Should I Be Worried Or Not?
By kbourgerie
@kbourgerie (8780)
United States
February 9, 2008 1:46pm CST
Without going into all of the details, I'll just say that I have a condition that could ultimately lead to an organ transplant or if managed correctly I could live with for many years. I was diagnosed with this condition about 4 years ago and at that time had blood work done. My levels at that time for the disease were at 700,000. Six months later they were at 5 million. Unfortunately because of employers that don't want to pay for insurance costs I was unable until now to follow up on my condition and as time progressed, naturally so did my concern. At this time I don't display any symptoms, however, this particular disease is often asymptomatic until it becomes severe. I was able to finally visit a physician recently and he performed lab work for my condition. I have not been called with the results of those labs, however, today in the mail, I received a notice that he is requesting specialist services with my insurance company. I could be wrong, but it has been my experience that a specialist is not necessary unless their is reason for concern. Do you agree? Do you think I have reason for worry or not? Now I know that everyone's first response will be supportive and done in such a manner to decrease my worry, but please be as honest as possible. I would truly appreciate that, because even though kind words are gems, reality is just what it is. Thanks.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@lolalolacherrycola (899)
• United States
10 Feb 08
He could have requested a consult with a specialist because he feels that whatever you need treatment for is above and beyond his expertise.
That would be my guess.
I have been a Registered Nurse for 19 years.
Hope all works out for you.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
10 Feb 08
That may just be the reason, but they have never referred me to a specialist before, just monitored my levels, but as I said I'll just see whats up tomorrow. Thanks.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
10 Feb 08
I understand and have requested you as a friend in order to send you a private message.
@lolalolacherrycola (899)
• United States
10 Feb 08
Based on that it would lead me to believe that your levels are out of whack. Hard to give more advice without knowing what your illness is. Sorry.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
9 Feb 08
I would not worry. If there was a problem your doctor would have contacted you immediately. I have found that they typically do not call if results are okay and you must call repeatedly for results. A specialist may have been called because your doctor knows that you have not seen a specialist in the field for some time and believe that you should have your entire condition checked, your doctor may not be qualified to do this.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
10 Feb 08
I recently had a test run for a follow up on a kidney procedure that I had 4 years ago. I had to make the appointment 3 weeks in advance, when I showed up I was down, but for a different time than what they confirmed. After I had the test done, they were suppose to call me within 3 business days. At 5 days I called them for the results. Took them a day to call me back with the results - test was fine, no clue why no one called me. When I was dealing with specialists for my kidneys, it was the same thing. If you are worried, call the Drs office on Monday to get the results. When I have a major test, I always ask how long it is going to take to get results so I can follow up with they don't contact me.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
10 Feb 08
I did ask them at the time of my labs and they told me 2-3 days. The third day would have been Friday. My every intent is to call them first thing tomorrow to find out whats going on. Thanks
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
9 Feb 08
LOL. I don't want to disqualify your answer, but you don't know this office. I made an appointment with them initially a month in advance and then when I went in they had no record of my appointment. I was examined without a female nurse present. I thought that was a bit odd and I also think they should have called me with results good or bad, before I got this letter referring me to a specialist. However, thats just my opinion.
@mummymo (23706)
•
10 Feb 08
Sweets I guess I would be worried but when you think about it it only makes you feel worse to worry about things before you know the facts! I know our health services differ but here at least you will be passed on to a specialist as a matter of routine - to help prevent conditions from worsening as well as for treatment that is everyday as these people deal with their specialities day in and day out whilst family doctors have to deal with such a wide variety of illnesses and problems. If I were you I would try not to worry at least now it looks as though you will get the treatment you have needed got the last 4 years! xxx
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
10 Feb 08
I agree with you and I'm trying today not to make it consume my day. I'll just wait until tomorrow and address it then. Thanks.
@lolalolacherrycola (899)
• United States
10 Feb 08
You may or may not know the saying but here goes... If you pray, don't worry If you worry, don't pray
I would say you need to pray and believe your prayers will be answered.
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
• Philippines
10 Feb 08
For now, I don't think that you should worry that much. Of course, I understand your condition. I know that somehow you are bothered. That's normal. There are some conditions that really require us to see a specialist and that I think you should do. You wouldn't know what is really wrong unless you see a specialist as what your physician advised. You have to think about your health. As regards your insurance issue, I think that you should see your agent as soon as you can to explain your concern. He might just be able to do something for you.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
10 Feb 08
I feel better today and am trying to put things in perspective. I am not going to try to worry until I talk to someone in the office tomorrow and get it all straightened out. Thank you.
@heidi28 (69)
• United States
9 Feb 08
Don't worry until you have to worry. Keep praying about it. I worked in a doctors office for 5 years and he was a specialist there are usual 2 reason to refer you for one is to treat something and the other is to run more specific test to rule out the possiblities of.
It might not be bad it might just be because your primary doctor is not experienced with this certain situation and feel that it would be better to send you to a specialist to do more test to rule it out. So keep positive about the situation no need to panic until you know for sure. I will keep you in my prayers. Keep us posted on the results.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
9 Feb 08
Your answer makes a lot of sense, the only problem is that there is nothing to rule out. I have already received a positive diagnosis. At this point its just a matter of how bad the disease has become. Thanks for responding and for your prayers. I truly appreciate it.
@DelicateFlower (314)
• United States
9 Feb 08
Being refered to a specialist isn't necessarily a horrible thing. I don't know what your condition is but often with uncommon diseases or conditions a specialist is the best person to be able to formulate a plan of treatment. Regardless of where you stand as far as the severity of your condition, a specialist would have the greatest knowledge and experience with it. I would say you should be hopeful because you'll be in the best possible hands this way. I don't know much about insurance, but if you have been referred it should be covered I think. If they try to reject your claim I think you can still appeal and try to get coverage.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
9 Feb 08
Thanks, I just think that it wouldn't necessarily go to a specialist to just monitor the situation. When I was seen before thats what they did. Just lab work to make sure it was under control.
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
20 Jun 08
since specialist is needed as you stated above then i guess its quite serious..and expect for the unexpected i guess...neverthless, prayer is the most powerful tools in times like this..and always think positive despite of what the results maybe..
