Advice & help plz...I need a scan.

[Chelee]

Robin, I totally agree with you that the stress & anxiety can cause the back pain. What bothers me is I wasn't stressed or upset when this upper back pain & breathing problem started. Actually I was feeling quite good mentally & emotionally when it started. I didn't panic & just passed it off as one of many things that could be causing it. It wasn't until it continued for over a month that I started getting a bit concerned.

Since I am a stage III'er I do like to stay some what vigilant & not just ignore symptoms that linger this long. What really upsets me is this just comes down to "Profit over Patient". My onc and primary both know I don't run to them over every little pain. It has to be serious for me to bring it up. I just hope & pray my doctors are right and its nothing. Last time I told my onc I couldn't breath he didn't believe me for four days when I was doing chemo. I ended up in the hospital with a heart moniter, wide spectrum of antibiotics, steriods, insulin, and oxygen for 21 days. (Heavy damage to lungs.)

I am trying to keep my mind off of it and go one with my normal every day things. I have my appt set up with my pulmonary Monday...so maybe I will get some kind of answer then? Thanks for your thoughts and support Robin.

Chelee

[naturaleigh]

Hey Chelee,

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I feel your pain with Doctors and Insurance.

Have you thought about a second opinion? Maybe he/she would want to give you a scan so they could check things out thoroughly themselves.

Also, have you thought about getting out of your HMO during open enrollment? I know there is no perfect insurance out there, but maybe it is time for a change.

Best of luck to you. I am praying that is nothing.

Anita

[Chelee]

Hi JustwannaBe, No I have never been to a chiropractor because every orthopedic doctor I've seen in my life have all told me with my problems to stay away from them. I've also been seen by top scoliosis specialists & was told the same by them.

My back has some serious problems so I just can't take a chance with one wrong adjustment. If I didn't have scoliosis I would look forward to seeing one. I know so many people that swear by them. But for me its out of the question. But I appreciate the idea. I will talk to my pulmonary about about the possiblility of something pushing on my diaphram? With my scoliosis anything is possible.

Chelee

[RobinP]

Have you thought about an MRI instead of a pet or cat scan. I was told that the MRI would show more pathology in the back than the pet or cat scan. Plus you don't get that nasty radiation exposure with the MRI. As long as your kidneys are healthy, they should handle the contrast MRI dye fine. Good luck with getting the tests done and hope it all turns out fine.

[lizm100]

Chelee-

I was trying to see how you made out about getting the scans approved but have not found any update.

I know when I was having breathing issues, my primary said that if she can't get insurance approval for a ct-scan to rule out pulmonary embolism then may be I will need to go to the emergency room to get the ct-scan. My insurance did end up approving the scan but I was ready to run to the emergency room if that was the only way insurance was going to pay for the ct-scan.

We all try to follow the proper channels but sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands so that your care is not compromised.

Just thought I would share my story.

[WomanofSteel]

I hope you are able to get your scans and I hope most of all that it is indeed nothing serious. It is a shame that we people are treated worse than animals by the healthcare system.

[Jean]

Hi Chelee,
First I want to wish you a peaceful New Year.
You sound so strssed from all that you are expierencing.
I am glad that you have an appt. on Monday with the lung dr.

Please give this some thought to help you feel better
(easier said than done)...you had a PET scan 7 months ago..which was clear, that is a great sign.

Second you do not have any other symptoms happening (besides the shortness of breath)..that would be a red flag that something is happeing.

Weight Loss,
Coughing that Does not go away
Any bloody or rust colored phlegm
lumps near the surface of the skin
loss of appetite
weakness

While we all know early detection increases our treatment choices...let's look at the positive side that your last scans were clean and you have remained on top of your care....please try to relax until Monday's visit
(I know once again easier said than done). I do feel both your dr. upset you so much now that you are deeply worried.

We tend to notice each small ache and pain after our bc dx and maybe we think the worst. Please let us know on Monday how your visit went. In the meantime try to be kind to yourself and assure yourself you are on top of your health care and all will be taken care of.

Sending you warm hugs and good wishes for the New Year...I am so sorry you have to wait the weekend.

Regards
Jean

[juanita]

i hope that things start going better for you soon and you get all of the scans that you need. sending extra prayers your way!

[Chelee]

Hi Liz, I still have not gotten a scan & I have tried everything except checking into the ER room myself...& that did cross my mind.

I really believed my pulmonary doc was going to order a scan but I could tell the "minute" I got in his office he had already gotten his "marching orders" from my onc or primary? Again, this is all "Profit over Patient". It's so blatantly obvious to me. When I told my pulmonary doctor my concerns he was very short with me & said, "Well, they are following you over there at that cancer center closely so I wouldn't worry". My primary doc & onc both knew I was going to see him so they put a stop to it.

But since then I did do as Chrisy suggested & told my onc that I wanted it documented that I requested a scan because I have extreme scapula pain & issues with my breathing. My onc already had it written in her notes before I even asked & gave me copies of it 3 wks ago. So the only other thing I've been trying to do is get back into see my primary doc but he has been gone. I'm going to let him know HOW obvious it was that they gave my pulmonary doc orders NOT to ok scans. Even though I am frustrated with my primary doc I've been with him 30 yrs and we can talk about anything. So I'm waiting to see what he has to say after all this? But this has sure ruined my holidays. They wear me down then I just have to let it go for a while so I can re-group & start again. They think I have given up & went away....not!!! (As Arnold says, I'll be back!) lol

My scapula pain is better though which is a major relief to me. It was really extreme pain. Now it comes and goes but it's very slight to mild pain so I've had less anxiety over it. Thanks for thinking of me Liz.

Chelee

[juanita]

wow, i really feel sorry for you. i've had no trouble getting scanswhen something was bothering me. just go see my rad onc and he gets me in then sees me a few hours later. hope you can get this to go in your favor SOON!