by Eydie Scher
The pain doubled me over. I couldn't lie down or sit up and obviously couldn't sleep. It is 1 a.m. and Sunday morning. There is only one place open, the emergency room. I've had this once before. I told them that I had a stomach bacterial infection. Seven and a half hours later, light swept through the hospital windows. Nothing changed except I had umpteen tests, x-rays, CAT scans, an IV, and the pain was worse. Eventually I got a prescription for an antibiotic that made me better. Then the bill came. Only a few mere mortals could decipher it. Hospitals are supposed to have Patient's Bill of Rights. One right is to have the bill explained; the other to inform patients of all procedures done and why. Has this happened to you too? And are you sick of getting notices from your health care provider that your premium has increased?
The hysterectomy was scheduled. I had the first opinion, the second opinion and then Oprah's opinion. I cancelled it immediately. She said on one of her shows that the hysterectomy is the most over prescribed surgery for women. Sometimes, it is necessary but sometimes, it's not. Just recently I read an article online. It wasn't a medical site, just something that popped up on AOL. It gives new credence that hysterectomies are the most over performed surgery. Yes, I still have all my parts including the fibroids that caused the commotion though they are much smaller now. Sure, there are good reasons to have the surgery. I'm just saying what you already know -- stay informed. Our body affects our lives.
We moved to Las Vegas a few years back, and I had to see a gynecologist before my former health insurance ran out. I found one in the yellow pages. This doctor said I needed not one, but two surgeries, the breast and a hysterectomy. I collapsed in panic. Immediate visits to specialist alleviated some of the anxiety but the stress stayed with me. I didn't need either surgery.
We were still living in Las Vegas. Mammograms are a necessary evil. I know that and dutifully go each year. They told me there was a cyst and a biopsy was suggested. The appointment was made. Nothing would work to calm me down. Twenty-four hours later, the results came back, negative. Why didn't they look at my old mammograms as I suggested? I know better now. I make sure they do look at them.
We all have medical sob stories. The important thing is to be your own advocate. Talk to your physician if you have questions, seek a second opinion if you need one, and do your homework on what’s ailing you. If you have a problem with a health care provider or insurance company, the Better Business Bureau will not take your complaints. The Bureau of Licensure and Certification will however. They are located at 1550 E. College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89706. Consumers can also get advice from the Office of the Governor - Consumer Health Assistance. They can be reached by calling 888-333- 1597.