Aa
At a loss
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this post. 10 days ago, my brother, who is 50, was diagnosed with chirrosis of the liver, Hep B and C. He was told his White blood platlets were 40 and was suppose to be 100. I don't know what that means really? Also, The trunk of his body is yellowish, the whites of his eyes are yellowing as well. We are not 10 days past the diagnosis and I am still trying to get him seen by a GI Dr. Everyone seems to be dragging their feet. I notice he is often tired, he is itchy at night, eating exsessivley but he is not at all overweight. His stomach was swollen, which is what first lead him to going to the hospital. He complains of his right side hurting him a lot. He is taking vitamins, some milk something or other that is suppose to help the liver. I just would like for someone to help me understand all of this, his general practice doctor told him she would suspect he had 6 to 9 mos. to live. How could she possibly know this? She is no expert, and certainly not God. Can someone please lead to to things he could do to boost the white blood platlets while I wait to get him in to a GI, can someone offer some suggestions about their experience or what I need to know, do, or expect. I am truly at a loss and I feel as though my hands are tied. Again, Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Chelle
Sincerely,
Chelle
Have you tried contacting OSU Medical Center in Columbus? Here’s the front desk of the GI/hepatology center:
Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic
Services Available: Gastroenterology, hepatology
Phone: 614-293-6255
Fax: 614-293-8518
--Bill
Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic
Services Available: Gastroenterology, hepatology
Phone: 614-293-6255
Fax: 614-293-8518
--Bill
Bill has a good idea. Columbus is closer. Get them to see him even if you have to take him there. Remember to have his medical insurance with him.
They should be able to stabilize him.
Hector
They should be able to stabilize him.
Hector
I have honorary Buckeye status as I worked in Columbus for a few years :o). Good luck to everyone, and let us know what you find out, Chelle--
--Bill
--Bill
Here is all the info on the Cleveland Clinic if you end up taking him there.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/transplant/about/faq.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions regarding your transplant and our transplant center:
Is there anything I should do while I am still home?
Does Cleveland Clinic accept Medicare Assignment?
How do I get to Cleveland Clinic?
Where do I go when I arrive at the Cleveland Clinic campus?
Where should I park?
What kind of hospital rooms are available?
May I request a specific room beforehand?
Do all the rooms have a telephone and television?
What hotels are near the transplant center?
What should I bring or not bring with me?
Do you provide special services for people with disabilities?
Is smoking allowed in the transplant center?
Is there anything I should do while I am still home?
Yes, there are several important things we ask patients to take care of before they leave home for the transplant center. Make sure that you have complied with any pre-certification or second surgical opinion policies required by your health insurance carrier or employer. Please contact your insurance or employer for pre-admission instructions as soon as possible.
Be sure to advise the person making your hospital reservation and the Patient Access Services Department interviewer if pre-admission certification is required. When you have your pre-admission interview, we will take down all the necessary information then.
You may choose to use Cleveland Clinic's Dial Express pre-registration service, which expedites your interview on the day of your Cleveland Clinic visit. Call 216.445.7377 or 800.223.2273 ext. 57377 within 48 hours of your admission.
Does Cleveland Clinic accept Medicare Assignments?
Yes. As of April 1, 1990, all Cleveland Clinic physicians accept Medicare assignments for fees and services covered by Medicare B (medical insurance). Patients are still responsible for the annual deductible and 20 percent copayment.
Accepting assignment significantly reduces patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I get to Cleveland Clinic Transplant Center?
Please call our automated direction line at 216.444.9500. If you are arriving at the Cleveland Hopkins airport, it is approximately 40 minutes away; Burke Lakefront airport is approximately 20 minutes away.
Locations and Directions
Where should I go when I arrive at Cleveland Clinic campus?
For a routine hospital admission, please come to the main entrance of Cleveland Clinic, which is located on Clinic Drive, near the intersection of Euclid Avenue and E. 93rd Street. Please check in at Desk H10 in the hospital lobby.
Where should I park at the transplant center?
The closest parking garage to Cleveland Clinic is the Euclid Avenue Parking Garage. One entrance is on Euclid Avenue, between E 93rd. Street (Clinic Drive) and E. 96th Street. If you are being driven to the transplant center you may have your driver bring you to the hospital’s main entrance in Clinic Drive, before the car is parked. Wheelchairs are available at the hospital entrance. There is no charge for parking on the days of admission, discharge or surgery.
What kind of hospital rooms are available?
May I request a specific room beforehand?
Cleveland Clinic has semi-private and private rooms. For some patients, we also offer the Founders Suites (G71), which are elegant suites with their own food service. There is an extra charge for a private room or one of the Founders Suites. We make every effort during admission to provide you with the type of room you desire. However, it is not possible to guarantee a specific accommodation beforehand, because room assignment is based on availability on the day of admission.
Do all rooms at the transplant center have a telephone and television?
Yes. A telephone and color television are provided with all rooms. There is a small daily fee for these services. You will know your telephone number when you check in your room.
What hotels are near the transplant center?
Cleveland Clinic offers two lodging alternatives for out-of- town families and friends of patients admitted to our hospital. The Intercontinental Hotel provides full-service elegance. The Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse is just one block away from the hospital. It offers an economical alternative for overnight or long-term stays. Some rooms have kitchenettes. For reservations for either hotel, call 877.707.8999.
The Alcazar Hotel, located in Cleveland Heights, provides economical long-term lodging. For reservations call 216.321.5400.
Parents of pediatric and adolescent patients may stay at the economically priced Ronald McDonald House, an independently run home-away-from-home, only a short distance from the Cleveland Clinic campus. For reservations, call 216.229.5758.
A Cleveland Clinic shuttle bus runs between the Guesthouse and Cleveland Clinic buildings, including the Omni Hotel and the Ronald McDonald House.
If you need additional information on hotels in the area near the transplant center, contact a Guest Advisor at 216.445.9573 or 216.445.2638.
What should I bring or not bring with me to the transplant center?
Please bring a supply of all prescription medications you are taking; pajamas or nightgown if you prefer to wear your own; a bathrobe and slippers; toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and other personal hygiene supplies. We ask that all nail polish, nail tips, wraps and gels be removed before your arrival because the nurses may need to check your nails to monitor your oxygen level. If you wear contact lenses, please bring a pair of eyeglasses with you too.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables (even items of sentimental value) at home. It is best to leave credit cards and large amounts of cash at home.
Be sure to bring all your health insurance identification cards with you to the transplant center. This is the best way to make sure we have the correct information necessary to bill your insurance company.
Do you provide special services for people with disabilities?
Yes. We provide a number of special services for hospitalized patients with disabilities. These include sign language, interpreters, closed captioned TV converters and portable teletype equipment. During the admission procedure, please let our Registrars know if you need any of these services, and we will do our best to provide them at the transplant center.
Back to Top
Is smoking allowed in the transplant center?
No. Cleveland Clinic has a strong commitment to all our patients’ and employees’ good health. To keep the environment smoke-free, there is no smoking in patients’ rooms or within any building on campus. There are designated smoke areas off hospital grounds.
Hector
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/transplant/about/faq.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions regarding your transplant and our transplant center:
Is there anything I should do while I am still home?
Does Cleveland Clinic accept Medicare Assignment?
How do I get to Cleveland Clinic?
Where do I go when I arrive at the Cleveland Clinic campus?
Where should I park?
What kind of hospital rooms are available?
May I request a specific room beforehand?
Do all the rooms have a telephone and television?
What hotels are near the transplant center?
What should I bring or not bring with me?
Do you provide special services for people with disabilities?
Is smoking allowed in the transplant center?
Is there anything I should do while I am still home?
Yes, there are several important things we ask patients to take care of before they leave home for the transplant center. Make sure that you have complied with any pre-certification or second surgical opinion policies required by your health insurance carrier or employer. Please contact your insurance or employer for pre-admission instructions as soon as possible.
Be sure to advise the person making your hospital reservation and the Patient Access Services Department interviewer if pre-admission certification is required. When you have your pre-admission interview, we will take down all the necessary information then.
You may choose to use Cleveland Clinic's Dial Express pre-registration service, which expedites your interview on the day of your Cleveland Clinic visit. Call 216.445.7377 or 800.223.2273 ext. 57377 within 48 hours of your admission.
Does Cleveland Clinic accept Medicare Assignments?
Yes. As of April 1, 1990, all Cleveland Clinic physicians accept Medicare assignments for fees and services covered by Medicare B (medical insurance). Patients are still responsible for the annual deductible and 20 percent copayment.
Accepting assignment significantly reduces patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I get to Cleveland Clinic Transplant Center?
Please call our automated direction line at 216.444.9500. If you are arriving at the Cleveland Hopkins airport, it is approximately 40 minutes away; Burke Lakefront airport is approximately 20 minutes away.
Locations and Directions
Where should I go when I arrive at Cleveland Clinic campus?
For a routine hospital admission, please come to the main entrance of Cleveland Clinic, which is located on Clinic Drive, near the intersection of Euclid Avenue and E. 93rd Street. Please check in at Desk H10 in the hospital lobby.
Where should I park at the transplant center?
The closest parking garage to Cleveland Clinic is the Euclid Avenue Parking Garage. One entrance is on Euclid Avenue, between E 93rd. Street (Clinic Drive) and E. 96th Street. If you are being driven to the transplant center you may have your driver bring you to the hospital’s main entrance in Clinic Drive, before the car is parked. Wheelchairs are available at the hospital entrance. There is no charge for parking on the days of admission, discharge or surgery.
What kind of hospital rooms are available?
May I request a specific room beforehand?
Cleveland Clinic has semi-private and private rooms. For some patients, we also offer the Founders Suites (G71), which are elegant suites with their own food service. There is an extra charge for a private room or one of the Founders Suites. We make every effort during admission to provide you with the type of room you desire. However, it is not possible to guarantee a specific accommodation beforehand, because room assignment is based on availability on the day of admission.
Do all rooms at the transplant center have a telephone and television?
Yes. A telephone and color television are provided with all rooms. There is a small daily fee for these services. You will know your telephone number when you check in your room.
What hotels are near the transplant center?
Cleveland Clinic offers two lodging alternatives for out-of- town families and friends of patients admitted to our hospital. The Intercontinental Hotel provides full-service elegance. The Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse is just one block away from the hospital. It offers an economical alternative for overnight or long-term stays. Some rooms have kitchenettes. For reservations for either hotel, call 877.707.8999.
The Alcazar Hotel, located in Cleveland Heights, provides economical long-term lodging. For reservations call 216.321.5400.
Parents of pediatric and adolescent patients may stay at the economically priced Ronald McDonald House, an independently run home-away-from-home, only a short distance from the Cleveland Clinic campus. For reservations, call 216.229.5758.
A Cleveland Clinic shuttle bus runs between the Guesthouse and Cleveland Clinic buildings, including the Omni Hotel and the Ronald McDonald House.
If you need additional information on hotels in the area near the transplant center, contact a Guest Advisor at 216.445.9573 or 216.445.2638.
What should I bring or not bring with me to the transplant center?
Please bring a supply of all prescription medications you are taking; pajamas or nightgown if you prefer to wear your own; a bathrobe and slippers; toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and other personal hygiene supplies. We ask that all nail polish, nail tips, wraps and gels be removed before your arrival because the nurses may need to check your nails to monitor your oxygen level. If you wear contact lenses, please bring a pair of eyeglasses with you too.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables (even items of sentimental value) at home. It is best to leave credit cards and large amounts of cash at home.
Be sure to bring all your health insurance identification cards with you to the transplant center. This is the best way to make sure we have the correct information necessary to bill your insurance company.
Do you provide special services for people with disabilities?
Yes. We provide a number of special services for hospitalized patients with disabilities. These include sign language, interpreters, closed captioned TV converters and portable teletype equipment. During the admission procedure, please let our Registrars know if you need any of these services, and we will do our best to provide them at the transplant center.
Back to Top
Is smoking allowed in the transplant center?
No. Cleveland Clinic has a strong commitment to all our patients’ and employees’ good health. To keep the environment smoke-free, there is no smoking in patients’ rooms or within any building on campus. There are designated smoke areas off hospital grounds.
Hector
First, let me thank you for all of the information you have provided me. You as well as all others have been tremendous help. I have taken your advice and called Jacqui at the Cleveland Clinic. She told me, no one has yet to say my brother (Joe) needed a transplant, so thr first thing to do would be have him seen by a Hepatologist. She transfered me to the scheduling department where they took his information and registered him into the system. Now, Joe does not have health insurance as he has worked on a farm his whole life without heath care coverage. So, with that being said, for self pay patients, they have to be cleared by financial serviced which takes a couple of days. Therefore, I could not get him an appointment as of yet.
Also,
I called OSU and they have said the same thing regarding financial aid and their wait time is two weeks. I am again, finding myself sitting on my hands but, your guidence is very much appreciated. I don't know what else to do at this point. I am willing to pay for the initial consult myself but, no one is willing to see him until he is permited to do so through financial services. This is crazy. If I am willing to pay for the visit, someone should see him. Period.
I have taken him to apply for Social Security and for Medicaid, which both again have become a waiting game. Social Security gave him an appt. time of 11/28 to apply and Medicaid said it could take up to 90 days or even longer to become approved.
Where do I go from here? This is so sad, I feel for those who are in need of medical care and have none.
Also,
I called OSU and they have said the same thing regarding financial aid and their wait time is two weeks. I am again, finding myself sitting on my hands but, your guidence is very much appreciated. I don't know what else to do at this point. I am willing to pay for the initial consult myself but, no one is willing to see him until he is permited to do so through financial services. This is crazy. If I am willing to pay for the visit, someone should see him. Period.
I have taken him to apply for Social Security and for Medicaid, which both again have become a waiting game. Social Security gave him an appt. time of 11/28 to apply and Medicaid said it could take up to 90 days or even longer to become approved.
Where do I go from here? This is so sad, I feel for those who are in need of medical care and have none.
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