Going to get a 2nd opinion.....

.....went to the specialist yesterday to find out if I need surgery for my gall stone - I do. The only problem I have with having to have surgery is how long I have to wait to get it done. The earliest date available was October 5th. That is 4 months I would have to live with constant discomfort (unless it ruptures). Not only that, my surgery may be bumped as he also deals with cancer patients and they get priority (which makes sense). I am on a cancellation list, but that isn't probable as so many people are ahead of me on the list!

So after my appointment I went back to my family doctor to get another perscription for Tylonel 3 and I explained the situation to him. He thinks that is too long to wait, so he is going to send me to another specialist at another hospital and see when they can fit me in. I was hoping to have it out before the end of the summer!

I'm feeling very grumpy now.

I'm so sorry your having to go through this.
I hope they can get you in sooner
Sending (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
your way

That sucks. I hope this other Dr can get you in sooner.

That does seem like a really long time to wait. I hope you can get in sooner with a different doctor.

You poor thing. I hope you are able to get some relief soon. I had problems with my gallbladder for several months before they decided it was my gallbladder. I've have felt so much better since they removed the little bugger.

That seems rediculous to wait that long. I had gallstones, and mine was scheduled a month later. It was moved up because I was passing them left and right....definitely see if you can get in elsewhere, or complain when it causes any discomfort and get it moved up! I'm sorry you're going through this!

I agree...that is quite a while to wait. But I've heard that in Canada, it CAN be like that because the nature of the health care system (National Health Care). That is what I was told, anyway..not sure if that is true or not.

Then you look at the USA....and yeah, we probably wouldn't have a wait like that, but then not everyone is able to have insurance (employer doesn't provide, not employed, too much money, etc).....and then when you do, the cost can be UNGODLY with crappy coverage. Meds are DOUBLE the amount here than they are in Canada, too.

Can't win, huh??

Hang in there. Ask for some Vicodin!!!! That will kill what ails ya!!!

I have an appointment Thursday morning with another doctor from another hospital. I asked his secretary when he is booking surgery because if it is also months I might as well stick with the date I have. She said that she can probably book surgery pretty quickly for me if need be. I told her if that was the case I would love her forever or at least buy her some flowers!

I hope everything works out with this specialist and you can get an earlier surgery date. Good luck.

Why do the wait times for surgery have to be so long here in Canada? My MIL had to wait six months for heart surgery! Keep squeeking the wheel and I hope you get it moved up and over with. Good luck!

Awe, well I hope you can get in sooner!


My son had to have surgery on his ears two years ago and it took 2 months to get in.

Personally, I'd rather the wait then have to worry about paying for it myself. I have a pregnant friend in the states who cannot afford health insurance, so goes to the Indian Hospital because to insure her family would cost 700 dollars a month.

It is interesting to see the different systems at work. I understand it is the same way in the UK. Here in the states, even if someone has welfare health insurance, there is not such a wait for surgery. I am grateful that my insurance is covered with my employer, it is part of my salary. We have a state plan in PA. for the ones that don't have it at work, and make too much for welfare, it costs around 35 a month and gives basic coverage. Not all the states do that though.
I am spoiled in that I get medications almost paid for and I have great insurance. My only complaint is when you are really sick, it is hard to get to see the doctor. They want you to come in two weeks, or months. You ahve to be really demanding that they see you, then they will squeeze you in.
I am not sure I would want a national health care program, if it meant I would lose the insurance I have now. knowing my employer, they would probably discontinue it, if there was a national plan.

I hope you don't have to wait that long, but if you do, changing your diet might give you some relief if you haven't yet. Your gallbladder releases enzymes that break down fats, so maybe it wouldn't be so irritated if you could cut back on the fatty foods that you eat...if you havent' already. Not saying that you eat a lot of fatty foods... uh oh, I'm not sure I can get out of this one now! Anyway, after you have it removed you will have to change your diet a bit anyway, but at least it is something you CAN live without!!

Originally Posted by Samantha1979

I hope you don't have to wait that long, but if you do, changing your diet might give you some relief if you haven't yet. Your gallbladder releases enzymes that break down fats, so maybe it wouldn't be so irritated if you could cut back on the fatty foods that you eat...if you havent' already. Not saying that you eat a lot of fatty foods... uh oh, I'm not sure I can get out of this one now!

Anyway, after you have it removed you will have to change your diet a bit anyway, but at least it is something you CAN live without!!

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I have changed alot of the foods I eat but I still sometimes crave the "bad stuff". I am trying to make better choices!