Getting the E.R to help?

[Ehohnadel]

I've suffered from stomach issues for ten years. I've been to many doctors and most of them didn't believe me. But once I started to pass bold and mucus I finally was able to get some tests. I had some blood and stool tests and one colonoscopy. The doc who did the scope said, and I quote, " it is tore up in there. Inflammation, scarring, ulcers, the works. But the biopsy didn't show anything. All I can give you is an antibiotic." She told me she was going to put down ibd, but that was mostly because she wasn't sure what else to put.

Any who, I just try to struggle thru the flares of my "ibd". But I do go to the e.r sometimes. If I'm blacking out from pain and passing blood I go. But all I get is a stool test and fluids and I'm sent home within 3 hours.

So to get to thee point of my post, what do I need to do to get actual help in the hospital? I'm trying to get a g.i who will help me out, but until I do..... I need the E.R to do more for me. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ps, I'm located in Georgia, USA if anyone around here knows what to do.

 

[Jennifer]

Even after getting a diagnosis the ER would still run tests like a CT scan or a small bowel follow through if I had symptoms of an obstruction or if I was bleeding. Other than that I get blood work, stool tests and an IV for fluids, nausea meds, and pain meds. If things were really bad then they admit me as well.

When I go to the ER I let them know about my Crohn's so that gives them an idea of what to look for and where. Maybe you could tell them that a doctor did a scope on you and found a lot of issues going on inside and suggested that you may have some form of IBD (maybe even bring the results of the test with you). Let them know that you're trying to find a GI but need the ER for now to help stop any blood loss (they often give me steroids while there and send me home with a prescription and that always helped with my blood loss), control your pain and nausea, rehydrate you and run any tests that your future GI will find helpful (they should have a GI on staff that can look at your test results).

If past hospitals you've gone to tend to brush you off then try going to another hospital if possible or try another day and another time. Some hospitals aren't as good as others yet some staff aren't as bad as others. I have two hospitals about the same distance from me and one is better than the other yet the one that's better does have some hit or miss doctors sometimes. Remember when you leave they always say that if things get worse or don't get better, then come back to the ER. You may get a better staff working there when you come back.

Yes they are meant for emergency situations and often times we're told to go see our regular doctor. That doesn't make our issues any less urgent. Blood loss is serious, dehydration can be serious, and obstructions can be life threatening. So don't dismiss your symptoms just because your arm isn't visibly lopped off. We can't see what's going on inside so go to the ER when you start wondering if you should or not.

This thread may also help http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=922

 

[Ehohnadel]

I have one hospital with in 4 minutes of my house. The next nearest is a little over 30 minutes away and has crazy wait times, but better staff. But thank you for the advice. I read story's of people who go in with the same symptoms and get tests run to rule out the really bad stuff. I don't even always get an I.v. I have got to find a doctor soon, or I'm gonna pay for it with some major emergency. In the past year my symptoms have worsened considerably and I'm having much less time between flares.

But your right, I really can't ignore my symptoms if I want to get better. Thank you!

 

[DustyKat]

You need to get a GI ASAP and that will be the key to getting appropriate care both now and in the long term.

The ER isn't there to diagnose as such. They are there to treat the immediate problem and move you on. Yes, they do identify problems but again they will treat presenting symptoms only. They are emergency medicine specialists and as such do not delve into the ongoing treatment of chronic conditions.

Armed with the name and number of a GI who knows you, your disease and what the potential problems are should they arise they will be able to advise the ER staff what to do and what his/her expectations are...whether to treat and discharge and then follow up as an outpatient or whether to admit for ongoing tests and treatment.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Clash]

I'm from middle Georgia as well and I can probably guess the hospital with crazy wait times. If you are uninsured have you signed up with the new insurance exchanges so that you will ne covered at the first of the year?

If you are insured but have high deductibles/out of pocket expenses have you spoken with GI groups about payt plans? If you were to have a consult and bring along previous test results, you might be able to get them to work something out with you.

In reference to going to the ER, if you are having blood and mucus with your bms before you go, I would document it with a pic. Use your camera phone, that way when you are at the ER you can quickly pull it up and give them an idea of what you are dealing with.

I hope you are able to find some answers and receive some relief soon! Hugs and support!

 

[Ehohnadel]

Lol I bet you do know the hospital I'm taking about. The money isn't the issue with getting the doctor. I've been to multiple ones. The first straight up told me I was lying. The others just said there was not evidence of any issue except having an auto immune diagnosis I got by accident when I was pregnant. I don't mind paying for the tests or procedures, but I swear to god if one more doctor tells me it's in my head or I'm lying, you'll be reading about a young female who assaulted a doctor with a scope.

 

[Clash]

My son is 17, he was diagnosed at 15. An adult GI from our area did his first scope and diagnosed him. We then transferred his care to a Ped. Gi in Atlanta. When he transitions to an adult GI it will probably still be one in Atlanta. It's not a bad drive for us and we make a day of it when we are there. You might consider Atlanta for further testing and then transition back with all your results. I'm sorry you feel they aren't taking you seriously, I know that just adds stress to this situation!

 

[Ehohnadel]

It does. But I think the worst part is, as I get sick my husband and child suffer more. I can't play like I want or be reliable as a spouse or mother. It's very frustrating for me. I might look into goon to ATL for treatment too.


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