Extremely pissed off at local hospital.

So I went to my local hospital's ER for some serious problems that i'm having with my body.

My symptoms:

-13 swollen lymph nodes, 9 are in my groin and upper thighs, one under my armpit, 1 behind each ear, and one on my back.
-Extreme pressure and dull pain in my lower right abdomen.

The major problem with this is that none of my lymph nodes are tender to the touch, I can thump them, tug on them, etc. without any pain at all, this is NOT normal.

So I went to the hospital, within 5 mins I was in my own private room, a nurse comes in takes blood, takes a urine sample, asks me what's going on and I explain to her. They seemed very concerned for my health and are extremely nice and polite. They were talking about doing x-rays and a cat scan to check out what was going on within my body.

Then I make it known that I am no longer covered under my mothers health care, 5 mins later i'm wheeled out of the room into a room with several other people with curtains seprerating us and then treated by a doctor who acts like he couldn't care less about the lymph nodes, all they were worried about was the pain in my lower right abdomen.

I REPEATEDLY told him that I had several painless swollen lymph nodes all over my body, he puts two fingers down my shorts and fills along my hip bone and says 'nothing to worry about'. Nothing to WORRY about?! I've had experience with lymph nodes and know for a fact that if their are swollen painless ones that don't go down in a few months time then their IS a problem that needs to be addressed, I just had a benign one removed from my neck 6 years ago in the same hospital.

Basically I was treated like a second class citizen, I got my x-ray and was sent along my way, no cat scan, and no further examination of my lymph nodes and showed no apparent signs of appendicitis so as far as they were concerned they were satisfyed. I was given a bottle of loratab 7.5 with blue speckles on the pills, I don't even need pain medication, it was an extemely dull pain in my side, and more of a pressure feeling, and a bottle of medicine for nausea even though I didn't have any nausea.

Needless to say i'm worried, stressed, and plain pissed off at the way I was treated, the main reason I went to the ER was to see what was up with my lymph nodes and they acted like it wasn't anything major, they did no examination of the lymph nodes besides what I described. Hell for all I know I could be walking around with lymphoma.

I'm at a loss for words right now, on the verge of an emotional breakdown, and just want to know what's wrong with me, and what's wrong with the freaking hospitals around here, this has apparently been a trend after I spoke to some people about it.

Honestly it's taking everything in me not to go back to that hospital and cuss the doctor out for not properly examining me and hurrying me out of the ER.

I'm thinking about going somewhere else to get a second opinon, but the only other hospital in my city is one that only accepts people with inssurance, and traveling isn't financially possible. And I don't really know anything about speciallist? Do you have to have insurance to see a specific specialist? Because my money situation is in peril right now, i'm unemployed along with alot of my family, and we are barely getting by right now.

I'm just scared and frightened about this, this is my health im talking about, life and death, and this isn't something to just brush aside, these swollen nodes are something serious but it seems like the doctors and this hospital don't really care, unless I have insurance of course.

Is this legal, and is money behind this? I'm seriously worried, I just can't say it enough.

[edit on 8/20/2009 by Uniceft17]

The hospital has done what they are required to by law.

showed no apparent signs of appendicitis so as far as they were concerned they were satisfyed

They determined you were not in immediate danger, that is all they HAVE to do.

Until healthcare is seen as a fundamental human right and not as a business this is what you have.

I haven't been in the US for years, I'm lucky, I'm covered under the NHS as I live in the UK, but I remember how frustrating it was when I couldn't afford insurance but didn't qualify for medicade.

You need to start calling around and see if you can get in at a free clinic. Most major cities will have something like this, usually only once or twice a month. I seem to remember getting a bad bad rash taken care of via the "Saint Vincent De Paul Society" many years ago. Not sure if they are around any more but it's worth a look.

Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems, and even more sorry that the "big business" of health in the states only provides proper care for those who are eligible. As merigold said, we are very lucky to live in the U.K. where we all get equal healthcare for free.

I myself grew up in the U.S. and experienced your healthcare system, and now living in back in the U.K. I can honestly say that the system here, although flawed in areas, is fantastic and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Maybe you need to make some friends in the U.K. and fly over here for a few months and get some treatment. It could be a better option for you.

I wish you the best, and hope you find somewhere to look after you properly.

Get an appt with a regular M.D. If he thinks something is wrong, you will get faster attention than from an E.R. They are there to treat an immediate threat to life, not to diagnose and treat anything long term. Good Luck to you and your family.

reply to post by DAVID64


The problem is that a regular MD will want his insurance information. Perhaps he will be able to work out some kind of plan for payment, but more than likely he will need to pay upfront. Additionlly labs won't do anything for free either so if any testing needs to be done he will again have to pay upfront.

In an ideal world you would go to the doctor regardless of your financial situation. In world where medicine is treated as a business you suffer.

I don't mean to be rude, but, you all are from the UK, I live here, have been treated without insurance and my dad was in a private hospital without insurance and in ICU for a week before he died.

he was not treated as a second class citizen. He was not left to die in a corner, they did not ship him out onto the sidewalk.

My husband was electrocuted and was rushed in and all tests and things were done before they took insurance information.

I just don't believe they stopped treating you when they found you didn't have insurance. Especially not someone who is young enough to be on their parents insurance.

Sorry, this just sounds much more like a "story" than fact.

Again, Merigold, I live here, I have lived through my father not having insurance and he still was able to see a doctor who treated him for his emphysema. Doctors do not turn you away at the door without insurance. That is BS the media makes up. They do expect you to pay for it, though they take payments. You can even negotiate their fees if you do not have insurance.

Its amazing how people from other countries are such experts on OUR healthcare system. You know, we have had insurance since I have been married. Even when being self employed. My son and I both have pre-existing conditions. We have used Major Medical policies when going between jobs to keep credible coverage, protect us from a huge bill while waiting yet, be affordable.

Not only that, but, if you don't have insurance, you can ALWAYS go to the health department. Its free. Its government run. Why do people not use those?? They are in every city. There are doctors who run charitable clinics weekly for those without insurance, but, no one talks about those people, because, well, that's a GOOD thing.

[edit on 8/20/2009 by llpoolej]

reply to post by llpoolej


Your healthcare system is a sham based on profits, time to change to the evil socialist healthcare system. At least they didn't shove you in a taxi and have you dropped off on a street somewhere, talk to your government rep and have them vote yes to the healthcare reform

Uniceft17, I'm so sorry that happened to you. I've heard of similar stories all over the place. Are you in the US? Do you have an emergency clinic in your city? Where I live there are a couple clinics that will see you without hesitation when you do not have insurance. These clinics are normally staffed by General Practitioners, and could possibly help you more.

reply to post by Uniceft17


Why would you go to the emergency room for something that isn't an emergency?

Is it because you didn't have the money for an office visit to a Dr.?

I worked in an emergency room, and let me tell you, nothing infuriates an ER physician more than people who come in for something that is NOT an emergency.

I had to go to the ER last year after I fell off a ladder and broke my foot, which was already healing from some surgury. I had to wait 3 hours before I could be seen. While there may have been people there being taken care of who had real emergencies, I don't appreciate having been kept waiting by people like you!

Why are those in other countries trying to tell us what we need to do? So we can have as little choice as you guys? So our taxes can skyrocket? So we have to deal with VAT too??

People are NOT refused care here. That is propaganda. That is infomercials. I have lived this stuff first hand. I have had wonderful insurance, been able to get my child an ELECTIVE MRI scheduled and done in 3 weeks just for my personal information. I was able to find my own surgeon, schedule and ELECT to have my thyroid out and that was done in a matter of 2 weeks. I was able to travel to Nashville and interview surgeons and then interview them in my own town and CHOOSE.

I didn't have to ask the government if I could. I didn't have to have the government override what the doctors agreed to. I didn't have to wait 9-12months for an MRI on my kid.

Its not nearly as broken as what they want you to believe. The insurance companies are out of control and that may need to be overhauled, but, I sure as heck don't want this retarded government in charge of my health! Not to mention our country is broke and we can't pay for it!!!

Originally posted by llpoolej
I don't mean to be rude, but, you all are from the UK, I live here, have been treated without insurance and my dad was in a private hospital without insurance and in ICU for a week before he died.

I just don't believe they stopped treating you when they found you didn't have insurance.

I think, then, what this thread points out is a lack of uniformity in the dispensation of health care. Sorry to hear your story, and I hope something in the new initiatives being debated down there will work for you. Good luck.

Originally posted by llpoolej
Why are those in other countries trying to tell us what we need to do? So we can have as little choice as you guys? So our taxes can skyrocket? So we have to deal with VAT too??

Just for your edification, I provide the following:

Debunking Canadian health care myths www.denverpost.com...

[edit on 20-8-2009 by JohnnyCanuck]

reply to post by llpoolej

you all are from the UK

I know it's hard to believe but there are Americans in the UK! I lived the first 28 years of my life in the US. I can speak from experience.

Your experience is one in which EMERGENCIES were treated, as they should be. The OP's experience is different in that his precieved emergency " Appendicities" was treated, however his real concerns were not considered to be an immediate emergency and therefore did not have to be treated.

I have lived with insurance and without. I have been to the health department. I have been to the emergancy room. I have been rejected in at a local doctor's office because I did not have insurance or the cash to pay upfront.

About 15 years ago I had extreme stomach pains. I didn't have insurance, but I went to the emergancy room. Turns out I was pregnant and I had an ectopic pregnancy. I was rushed into emergancy surgery and stayed in the hospital about a week. I was treated well, that is untill I was discharged and had to go see the billing department. The whole stay cost about 20K. I never did pay it all off. As part of my discharge I was given an appointment with a doctor for after care. I went to my appointment where I was told that by law they only had to see me once, after which if I were to need any other aftercare I would have to pay in advance for each appointment.

Health departments are means tested - you have to qualify to be seen. They mostly see medicade patients.

If you do not qualify for medicade and can not afford insurance then you are one of the millions in America who is lacking basic healthcare, something which should be a human right for all. Even if that means someone else has to help pay for it.

But most people would rather believe some media talking head about what it's like in America and for that matter the UK, they discount real people telling real experiences becasue it doesn't fit in with their agenda.

reply to post by Uniceft17


ER stands for emergency room, appendicitis is an emergency, lymphoma isn't. when you were determined not to be an emergency case they sent you on your way.

i can't see any reason for you to be pissed off.

i really don't see the point of you posting your story here, it sounds more than a little bit like a talking point rather than a genuine discussion topic, where is the conspiracy?

reply to post by llpoolej


I am also in the same situation as Merigold, perhaps you should read the posts before commenting on people from the UK, as I also grew up in the states, my dad is american, my sister still lives there and I spend a lot of the year there.

I have experienced both systems FIRST HAND. In the U.S. I was mis diagnosed with a heart problem and given tests I didn't need, and given pills that I didn't need. These tests took two years and $65,000 + . In the U.K. when I moved back, they told me I did not have the problems I had been diagnosed with in the U.S., and within a short time frame I was given one prescription at £7/mo that has made my life completely livable again.

All we are saying is, most americans slag off our health care based on what they are told on T.V. when there are many members on here who have lived in both systems and are able to see through the propaganda.

Don't get me wrong, I love the U.S. , and am not saying anything bad about it, I am just stating what I have experienced in relation to this post.

****THIS is the crux of the matter below****

*****I also want to say (again, like I have stated in other topics) that if Americans were told that they could get better or equal healthcare for free in other countries, they would go mad about paying so much for something that others get for free. Now, if the PTB convince you all that the other countries get it for free because they have bad care, and botched surgeries, and paint it as a nightmare, you will all go mad to KEEP PAYING. ****

Look at it that way wake up!

ITS NOT FREE! What are UK taxes? What does your electricity and gas cost you due to taxes, what does property tax cost there. It isn't FREE.

I am not disparging any other system. I am just saying I don't want it HERE.

When I was sick, I was on a multi national board for that illness. The UK residents complained bitterly on how bad their care was compared to what we had in the US. I don't remember what the Canadians were saying, so, obviously it wasn't that bad. I do know that the british people were not getting half what we were.

Originally posted by llpoolej
ITS NOT FREE! What are UK taxes? What does your electricity and gas cost you due to taxes, what does property tax cost there. It isn't FREE.

I am not disparging any other system. I am just saying I don't want it HERE.

When I was sick, I was on a multi national board for that illness. The UK residents complained bitterly on how bad their care was compared to what we had in the US. I don't remember what the Canadians were saying, so, obviously it wasn't that bad. I do know that the british people were not getting half what we were.

Deducted at source so I don't feel it and never have

reply to post by llpoolej


You just may live in a fortunate area.

Here? I wait 3 weeks just for my GP. 3 months to see my orthopod.

I had a friend who was nearly killed waiting for critical heart surgery because he waited SIX months because it was postponed three times.

When he finally went to surgery, and if it had been 2 more weeks he would of died. (defect)

Our ER waits are usualy 4-7 hours.

I'm sorry, but, that is sad. They take it before I see it so it doesn't bother me. I work hard and the government gets to take my money and give it to everyone else.

I felt it when I looked at my paychecks and saw it all broken up. I feel it now when I pay unemployment taxes and send the IRS a check.

Whether you "feel" it or not, they still are taking what you earn. You have just gotten used to it and it doesn't bother *you*. It bothers me. I don't mind paying fair taxes. I do mind paying unfair taxes

Isn't that what happened with the revolutionary war and why we are a separate government from the British?

I have no problem with those who believe in the system they live under. It is your right. You have made an informed decision to live there. I am sure it is a wonderful country. I have lots of friends from England. I do not CHOOSE that system for us.

Wouldn't it make more sense to do insurance reform??

I have insurance. That doesn't mean I received adequate care from the GP or the specialist I saw for a pinched nerve in my right hip. I went through all the testing required to determine the cause. Six months, extensive testing, cortisone shots in my spine and an assortment of medications but no positve diagnosis or cure was achieved.

I still have the condition and it is still undiagnosed, but my insurance was billed over $15,000.

I had tingling in two fingers of my right hand, saw a neurologist who determined that my ulnar nerve (funny bone) was trapped. Every time I bent my elbow the nerve would wrap itself around the outside of the bone. I was told that without surgery to repair the nerve, I would lose the use of my right hand.

I had the surgery three years ago. A six inch incision on the inside of my elbow that took 3 months to heal and made my condition even worse. Now my entire hand, arm and elbow feel like a bruised funny bone constantly. The neurologist told me (three years ago) after the surgery that he didn't want to see me on follow up visits because the surgery was a success. I objected by telling him that the pain was worse than before the surgery. He had me grasp his hand and squeeze. From that demonstration he determined that there was no muscular damage and that I would just have to LIVE WITH THE PAIN for as long as it takes the nerve to regrow.

So, I quit. No more doctors or specialists for me, even though I have insurance (which makes doctors happy because they can prescribe tests and medications and follow up visits to keep the cycle going) I began researching natural cures, herbal remedies and alternative healing methods.

The business of medicine is just that. The humanitarian aspect is extinct in our current world view of medicine. Its disgusting!

Nixie, where do you live and why don't you get a new doctor? I have never waited a day to get an appointment. Though, I rarely go to the doctor unless I really feel like I can't get well without an appointment. I call, say I am sick and will see either an NP, or the doctor and I get in that day. Same with my kids pediatrcian.

The ER is a different story, but, we don't use the ER at all. Once when my husband was electrocuted and once when my parrot bit through my lip and it was Saturday and it needed to be stitched up. My husband was taken back when he walked in and I had to wait a couple of hours. Emergencies go FIRST

The ER is a last ditch place for me. I believe it is someplace for when you are close to dead or bleeding to death(or, its saturday and no where else to go for stitches!)

Hazlenut, I had HORRIBLE experiences with endocrinologists. I think they are demon spawn. I won't see them anymore. I love my GP and he does what an endo would normally do. He actually listens. I am picky over doctors and the fact that it isn't a single payer system allows me to be. I do not want that choice taken from me and it certainly would be

My GP offers FREE emotional counseling. The charge is zero. No strings. Though, it is from a Christian perspective. He is upfront that he is Christian and the counseling is by his brother, who is a psychologist. I love my GP because he does care and he is really a good man.

[edit on 8/20/2009 by llpoolej]

[edit on 8/20/2009 by llpoolej]