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I have to wait 3 and a half months!

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Posted 12/9/2012 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
G'day,

I had my consultation yesterday with the Dr who will perform my endoscopy and colonoscopy and he told me I was booked in for MARCH 14! I was so depressed driving home because I wanted to get this over and done with. Here in Western Australia we have a wait list if you don't have private health insurance so I guess that's my lot. I was wondering if they triage people for these procedures. Do you think the Dr looked at me, briefly discussed my symptoms and then placed me accordingly? If he suspected cancer then do you think he would have booked me in earlier?

Also, around 3 years ago, I had some blood work done and I was told I had elevated liver enzymes. My Dr told me to cut back on alcohol etc. Should I be concerned about this now? I haven't really cut back!?! and my anxiety has me thinking that maybe my liver is on the way out.

My symptoms, gnawing, bubbling sensation in the top of my stomach, on and off nausea. Everything else seems fine. My wife keeps telling me I look the healthiest since we met, yet I just can't shake my fears. On 20mg Nexium per day.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Jamie
Posted 12/9/2012 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
G'day Jamie,

If you're worried about your liver you could have a simple blood test to check it.  My husband takes medication that can be hard on the liver and he has gotten periodic blood tests to check and make sure all is well. There is no sense in worrying about it.  Contact you primary care doc and see if you can't get him/her to write a script for bloodwork.

Actually, even here in the US it's often a long wait to see a specialist and get procedures.  It's maddening, I know.  The other thing that drives me crazy is when they do the procedure and then make you wait another few months for the follow-up appointment to discuss the results!

Hang in there...the time will fly by.

Denise

Posted 12/9/2012 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
There's an old saying, "God help those who help themselves". If you worry about your condition now, I think it's a good time to cut back on alcohol and live healthily while you are waiting for the scopes. Alcohol hurts both the stomach and the liver. Like what Denise said, a simple blood test could reveal what's going on and give you peace of mind. 3 months is a long wait. You can even heal yourself in the mean time.
Posted 12/9/2012 10:27 AM (GMT 0)
thats crazy to have to wait that long, as here in the States, one can get in fairly quickly.  try not to panic; there are many things that can throw liver enzymes outta whack. are you on any other meds?         Post edited to remove overtly political reference: hitThePost, Your participation on the forum is appreciated, however this post was political in nature, and that's not allowed here. I have removed the political portion.  Here's the rule: 6. No posts of copyrighted material, lengthy articles, or posts of an overtly political or religious nature . We all have strong feelings, but if we begin to insert overtly political opinions into our posts it will turn off many who come to us for help and support. If you want to discuss politics, I'm sure there are many forums available to you. Please keep your posts on topic.  Thanks! Post Edited By Moderator (dencha) : 12/9/2012 10:14:11 AM (GMT-7)
Posted 12/9/2012 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Crazy wait time. Here in Canada we have government run healthcare, which varies by province, but this clinic books within a month ( on average) in my area and you see a specialist there.

http://www.ruddclinic.com/

Posted 12/9/2012 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Jamie, I'm here in the US and I've had to wait 3-4 months to see a good GI doc.  I guess it depends on what area you're in, and how busy your GI doc is.  Of course there is triage.  If someone is in very bad shape and another doc is referring they can slip a few people in right away. WJF has a very good point.  Cut back on the alcohol if you're worried.  Your problem could have been a temporary one.  Try not to stress over it, as it'll make your GI issues worse! Hang in there! Denise
Posted 12/9/2012 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Wait a sec, I made no mention to my political stance, rather, I mentioned an important part of our healthcare that is coming through, the Healthcare Reform. I work in the industry, and regardless of whether someone is for or against it, it is going to increase our wait times. Absolutely absurd that you would limit my post that is based on actual fact. It is an important fact that is very relevant to this OP's question. confused

HTP,  I did not see your post but I trust Denise's judgement as she referenced her edit to "posts of an overtly political or religious nature (ie. proselyting)" which is from our forum rules.  I am sure she did not just edit your post without a bonafide reason.

I thank you in advance for your understanding.

Kitt

  

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 12/9/2012 2:37:22 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/10/2012 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your responses.
I went to see the Dr today and have my blood test in the morning. I a bit apprehensive. I feel like I'm always on edge lately as these health issues are all I can think about. Hopefully, things aren't to bad!

The Dr did say the Zoloft I take could be responsible for the liver stuff and he stated even if it was three times higher than normal, he wouldn't necessarily change my medication.

Once again, I really appreciate the comments!

I will keep you posted.

Jamie
Posted 12/10/2012 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, Jamie! turn

 

Posted 12/10/2012 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, Jamie! turn

 

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