DON'T DELAY!

[helderheid]

67. Right

I agree.

Also, don't worry about the money. The way the system is set up, those with health insurance are paying more so they can cover those who don't. You're actually at an advantage NOT having health insurance because you're covered by those who do.

[Bill Bored]

68. A lot of thoughts

I know there are some medical professionals on here too. I am just an amateur, but I went through this with my wife a few years ago.

First, you want to avoid an Emergency Cholecystectomy. The reason is that there can be complications such as the gallbladder bursting before or during the surgery, and other problems with laproscopic surgery under emergency conditions. The recovery time could be longer than usual if there are complications. They can spill bile between the organs and this is very painful and takes a long time to be reabsorbed, requiring antibiotics for a few weeks. You also want a surgeon who's done literally thousands of these surgeries, known as Lap Cholies, which is not really that uncommon, but avoid rookies! It's considered General Surgery but you want someone experienced.

The ERCP is done by a GI doc, but it's possible that if they remove the blockage, you might still need the gallbladder removed anyway.

There's a relatively safe drug called Actigall, which I think it quite costly, but that can dissolve the stones over time.

The main natural approach that I know of is lots of Vitamin C and Lecithin (taken by the tablespoon as granules made from soy), both of which help to emulsify and move the bile. You could probably start that almost on your own, or under the care of one of your famous Washington State NDs from Bastyr.

You already take the liver support stuff, except for N-Acetyl Cysteine, which is another natural agent to prevent oxidative damage to the liver.

Bilirubin of 12 doesn't sound too high, but it's out of range.

On edit, the normal range is 0.3-1.9 so you're way out of range!

It's important to have it checked periodically as it's a good measure of which way this thing is heading. It can change in a matter of days or even hours so the snapshot doesn't say much.

Also on Edit, blood tests are relatively cheap so why not repeat it. 12 is quite high though and needs treatment. You can give this number to the naturopath and see if he/she thinks it's worth treating naturally.

I hope some of this helps. I'm sure other knowledgeable folks will offer good advice too. I'd ask your doc(s) about the possibility that this could become an emergency situation. You don't want that, IMHO.

[Cha]

74. In the '80's I did a gall bladder flush

and passed about 60 gallstones. It was a trying time but I've never had "health insurance" and have always taken care of myself.. Sometimes with the help of a professional healer.


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=gall+bladder+flush&spell=1

We had a huge thread on this type of healing in the old "Meeting Room" a while ago.

I've never really had the money for Drs or insurance..plus I didn't like what I saw from them anyway ..so I tended to go the natual healing route. I'm glad it happened this way ..now.

Best Wishes for a Strong Healthy Recovery, Andy!

[Glenda]

75. I'm in Mass, so I can marry any living person or thing

THat's cuz we're so liberal here!

:hi:

[tavalon]

76. How long have you been without health coverage?

I pulled out my Summary Plan Description and while it doesn't directly spell it out, it looks like it might have a pre-existing clause for spouses unless they had credible coverage in the last 12 months with no more than a 62 day period of non-coverage.

I'll keep digging.

[googly]

77. I had the gall bladder removed 15 years ago, and now can eat

like a horse. Before that I had random attacks for 15 years.
Gall bladder attack is by far the worst pain I have endured.
Nothing else comes even close.

When the gall bladder is gone, the bile flows directly from
your liver via the bile duct into the duodenum. The bile duct
expands to take some function of the gall bladder, which is,
to store bile when it is needed in large quantities upon
consumption of fatty foods.

I would not opt for any natural cures, they will take too long
and no one needs to suffer the horrible pain needlessly.
The laprascopic procedure has cut down the cost of opertion
considerably over the old fashioned method of a 8 inch long
incision.

[googly]

100. Oh yes and when the surgeon handed me the removed gall stones

in a bottle, I almost fell out of the bed! They were the
size of quarters and nickels. Don't think any technique
would have broken them, they looked solid and rounded.

[sparky_in_ma]

78. My Mom had her gall bladder out 35 years ago

she's 77 and still doing great! The laproscopic procedure is done frequently around here, a good surgeon isn't hard to find.

Wish you well.:thumbsup:

[Zan_of_Texas]

82. did they mention the possibility of using sound to dissolve the stone(s)?

Found this:

http://www.liverfoundation.org/db/articles/1047

Other (Gallstone) Treatments: The following techniques are considered experimental and are available only on a limited basis.

---Shock wave lithotripsy is a technique which utilizes sound waves to crush and fragment stones into small pieces. The pieces are then dissolved by the oral medication ursodiol. This technique is best utilized for persons with a single large gallstone.

---Contact dissolution involves inserting a needle through the abdomen into the gallbladder and instilling an agent which rapidly dissolves the stones. Utilizing this technique most gallstones can be dissolved in hours. The needle is then removed.

[Liberty Belle]

84. My husband had lithotripsy for kidney stones.

Worked like a charm, no pain, just a little nausea the day after.

He was back at work 2 days later and has never had another stone.

[skids]

85. I've heard they can also use electricity.

My memory is hazy, but they've got some form of therapy for kidney stones where they send a directed electrical shock through you and they break up because they have a higher resistance. Don't know if it works for gall stones though.

[AtLiberty]

81. How 'bout gay covenant vows?

:D

[LWolf]

87. Andy, do both.

Talk to your doctor about a timeline. See the natural healer; give it the time your doctor says you can safely do, then have him check you again. If there is improvement, stay with natural methods. If not, then the surgery is still an option.

:hi:

[Paradise]

88. I'm getting a good feeling about you, Andy_Stephenson! :)

Seems there's a good chance "All may be well, that ends well!".
Keep the faith and we've got your back! :grouphug: :hug:

[stray cat]

89. I know lots of people who had their gallbladder removed.

If they can do it endoscopically the recovery time is pretty short.

[keepthemhonest]

90. i was right i was right

hee hee ,you will get better in no time Andy.This is the scenario I was hoping for, BEst Wishes
edited to add the answer to the second portion of your post.

I am all for wholestic medicine Andy, but in this case your gallstone in this location is causing sever Illness.Aren't you in pain, with a stone in that location? My advice is to suck it up(the $10,000) and have the surgery.Don't be cheap with your own health.

[Andy_Stephenson]

91. No I have no pain...that

is the strange part...just severe fatigue. No nausea no timerian turkey trots...just fatigue.

Still waiting on the CT scans but it sure looks like stones.

[keepthemhonest]

92. Well ask them how big it is and what are the chances of you

passing it on your own. Ask if there is more than one, and stay away from fatty foods right now or you will suffer more turkey trots.

The area where the stone is caught is right next to the pancreas as well, so you really don't want to let this go. I am sending you positive vibes for passing that stone right now.Best of luck with the wedding plans. Hee hee

[gorbal]

93. Looks like you have tow reasons to move to vermont

Health care and civil unions.

[mopinko]

95. only covered through my hubby, sorry

but by all means negotiate with the hospital. we have a blue cross ppo, and i never cease to be amazed at the size of the discounts that providers give to their big customers. 50% is the usual, but some stuff is as much as 80%. and as someone else mentioned, these hospitals are NOT living up to their commitments to provide free care. you might check out particular hospitals and find out what their track record is, and hold their feet to the fire.

personally, i am adamantly opposed to "holistic" medicine, having lost a niece to a slow, painful death that might have been prevented. so be careful. faith-based medicine is a bad idea.

[Land Shark]

97. Check out pre-existing illness clauses; Continued work with Land Shark?

I know Pacificare has no bar for pre-existing illnesses and is available in WA but is an HMO, don't know the quality of the post op coverage, etc. If you are able to continue work with me after you are feeling a bit better, that coverage is available via my law firm, but we'd have to figure out how to make your job work out for you given your other responsibilities and interests, etc., and you'd have to do the research in terms of whether this plan will work for your needs. I think there's a link to the plan at www.kcba.org for the King County Bar Association health insurance options. I wish I could just throw you on the plan but they won't allow it without a "real job".

Nine different plans to choose from (I found the link 3-4 levels down, added on edit) at

http://www.kcba.org/membership/memben.html#insurance

Then click on Northwest Employee benefits link for more detail. My current preference is Pacificare because premiums stay flat through age, but I'm willing to consider a change. I requested the details via email since the specific info doesn't seem easy to find, even at the above link. Here's the phone if you want to call them for info (but I'll forward mine when I get it),

Northwest Employee Benefits, Inc.
4300 NE Fremont, Suite 260
Portland, Oregon 97213-1100

Local: [phone]
Toll-free Nationwide: 1(800) 284-1331
Fax: [phone]

[texpatriot2004]

98. Hey Andy, hang in there. I know that in Houston a friend of mine

who had no health insurance got into some program where he was able to get the InterF. treatments and it didn't cost him much at all. I don't know what city you are in but I believe you will get the care that you need at this time. Don't give up before your miracle happens. Take Care Andy.

Love and Light to you.
Peace.

[renate]

99. I'd suggest a trip to Bastyr

They'll be very responsible about recommending surgery if it's necessary; their only agenda is the best interest of the patient. If your MD says you have time to get a second opinion, go see an ND at Bastyr to reassure yourself that you've looked into all your options. Your condition sounds very serious and I very very much doubt that colonics and diet would do the trick at this point. Also, a liver flush is contraindicated if there's a stone in the duct. But if you go to Bastyr you'll at least know you've looked into the best of the natural therapies and won't have second thoughts about going for the surgery.

[shimmergal]

101. Andy, no expert here, but

my daughter had emergency gall bladder surgery a few years ago. She'd waited about 8 months from her diagnosis, first because she was pregnant at the time, and then because she had no medical insurance. As it turned out, she almost died, had a longer hospital stay and recuperation, and very expensive antibiotics--it was much more costly in every way than if they'd done it sooner. (She's now healthy though, thankfully.)

So my inclination would be, if you need it, go ahead and do it. Don't know anything about the Endoscopic procedure, though.

Regardless, I'm glad your tests turned out to show things that are curable, by whatever means. Hang in there and know lots of us are still praying for you.

[smartvoter]

103. You could try the applejuice/homeopathic solutions first -- from what I've

read they are very effective and some MDs are beginning to have their patients try them first. The program/solution is all over the net.


Good luck!

[consciousobjector]

104. My husband says I can't, Andy

and besides, I haven't had health insurance for 15 years...

I'm glad to hear it's not hepatitis. I'd go the natural way myself, but you have to do what feels right for you.

If you decide to go the surgical route, please make sure the Dr. has looked at your chart the day you have it. The last time I let a doctor get me into an operating room (way back when I had insurance), he didn't look at my chart before proceeding and forgot to do some of the procedures he had planned to do while I was under anesthetic, resulting in a second trip to the hospital two weeks later.

Also, I hate to mention it, but if you own your house, the hospital can get a lien on it if you don't pay the bill.

Whichever route you choose (natural or allopathic), you might want to consider going vegan...and it will help your liver recover if you take Milk Thistle and drink Barlean's Greens.

Still sending you lots of healing vibes...

[Andy_Stephenson]

105. "If you own your house, the hospital can get a lien on it"

Washington has this funny little state law that says two men cannot get married. So the house is in his name. Oh well. :)

[seshers]

108. Are you still awake?

My mother has been an advocate for equality and change for all of my life. She doesn't have insurance either. She survived breast cancer last year with mucho financial aid. PM me. She would help you any way she could. Your mind is bright, your spirit is strong, and your voice is clear. YOU MUST NOT BE SILENCED! Not by illness and not by poverty. Stay brave, be strong and move forward.

Good Luck

Pat

[zalinda]

106. Sorry, Andy

I can't afford health insurance myself, so I don't think marrying me would be a good idea. :)

And thanks for keeping my secret.

zalinda

[KaliTracy]

107. Andy, reaching out with some healing thoughts for you... wish I could

help, but Ohio frowns on multi-partner relationships (certainly not a poly-friendly state (LOL) )... oh well. Wish I had a winning ticket from the lottery to give to you.

Please, do think about how long it might take to do this naturally -- I'm all for procedures that are not invasive, but sometimes life throws you a curve ball. One breech baby who was wedged tight inside me taught me that. Scars aren't so bad if what you have afterward is a healthy body. Get yourself a health advocate in the city where you want the procedure done, and find the best hospital option for you. A guy at work just had it done, and was walking and driving around (probably before he was supposed to) in a week or so.

It's overwhelming -- but try not to think of the cost, think of the returning health. I certainly hope that the CT scan is able to definitively diagnose this and that you can get it taken care of quickly. A little positive visioning wouldn't hurt -- in whatever way it takes to vision a gallstone, and 'disolve' it in your mind's eye...

take care of yourself.
deep peace.

[kitkat65]

109. See if this hospital has some kind of program offering aid

to those who can prove need. I did this once and got services a percentage of the normal cost and what I had was hardly life threatening. You'll have to fill out paperwork to prove your financial status. Hey, it never hurts to ask.

[bitchkitty]

111. Use the natural healer

I wish I had used one when I got breast cancer in 2000. I let them inject that toxic shit into my veins and it destroyed my body.

[ocean girl]

112. Andy - don't have the surgery!!!

I had the same thing - I went to the hospital for a scan and they wouldn't even let me leave and I had to have EMERGENCY surgery because I had "too many gallstones to count and my bile duct was blocked". I had the endoscopic gallbladder removal 3 years ago and I have not been the same since. I've had multiple pancreatic problems, my whole digestive system is screwed up and I can't find a way to fix it.

Six months after my surgery, I found a great gastro guy, who told me that the stones could have been dissolved (with drugs, not ultrasound) and that he doesn't take gallbladders out anymore, because it's so disruptive to the digestive system.

Please, please, do some research. You don't even have to go alternative, but if you can't find a mainstream doc that's enlightened, then find a naturopathic physician or Chinese acupuncturist before you have surgery.

I wish I had.