I am in Indiana and we have Medicaid here. This attack was extremely painful, worse than childbirth without meds of any sorts. They did x-rays, CT Scan and then an ultrasound. The mass is a solid-fluid filled. There was no mention of a cyst and it hasn't burst I guess since they were able to measure it. The ER Dr did say that it was large and that it would have to come out regardless. I haven't had any follow up with a Dr yet. The ER Dr said that they weren't sure if it was attached to the ovary but they think it is ovarian origin.
I can't take the birth control pills. I react to strongly against them. I took them for a very short time in my late teens and I had a problem with blood pressure, headaches, and I remember them doing EKG.s. Then in my late 20's I tried the "mini" pill and had even a stronger reaction which took month to get over.
I don't know what type of assistance you have where you live but here in CA we have Medi-Cal and also emergency Medi-Cal. I had the same exact symptoms and they told me the same thing about malignancy. Usually, if you're a young woman, it is most likely a benign cyst. In my case that's what it was,and it had burst, and it was very large (13.5cm). It was EXTREMELY painful, I needed antibiotics for possible infection and surgery to remove it, I spent 4 days in the hospital and I have a 5 inch long scar on my abdomen to remember it by! I was uninsured when the rupture happened and unemployed, the hospital bill was unbelievable. I did have to fight for it but after 5 months of being the "squeaky wheel" I was approved for emergency Medi-Cal. I humbly thank God and the people of the State of California.
Also has anyone mentioned that if it is in fact a cyst, that hasn't burst, Doctors will prescribe birth control pills to encourage the cyst to shrink on its own?
Received a letter today from IU Women's Healthcare Gynecologic Oncology. It said that payment is expected at the time of service. Thanks, no payment plan?
Thank you guys for your support and suggestions. I did finally get an appointment at IU Medical Center, downtown Indianapolis. It is a teaching hospital but I will see a gyn/oncologist. Even the high risk ob/gyn that delivered three of my children wouldn't see me but when I called IU they were friendly. I told her that I didn't have insurance, money or a job and she said we see people like you. There wasn't even mention that I would have to come in with a certain amount of money up front. I also have applied for assistance so I hope that goes through.
Please post your location. Perhaps there's someone on this board who knows the area and can give you some good suggestions.
I agree with manneca that you need to negotiate rates. Do not accept the astronomical prices they post -- it's like a hotel room, you never pay the price listed on the back of the door.
If you continue to have issues with doctors not wanting to take you, consider calling the local newspaper or radio/TV station. Sometimes publicity will shame the medical community into helping. Sometimes there's a charity that will step in if they know you exist.
It is an awful story. When people rail against the health care reform, I just roll my eyes. Enough of my rant. Are you close to a medical school? They may be able to help you.
I know it's a lot, but costs for the uninsured are much, much higher than the negotiated rates that hospitals charge insurance companies. Don't be cowed, when you find a hospital that will take you (look for a nonprofit, too) negotiate for a rate that is the same as they would charge an insurance company.
And, if at all possible, try to find a gyn/oncologist for the surgery.
Still haven't heard anything. I called the Dr office that the hospital assigned to me. They were very rude. She said that the hospital wouldn't do that that they don't assign people Dr.s. She pretty much called me a liar. So I called the hospital and talked to the ER nurse who said she would do something about that and that she would set me up with an apt with a Dr and that someone would call me to set up financial aid since they will want money up front to work with me. So guess what, I still haven't heard a word from anybody.
I have spent most of this morning calling different Dr.s and hospitals to see me about this large mass that might be a malignancy according to the ER Dr and not one is willing to see me since I don't have insurance. So basically our health care system says that if you aren't rich and/or have insurance then your life isn't worth crap, you can just die of cancer or anything else that could be treatable. How do people not just give up?
Are you close to a teaching hospital by any chance? If not, it might be worth traveling to one. Most will not refuse a patient with no insurance, and will work with you to get you set up in programs to help pay. They also usually have very good physicians on staff. It's never good to panic, but at the same time, you need to be seen sooner rather than later...by someone qualified to make the call regarding surgery. Look up gyn/oncs in your area and start dialing. If they won't see you due to lack of insurance, maybe they can direct you to someone who will.
Best wishes to you.
Gail
Still waiting for Dr to call and I have left messages.
Thank you for your reply. I feel as if I am in abyss. I don't have a doctor due to mind dropping me because I don' t have insurance. I have been going to a clinic which you see nurses. The mass was measured in cm. The doctor in the ER did say that it was large and that either way it would need to come out. He "assigned" me a doctor which turned out to be the doctor that dropped me. I have already called and left a message for someone to call back with info and plan to every day until I hear something. I just feel that sense I don't have insurance that I will not receive the care I otherwise would. So that you for mention the gyn/oncologist, this is something I wouldn't have thought about. I need to make a list before I see the doctor. I need to go informed.
Many things over the pass 5 years have been completely ignored but possibly make sense now. The last time I seen the nurse I ask her about my left leg, it will swell at least twice as big as the right about a week before my period would start. She told me this was normal. I ask her about it at least three different ways and each time "it is normal". I still don't think so. My periods have been sparatic which is explained as myself being overweight. I always know about a week before they start because of the pain and swelling. Then there is the nausea, it was like morning sickness, and the bloating, oh yeah did I mention the pain.
I just want to second Dian: you want to consult a gyn/oncologist. That doesn't mean I think you have cancer, as I really don't know enough to make that call for anyone. I just know that this is the kind of doctor you want to work with. A gyn/onc is more likely to know instinctively what he or she is dealing with -- and certainly is the right person to do any surgery, even for a benign condition.
Good luck and keep in touch.
Hello, there. I can't really answer your questions but I can certainly understand the anxiety you must be feeling now that you get to play the waiting game. It is a large mass if it is measured in centimeters. I guess they want the additional views an ultrasound offers. My understanding of cysts is that a septated cyst can have sections that are solid and some that are fluid filled and they are like little rooms seperated by a membrane.
I don't know what type doctor you are seeing but if anyone starts talking about surgery of any sort you should request a referral to a gyn/oncologist. Your situation is exactly what they are trained for.
How long will you be waiting for your next appointment? There are many women here who can relate to you and your situation. They will be with you as well.
Keep us posted.
Peace.
dian