I started having issues with my gall bladder several months ago. The first time I went to the ER (end of October)I was diagnosed with gall stones, thickening of the gall bladder walls and an infection. They spoke of emergency surgery but ended up sending me home on antibiotics. I had a Hida Scan done about two weeks later and it came back normal. I was advised to make an appointment with a surgeon and upon trying to do so discovered that I am caught in a pre-existing clause with my insurance company. So, surgeon wanted alot of money up front that I simply do not have. I completely modified my diet, no fats, fried foods, etc. I ended up back in the ER in December where they said I had no infection but gall stones. In my 2 minute conversation with DR., he basically gave me pain pills and said "You got to get it out." He was just so indifferent and flippant in his attitude. I had a nurse call me the next morning at home to advise me that one of my blood tests came back during the middle of the night and I had been in acute cholecystitis. She hinted that I should come back in that following day if I was still in pain as there would be a surgeon on-call. I had about a month 1/2 with no major attacks. Then about a month 1/2 ago I started having MAJOR attacks. They usually occur in the middle of the night and I am up all night with them. Often the pain pills don't even touch the pain. I didn't go back to the ER as I felt so humiliated by what had happened before.
It had gotten to the point (and still is) that I was living off of chicken broth, melba toast and italian ices. I ache constantly in that area and I am just sleep deprived at this point. I finally went back to the ER this past Saturday after a night of unrelenting pain. I saw a Dr. when I first got there who ordered bloodwork. Then there was a shift change and the new DR. never even came in my room. During my ultrasound the Tech advised me that I have a "Very sick gallbladder" with "stones, thickening of the walls and pericystic fluid." She said to me "Between you and me, you will be staying here in the hospital." I started to cry because I felt like finally something would be done! As I waited to hear something, the male nurse came back in my room and advised me that it was gallstones and "Did I need another pain meds prescription?" I couldn't believe they were sending me home again! I didn't say anything about what the tech had told me, as I didn't want her to get into trouble. The Dr. never even came in my room (have no idea what he or she looked like.)
By the way, I have lost close to 30 lbs. since my first visit to the ER. I have no energy as I can barely eat. I guess my question is this, Can I die from this?! Is the hospital being negligent in continuing to send me away? I just worry that I am going to have more complications from this.
Any help or advice you can give would be appreciated more than you know.