Ranting because I know you'll undertand.
 

Okay, forgive my rant, but I know I can come here and vent and y'all will understand.


I had my checkup and bloodwork and decided with my OB Gyn to do a total hysterectomy due to heavy cycles that are long in duration and frequent. In order to do the surgery, I needed my hemoglobin and hematocrit to be higher than they were, my ferritin was 4, my hemoglobin was 4.8, my hematocrit was 18, and I was classified severely anemic. They sent me t a hematologist who recommended iron infusions, but because my numbers were so low, suggested I go to the hospital and get a blood transfusion. In the course of all this blood work, they did a test called a CA-125, which measures the proteins of ovarian cancer, and my numbers came back high, so they wanted to do a repeat test. Apparently this is used as a screening tool and done best with serial tests instead of a one time thing. Because of the breast cancer and family history, I am at greater risk for ovarian cancer (plus all the IVF drugs we took for me to get pregnant, over a period of 5 years!) My grandma passed from ovarian cancer that was stage 4 before it was even found, and was so spread through her body, they couldn't find where one organ ended and the next began. I declined because I was already having the hysterectomy and they can just take everything I don't need and check the other stuff while they're in there. I did spend last Saturday night in the hospital receiving 3 units of blood, 2 bags of potassium, and when I left there, my hemoglobin was 8, my hematocrit was 29, and I was supposed to follow up with my OB Gyn, which I did, after having an iron infusion on Monday, which raised my numbers only slightly higher, but a great improvement from where they were. Now my Ob Gyn has decided that the CA-125 test is not always accurate and wants to do more tests. I am ranting and raving because she was all for scheduling surgery once my numbers came up, but now wants to run more tests??? I feel like she's jerking me around. I don't want or need any more tests, I don't care if the CA-125 test is right or wrong or if I have ovarian cancer or not, I was having the hysterectomy before all the CA-125 crap even came about and I still want one.

Oh and my insurance is maxed, so I only have $1500.00 left that they will pay for hospitalizations and surgeries. The rest is up to us. Now, if you walked into a Dr's office with elevated cancer test numbers and all of the symptoms of ovarian cancer but one, why wait?? Why run more tests when you already agreed that I need the surgery for the bleeding? Why can't we just schedule the surgery, take out the parts and you can test them to your hearts content, AFTER they are no longer in my body???
My pubic bone feels like its going to break and all my insides are going to fall out my girly parts. I am exhausted, I look 4 months pregnant, and I have the most excruciating pain in my lower back and hips.

Yes, I am frustrated. Yes, I am angry. Yes, I let things get the best of me yesterday and made comments to my husband and friends that I truly didn't mean, and they know that. And yes, I am p*ssed to the point where I am not taking it anymore. A doctor somewhere is going to do the surgery I need in order to make me healthy again, and if I have to visit every single Dr in the Dallas area, I will. Doctors should not take a "wait and see" attitude with their patients.

I'm done. Rants over. Thanks for listening.

I've been following all of this on your FB, Michele. What an agonizing ordeal you are going thru. I don't understand why they are testing when they already said you needed the surgery either. Sometimes, we just have to say "Enough" and find a doctor that will actually listen to the patient.

You continue to be in my prayers.

Also, I wanted to say how impressed I am with your strength to get thru this. Hang in there!!

Do not give up. I can not imagine any Dr refusing to do a surgery that you are requesting that needs to be done. I just dont understand what they problem is,if you are bleeding so heavy that you are anemic and almost bleeding all of the time. WTH!! Dare you go back to the same Dr and look him/her in he eyes and tell them that you really are not joking. You want this done.

I would go back to the dr and tell him. I don't have anymore money to play around with. We discussed this surgery and I have agreed to do it. We are done with the tests now let's do the surgery

If she doesn't agree on Monday at my appointment, then I'm done with her and will find another doctor. Like I told you earlier, I will show up at the ER and hand them a list of my symptoms, my lab results, my test results and tell them the exact words my grandma, your mom and I said it feels like.

I am so sorry that things are going so rough for you. You really deserve a break and it is not fair that they are making you wait.

I'm praying that you will get the surgery soon and get feeling lots better.

Oh my Michele. You have been though it. But you are so amazing with the strength you have. If you don't feel your doctor is doing what's best then I think you should find a different doctor. You have to have trust in your doctor. Know that you have prayers going up for you through all this. Hugs to you. And just want to add that sucks about your insurance. Is there any other assistance you can get?

praying that you get the surgery and you feel better soon

Wow I am so sorry you are going through all of this. They need to get on with the surgery while they have your numbers where they need to be. I understand why you are so frustrated you have a right to be. It sucks to be bleeding so hard on top of all this other stuff. Praying she says okay lets get this done.

I am so sorry you have to deal with this. You have enough to handle. Keeping you in my prayers.

So sorry you are going through this Michele. Stick to your guns and have that surgery!

Michelle my CA-125 test was high as well. Indicating cancer. They did not do any more tests. I was told my tumors were too large to treat here and I was sent to U of M. They did do one exam, but I was immediately scheduled for surgery, they also did frozen sections while I was open and out. all was clear!!! So yes....the CA-125 can be high and not be cancer. They took everything on me. I have nothing.

Just checking to be sure you know you can get a copy of your medical records from your doctor?

Michelle, I agree with you that you just need to have the surgery asap. If it is ovarian ca, it will be found on the biopsy results postop. Also, if it is ovarian ca, the sooner they get it out, the better. I can't believe you were functioning with a Hgb & Hct that low. Most people wouldn't be able to stand up! Normal is around 14 & 45! They definitely need to get that hysterectomy done before you bleed your numbers back down. Prayers for all to go well & for negative test results!

Sending prayers for a scheduled surgery and speedy recovery !

My biopsy results are in, but she's making me come to her office to discuss them, and she doesn't have any availability until Thursday. So, we wait....