Please Excuse Me While I Throw A Massive Temper Tantrum
I am not in the least bit surprised by the results of the H. Pylori test. They have come back negative, meaning that whatever is going on in my stomach is not the result of a bacteria causing ulcer. It’s unfortunate because this means I still do not have a cause or a real diagnosis.
But, what’s really unfortunate, like horribly unfortunate, is this update from my clinic:
Your referral to a GI has been sent in. Once they process it they will put you in the queue according to their caseload priority and eventually they will give you an appointment date. Unfortunately it could take months, possibly even a year or more, before you see a GI unless your symptoms become more sever.
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The nurse from the clinic was very nice when she broke the news, and we had a great conversation about how this makes no sense. But, honestly, please excuse me while I throw a massive temper tantrum. Because that’s truthfully all I can think to do at this moment.
I have always been a strong advocate for the Canadian medical system in the case of emergency matters. Heck, even with infertility testing and multiple miscarriages, I was sort of an advocate as we never paid a penny for any of our treatments and procedures/surgeries. (I say sort of because we did eventually leave the country to seek specialized diagnostics and potential treatment not available locally).
Anyways, I think it’s pretty obvious to say that I am not very happy at the moment. Clearly our publically funded system is broken when they say not being able to eat anything other then cheerios and baby puffs is not a critical problem deserving of immediate medical care.
Which means I now have a lot riding on my upcoming visit to a naturopath. Then, once I get my wait list position and the name of the GI, which could be months from now, I plan to repeatedly call and very likely annoy the heck out of their administrative staff until they give me an appointment date and assuming I don’t like the date I plan to beg and plead for a sooner appointment date and then reputedly call until they give me a sooner cancellation appointment. It’s clearly not the best plan, but, what can I possibly lose by being a squeaky wheel?
I should mention that we have researched our options for visiting a private GI. Private GI’s do not seem to be an option in our province. So, at this Mr. MPB and I have decided not to seek out of country medical treatment. Quite frankly, we just don’t have the cash lying around for a trip to the USA plus the potential costs of the GI appointment, testing and treatment.
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My Perfect Breakdown 
I am devastated to hear this! How is someone with an inability to eat not a priority?! That sickens me. The squeaky wheel always gets the oil, so I think that sounds like a good plan. Do you know if you could travel out of province – would the wait be any shorter? I am so sorry.
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Yeah, I am very glad for the quick availability of medical care in the US. I’m throwing a fit if I have to wait 2 weeks to get into a Dr! That said, yes, we do pay quite a bit for the privilege. But it’s a price I’m willing to pay when I’m in pain and want to see a specialist right away. Obviously both systems have some major problems. I really hope your next Dr appointment will point you in a good direction and get you eating nourishing food again!!
By the way, I’m sure you’ve already thought of it or maybe even tried it, but just in case…. I’d be tempted to give aloe Vera juice a try. I’ve found it very soothing to my severe acid reflux. And a daily probiotic. I’m currently using Naturewise daily probiotic which I buy on Amazon.
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crap . just plain crap. Let me join you in throwing a tantrum! This is ridiculous to the point of I don’t know what!
Plain nonsense…. Join my club of I hate the medical system in Canada.. because it absolutely not practical..
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I no that in this instance no news is not necessarily good news. It seems both of our nations healthcare systems are fractured but in different ways. I hope the appt with the neuropath gives you some kind of action plan for relief
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Holy wow. I’ve thrown a fit about having to wait two months before, but that was for something definitely way less severe. I can’t believe they consider starvation a non-critical issue.
Is there any way to go private? You’ve probably already considered it. I suppose you could also hop the border and pay out the nose for a US doctor. Either way, it’s still absolutely ridiculous and untenable.
❤ Here's hoping your luck changes and soon.
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That’s a well deserved temper tantrum. Good luck at the Naturopath in the meantime. I’m angry for you.
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That is so frustrating! I have dealt with similar here in the US. Wallace was on an 8 month wait list for the only pediatric neurologist in our county (the county with lots of lead poisoned children now…). Then when we finally got in, had to see a different specialist too, he refused to do any testing to determine the cause of the gross, fine, and oral motor delays. The one thing I have learned by having an autoimmune disease is that it is very frustrating to get doctors to help me. No one wants to do the real detective work to figure out what is going on and not just mask the symptoms with drugs. I eventually get sick of advocating for myself and try everything I can to heal myself.
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What? That is crazy! Your situation sounds pretty urgent to me. Your body is not getting all the nutrients it needs when you aren’t able to eat properly and what you are going through doesn’t sound normal. I wish someone would take you seriously! Let’s hope some of the alternative stuff will help.
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Ugh. I’m so sorry. Sadly, even here we don’t have good options for a lot of specialists of you can’t pay cash. I’ve had friends have to appeal insurance denials for cancer treatments, that have arguably shortened their lives. I just don’t understand why it’s so hard to get care.
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Any chance of going to another country and paying private? Do you/dh have dual citizenship? Expensive I know 😦 Being sick for a year until you see a doctor doesn’t sound doable.
IMO the best healthcare system offers basic coverage to all with the option to pay privately if desired.
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This is awful 🙁. Definitely be the squeaky wheel! Have you read much about gut health? It’s gaining a lot of attention as a field of research even in mainstream medicine as scientists realise just how important our digestive tracts and the billions of bacteria that live there are. I do hope you get some answers. It may be that you have to take this into your own hands and find out what works for you. I have no idea what your dietary habits are like generally but I have honestly seen miracles from changing the type and origin of food consumed.
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So sorry to hear this! Have you thought about going back to the ER and demanding the emergency referral? Even if you have to eat something that’ll cause a reaction, I’d seriously consider it to get the attention you deserve. You literally could waste away to nothing waiting to see a GI while just eating Cheerios and Puffs. Starvation/dehydration are serious medical concerns.
I’m in the US, my dad’s a doctor and my mom’s a nurse. They openly lament how broken out system is. You have to be your own advocate, be as firm as possible in what you’re willing to accept and not accept, take copious amounts of notes and not give up. So hard to do when you’re sick!
Sending good vibes your way. Hang in there!!!
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ughh. I really hope you get in much sooner. I hope bugging the hell out of them gets you results! I had to do the same with a surgery I needed recently.
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Ugh that terrible. Honestly, I would be tempted to keep going back into emerg on a frequent basis until your file gets expedited.
Are you able to diversify yet and add in Honey Nut Cheerios?!!? This really sounds just terrible 🤕
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I’m so sorry, it’s crazy trying to see specialists in Canada! I know it’s devious but could you go to the hospital and tell them you fainted since you haven’t been able to eat? Maybe they can fast track and fingers crossed you get the good Dr again?
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That sounds horrible! I can’t imagine how you aren’t a priority, that kind of sudden severe pain and inability to eat sounds not only incredibly uncomfortable but also quite worrying. Definitely something that really ought to be checked out by a specialist sooner rather than later. That is awful that you have to wait so long!
I’m a huge proponent of being the squeaky wheel (which ideally, in any system, no sick person should need to be). My daughter once needed a GI specialist appointment and the only appointment we could get locally was 2.5 months away (I’m in the US). I said okay but wasn’t happy. A month later, I knew something was horribly wrong, called the pediatrician’s office, threw a fit (I went back and forth with the phone nurse for almost 4 hours) and somehow managed to get fit into a cancellation spot with the GI that afternoon. Daughter was almost admitted to the hospital during that appointment. I was so glad she got in but furious that things had gotten that serious.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a sooner (rather than later) referral for you.
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I just don’t understand how they think this is acceptable in any way, shape, or form!?!? I’m so angry for you. I truly hope you don’t have to wait that long, and I really have everything crossed for you that the naturopath can give you some sort of answers or relief!! Wish there was something I could do to help you through this, but please know you’re on my mind constantly!!
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Far out. I cannot believe they won’t expedite your appt. That’s outrageous!! Hope the naturopath is able to help.
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I am so incredibly frustrated for you. This saga has got to end. I don’t understand how this doesn’t warrant further investigation quickly.
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Oh friend, I’m way behind on reading and things may be better by now but I’m so sorry you’re going through this. As you know, I’m a huge believer in naturopathic ways so I hope they are able to find a solution to give you relief!
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