3 replies to this topic

[McRobb]

Hello, All - really down in the dumps right now and finding it hard to stay positive. I have been paralyzed from a car wreck for 4 1/2 years now and seems like lately everything has gone straight down the tubes. Equipment problems and health problems have all hit in the last 2 months and I just wonder how much more I can take.

Have been diagnosed with early stage uterine cancer and normally the treatment is to remove the uterus with pretty much a 100% cure rate. But, because I am a paraplegic, doctors do not want to do surgery because of blood clots, lung problems, diabetes (since accident) etc. so they referred me to the the radiology people for radiology.

The radiology people do not want to do radiation for pretty much the same reasons but they have a whole new set of excuses to go with this. So, basically I have been pretty much shunted off to the next doctor because of the risks involved with treatment. It is a lot more compllicated than that but that is what it boils down to.

In the midst of all this, I now have carpel tunnel in both wrists so need surgery for this as well. This has been a lot easier to find help for than the cancer. I should have surgery on the one wrist this coming Tuesday.

Wondered if anyone else has trod this same road? Have you be diagnosed with a serious illness, like cancer, and been refused treatment becasue of the complications of being paraplyzed?

Is this typical treatment - if you got good treatment, what did you have to do to get it? Throw a fit and say that you were going to sue if they did not do SOMETHING? I would really like to konw if others have hit this type of brick wall. I feel like I have been fighting everyone lately!

[nomis]

Hi McRobb

Your situation is beyond my experience, out of my league. I just felt like saying hello.

The carpal tunnel problem, while being a pain, is being addressed so I guess you can tick that one off as it progresses. But that leaves the big uterine cancer issue. I understand your frustration and concern. I reckon it might be about time to do your best jumping up and down, making a noise and issue out of it. I'm usually reluctant to make a drama of things but there comes a time...

If you think the original decision not to surgically remove the uterus was a cop out then that'd be a good place to return to. I don't understand the American health system so have no idea what pressures you can call on. It's your life and you deserve the best so I'd say get mad and go for it.

I can't be any real help, but I'll be applauding you from the sideline.

[topperf]

Quote

I can't be any real help, but I'll be applauding you from the sideline.

[edlee]

I think you need to find new surgeons. The main fear any doctor,,, especially surgeons,,,have is lawsuits. They operate on you and complications arrise,,,, LITIGATION,,,,

If you keep looking you will eventually find one who will do the surgery,,,,,hopefully soon.

Obviously having a gall bladder taken out isn't as serious as your case, but I had no problem getting someone to cut me,,,,and taking a bit of cancer out of my bladder didn't make them wince,, so there ARE good doctors out there. Hope you can find them.
ed