NSBR: Just need to vent about stupid dr tests!

[matosmom]

So 6 months ago I had an abnormal pap, ya big deal but the dr made it seem pretty serious ( i hate that dr btw). So I had to wait 6 months and test again. Well it came back abnormal again and I get all this lovely stupid paperwork in the mail yesterday. Now I get to have a colposcopy and a biopsy and then they will decide if freezing my cervix will help or if I need surgery to remove it or even worse a hysterectomy.

All this and I still don't have insurance because dh's job wants crazy amounts for it and my job doesn't offer insurance. So I'm just racking up the bills and the stress this year.

Thanks for letting me vent....

[~ashleigh]

yuck. I hope everything turns out to be okay!

BTW, you may be able to get insurance on your own. It isn't as *good* as group coverage, but it can be affordable, and you will at least recieve the insurance's discounts from your doctors.

[matosmom]

I already have to pay for dd's insurance on my own at $70 and there's just no room left in the budget for dh and I to get insurance right now. We both work ft but I go to school as well so money is tight

[crissyd]

I totally understand how stressful this can be. I had almost the exact same situation (except I like my Dr.). My first pap came back abnormal. They retested again in 6 months. That one came back abnormal. I needed to make an appointment for a colposcopy (sp?). They were going to wait a month, but I started crying on the phone with the receptionist and begged her to let me come in asap-I just couldn't handle the anxiety of waiting. I went for the colposcopy one week later and got the results two weeks from then.
I had pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. There are three stages it can be at and mine was between the second and third. After the third it becomes cancerous. Just last week I had surgery to remove most of my cervix through a procedure called a conization. They sent it for a biopsy and I'm supposed to get the results in 2 weeks.
While this whole procedure is EXTREMELY stressful (I gained 10 pounds in the last 3 months just from stressful eating ) I am so happy that the doctor kept testing me and found the problem. I just feel so grateful that we have the technology to detect problems and hopefully cure them.
Keep the faith and if you need to pm me feel free. I'll pray for you and hope everything turns out ok.

[chris]

I understand that this is all so stressful for you, but honest, it's not stupid dr tests! We should be so thankful that these tests are available today to save our lives.

There were no early tests for either of my two sisters who died of cancer, nor were they available for two of my brothers children, three uncles and and an aunt who all died from cancer. I also have many friends who are no longer here because the cancer was too advanced!

For me the good news is that I had an early colposcopy and a biopsy that saved my life because the cancer was detected at an early stage, and my husband's was also diagnosed early. Be thankful and realize the cost is small compared to the alternative, and above all, try not to stress!

You're in my prayers that all will go well for you.

[arenee]

I agree with the other ladies........taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do for your family. The number one thing you have do is to get a doctor that you like. It makes every thing harder when you don't like or trust your doctor. Number 2--do your research--you will find that the care you have recieved is the norm for your type of diagnosis. You will also find that the follow up for this type of problem will mean seeing your doctor more often--back to number 1. If you don't like your doctor, it may be harder to do the proper follow up.

Good luck!