Good Morning from Chicago Everyone..
I wanted to add a few things..
I have no medical insurance of any kind and I had applied
for financial assistance theough this hospital that I am dealing with here
in Chicago.
Even though I have a terrible previous health history the state of illinois
will give me no medical assistance!
So.. for the recoed.. I have been approved for medical assistance through
this specific hospitals foundation.
But.. they literally have me listed as a"Charity Case" and my general practice doctors feel that I am being constantly pushed back because of this!
I am so scared because I looked in the mirror last night and saw how large this cataract in my right eye truly is..:(
I can see it!!!
And.. even scarier is that my left eye's cataract is getting progressively worse..Vision in that eye is more blurry as well..:(
So.. as far as me jumping ship.. I truly dont have anywhere else to turn!
We have a free hospital here in Chicago run by the city/state called Stroger
but.. it takes months and months to get in here and their track record
is not very good..
So.. I am frustrated beyond words because I am being told by said opthamalogist that he is doing everything he can to help me.. yet.. months and months have gone by and nothing has been done!!
I wish I knew what else to do..I have been through alot.. and honestly..
I am terrified that i may lose sight in my other eye before they do anything for me!
And.. Dr, Hagan.. I researched the information you gave me regarding
Dr. Kraff.. but.. I have no job, no insurance of any kind..
Dont know what to do anymore.. I'm so frightened.. crying alot!!
I would welcome any other suggestions..
Thank You all so much for responding..
Sincerely,
Lorelei
Spelling again: That would be Dr. Hagan with two 'a's.
Lorelei, do you really *want* an anesthesiologist who is clearly uncomfortable with the procedure working on you? Frankly, if I were in your situation, I'd jump ship and head for the doc recommended by Dr. Hagen.
Well good luck. I think it most likely that the relluctant anesthesiologists have littler experience with modern eye surgery and are equating it to the stress of opening the chest or abdomen.
JCH MD
I am frustrated just reading your post. I would take Dr. Hagan's advice and move on to Dr. Kraft. "Frustration" and stress can affect your health negatively so why beat your head against the wall with an anesthesiologist that clearly doesn't feel comfortable doing your surgery?
Please please try someone else, there are too many good medical professionals out there to put up with sub-standard.
Good Morning from Chicago Dr. Hagan..
Thank You so much for responding to me...
I have just had labs done and potassium levels are
coming down..
And.. Dr. Hagan..My General Practice Doctors are all
going to bat for me..even going so far as to write a letter
to the anesthesiologist giving me clearance yet once again..
This is my life here.. and my lack of vision has impaired me terribly!
Thank You again Dr. Hagan.. and I wil research Dr. Kraft as well..
Sincerely,
LoreleiI
Lorelei: I have to say I would feel frustrated also. I don't know what the problem is. The average age for cataract surgery is about 78 and virtually every patient we operate on has some health problem. We do not even use an anesthesiologist just a nurse anesthetist. Because almost all eye surgery in now don in ambulatory surgical centers hospital based anesthesiologists have little experience with eye surgery.
You like in Chicago I would suggest you see Colman Kraft MD or one of the MDs in that office: http://www.kraffeye.com/staff/colman_kraff.shtml they are ethical and experienced and can do a cataract operation under topical anesthesia in most cases in 15-20 minutes start to end.
JCH MD