opinions, opinions

Well, the gastroenterologist  had no magic cure for me. He is the opinion that surgery to remove part of the colon is the way to go. Presently, I run the risk of developing an antibiotic resistant bacteria which could be nasty or I could suffer an acute attack and have to present as an emergency and run the risk of major infection, drastic surgery and even a colostomy bag which could be permanent. The down side is that I could suffer chronic diarrhoea after the surgery - but I shouldn't have diverticulitis again.

The surgery can be performed laproscopically, and hospital stay is about 1-4 days. Full recovery can take up to 8 weeks. I guess that it is better to have it now, while I am "healthy" and not employed. Financially it is a knock we could really do without right now as I need to get a regular income. Oh well, better to get things sorted out now and back into a new career after that.

I am still going to see the dietician. She can assist me with a pre and post surgery diet at least.

I am tired of being stoic over health issues. I know a lot of people have far, far worse, but it is so tiresome always having some health issue. Next time around I am going to ask for better gene selection!

Outside help

I have an appointment with the gastroenterologist who performed my colonoscopy today. His receptionist has rung three times to move the appointment forward by 15 minutes each time. I don't mind as I am not unemployed and have no plans except to get well today, but I imagine it would be annoying if you had to arrange time off from work, or babysitters. I was surprised that I was actually able to get in so quickly as I only called on Friday. Usually one has to wait weeks to see a specialist. I am so lucky that we have medical insurance, as it allows me to avoid waiting lists. If I was in the public health system it would all no doubt take a little longer, except if I presented as an emergency. However, I would eventually get treatment.

 Not that private health insurance covers all that much! I mean we had to pay $500AUS towards the cost of my colonoscopy as it was performed in a private day hospital. Oh and $55AUS for the lovely "special drink" before the test. Suffering costs big money! It must be very distressing for people who live in countries that don't provide basic health care. To me it is a basic right that everyone should be provided. Everyone has the right to health care, along with education and should not be subject to any hierarchy or capitalistic trends. If everyone is healthy and educated then the whole community benefits.

Anyway off to the Gastroenterologist. I only met him briefly before my procedure and he sat like a stone on a chair while they prepared me for my procedure last week, so I already know he is not a fun guy, but my doctor says he is highly competent. My GP actually wanted to send me to another gastroenterologist but said that etiquette meant she should send me back to the gastroenterologist who performed the procedure. I said, "well, now you have made me want to go to the other gastroenterologist" and the GP "well this one is very competent and the other one did something that made me angry the other day, she made a patient have a 2nd colonscopy just because she hadn't performed the first so..." So I am going to the original gastroenterologist!

Not that I expect any miracle cures from him. I expect more help from the dietician, whom I visit on Wednesday.

Being ill is a full time job!