Guest guest Posted January 3, 2001 Report Share Posted January 3, 2001 , I'm so sorry that you are frightened. Please try not to be. Your son will be at your side. Your family and we all will be, too, in spirit. I think you really need this test, not because I suspect you have cancer, but because an endoscopic ultrasound is a very good diagnostic tool which will allow your physicians to take a very close look at your digestive tract and the nearby organs. This way, they can look at your bile ducts and pancreas in a way that they haven't before. You need some answers in order to get some relief from your pain and bring you some peace of mind. Here are some descriptions of the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure: http://www.medicinenet.com/Script/Main/Art.asp?li=MNI & ArticleKey=6656 http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/jan00/McGrath.htm http://www.mayo.edu/mcj/gastro/endoultra.html http://www.ucihealth.com/resource/chao%20cancer%20center/eus.htm What do you mean the GI called after you cancelled the appointment? Which appointment? Don't worry about anything he says. Just stay focused on the upcoming test and appointment. Please try to think of all of the important details of the events of the last few months. You and your son may want to come up with a list of things that happened and symptoms and all drugs that you were on before your first attack and since. I know that they will have your medical record, but your version of what happened may differ slightly. It won't hurt to add your thoughts and questions. Let me know what else you need. ----- Original Message ----- From: " Valued Compaq Customer " <ruf-caimi@...> < egroups> Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 12:48 PM Subject: [ ] University of Penn > Hi Guy, > Well they tell me all the test they took have come back normal. Doesn't > mean 100% that there is no cancer. I have to go to the U. of P. next > Tuesday for a Endoscopic Ultrasound. They know I have a dilated bile duct > probably from somekind of blockage. I wasn't going to go but I made the > appointment. The GI doctor called me yesterday after I canceled the > appointment. He told me he knew I issues about school but I was putting my > education before my health. I know I don't like him and I think he thinks > I am too old to be in school. Even my primary doesn't like him. This > procedure is suppose to be a outpatient thing. I was told that when they > did the ERCP, and I had to stay. My primary told me there is an 88% > chance that there is no cancer. They even took lymph nodes and they were > fine. My son told me if there is a cancer it is microscopic. The stint > they put in is only good for two months after that there would be a > horrible injection from it. No one told me that before it was done, I > don't think I would have let them do it. The primary thinks they will have > to take it out before the procedure. > Okay so I bummed, I keep thinking it could be worse and by God it does get > worse. Nothing can be easy with me. I am glad that it will be done at > the U. of P. Has anyone ever had this test. I'm scared, my son will be > going with me, I don't think he would let anyone else take me. > Me Mom > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Me mom , I'm glad to hear that you made the appointment. I know you are scared, but your really have to resolve this pancreatic problem. It is stopping you from eating properly, and you will have other problems from not eating. Maybe this will give you all the answers that you've been looking for. U of Penn is a great hospital and you will be in good hands. I will keep you in my prayers. a ----- Original Message ----- From: Valued Compaq Customer <ruf-caimi@...> < egroups> Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 1:48 PM Subject: [ ] University of Penn > Hi Guy, > Well they tell me all the test they took have come back normal. Doesn't > mean 100% that there is no cancer. I have to go to the U. of P. next > Tuesday for a Endoscopic Ultrasound. They know I have a dilated bile duct > probably from somekind of blockage. I wasn't going to go but I made the > appointment. The GI doctor called me yesterday after I canceled the > appointment. He told me he knew I issues about school but I was putting my > education before my health. I know I don't like him and I think he thinks > I am too old to be in school. Even my primary doesn't like him. This > procedure is suppose to be a outpatient thing. I was told that when they > did the ERCP, and I had to stay. My primary told me there is an 88% > chance that there is no cancer. They even took lymph nodes and they were > fine. My son told me if there is a cancer it is microscopic. The stint > they put in is only good for two months after that there would be a > horrible injection from it. No one told me that before it was done, I > don't think I would have let them do it. The primary thinks they will have > to take it out before the procedure. > Okay so I bummed, I keep thinking it could be worse and by God it does get > worse. Nothing can be easy with me. I am glad that it will be done at > the U. of P. Has anyone ever had this test. I'm scared, my son will be > going with me, I don't think he would let anyone else take me. > Me Mom > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 M-M-- When I was looking into gastro referrals and my anemia problems a year ago- after my GI doctor thought I had Barrett's and my primary said I did not, I reviewed a number of teaching hospitals. I went to Mayo because the problem became more one of menstrual hemmorhagia and clotting problems rather than GI bleeding. U of Penn is one of the teaching hospitals my primary and I considered when we thought it was more of a GI problem - it is an excellent facility. I thought it might help if you had one more person who told you how excellent their rep - especially in the GI area -is. You are in my prayers. Hugs, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Me Mom : I am also glad you are having more testing done regarding your intestines. Don't be afraid. The tests that they do are quite normal and they sedate you so you will not feel anything. At least they may get to the bottom of the problem. Please tell me what meds you are using for RA. My meds bothered my stomach so so bad. It could perhaps be a combination of things. Good luck and God Bless. Jeannette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 M M : 88% chance of it not being cancer is quite high. 12% chance that it is cancer is very low. Hold onto the positive. It is what gets us by and creates less stress for us. You don't need any added stress to trigger RA pain. I think it will work out good and that is my wish for you. Jeannette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Hi , I was suppose to go back to the GI specialist on Tuesday and I cancelled the appointment. His nurse called to reschedule and I told her, I would call her later. I didn't want to be rude to her, so I felt this was the best way to leave it. Well two hours later the doctor called and left a message on my machine to please call him. When I did they told me to call back at the 2 they were eating lunch. I called at 2 and was told he left for the day????????? In the mean time I was talking to my primary and he knew how I wasn't going to go back to this doctor. He met up with him at the hospital and explained things. The GI doctor called again and spoke to me. That was how I knew the tests came back okay. I just don't like him and I am tired of all his test having to be run two or three times. I think he has made enough money off of me. Me Mom ---------- > From: Matsumura <Matsumura_Clan@...> > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 2:47 PM > > , > > I'm so sorry that you are frightened. Please try not to be. Your son will be > at your side. Your family and we all will be, too, in spirit. > > I think you really need this test, not because I suspect you have cancer, > but because an endoscopic ultrasound is a very good diagnostic tool which > will allow your physicians to take a very close look at your digestive tract > and the nearby organs. This way, they can look at your bile ducts and > pancreas in a way that they haven't before. You need some answers in order > to get some relief from your pain and bring you some peace of mind. > > Here are some descriptions of the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure: > > http://www.medicinenet.com/Script/Main/Art.asp?li=MNI & ArticleKey=6656 > http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/jan00/McGrath.htm > http://www.mayo.edu/mcj/gastro/endoultra.html > http://www.ucihealth.com/resource/chao%20cancer%20center/eus.htm > > What do you mean the GI called after you cancelled the appointment? Which > appointment? Don't worry about anything he says. Just stay focused on the > upcoming test and appointment. > > Please try to think of all of the important details of the events of the > last few months. You and your son may want to come up with a list of things > that happened and symptoms and all drugs that you were on before your first > attack and since. I know that they will have your medical record, but your > version of what happened may differ slightly. It won't hurt to add your > thoughts and questions. > > Let me know what else you need. > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: " Valued Compaq Customer " <ruf-caimi@...> > < egroups> > Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 12:48 PM > Subject: [ ] University of Penn > > > > Hi Guy, > > Well they tell me all the test they took have come back normal. Doesn't > > mean 100% that there is no cancer. I have to go to the U. of P. next > > Tuesday for a Endoscopic Ultrasound. They know I have a dilated bile duct > > probably from somekind of blockage. I wasn't going to go but I made the > > appointment. The GI doctor called me yesterday after I canceled the > > appointment. He told me he knew I issues about school but I was putting > my > > education before my health. I know I don't like him and I think he thinks > > I am too old to be in school. Even my primary doesn't like him. This > > procedure is suppose to be a outpatient thing. I was told that when they > > did the ERCP, and I had to stay. My primary told me there is an 88% > > chance that there is no cancer. They even took lymph nodes and they were > > fine. My son told me if there is a cancer it is microscopic. The stint > > they put in is only good for two months after that there would be a > > horrible injection from it. No one told me that before it was done, I > > don't think I would have let them do it. The primary thinks they will > have > > to take it out before the procedure. > > Okay so I bummed, I keep thinking it could be worse and by God it does get > > worse. Nothing can be easy with me. I am glad that it will be done at > > the U. of P. Has anyone ever had this test. I'm scared, my son will be > > going with me, I don't think he would let anyone else take me. > > Me Mom > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > > Change subscription options: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Hi a, Thanks for your message. I am scared the primary told me there is an 88% chance that there is no cancer. However, in my book that means there is an 12% chance that there is. I am glad I am going to the U. of P., I hear only good things about it. My Rheumy called yesterday and wants to see me soon. I was suppose to see him on the 29, but now I am going on Monday. I know he is concerned that I am off of the Fosamax. I think he wants to touch bases. I know he and the primary have been talking. He will be glad I changed doctors, he told me he doesn't have a good working relationship with the GI doctor I was going to. He had recommended that I change over a month ago. Hope you and are feeling better. Me Mom ---------- > From: a <aA@...> > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 9:54 PM > > Me mom , > I'm glad to hear that you made the appointment. I know you are scared, but > your really have to resolve this pancreatic problem. It is stopping you > from eating properly, and you will have other problems from not eating. > Maybe this will give you all the answers that you've been looking for. U > of Penn is a great hospital and you will be in good hands. I will keep you > in my prayers. > a > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Valued Compaq Customer <ruf-caimi@...> > < egroups> > Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 1:48 PM > Subject: [ ] University of Penn > > > > Hi Guy, > > Well they tell me all the test they took have come back normal. Doesn't > > mean 100% that there is no cancer. I have to go to the U. of P. next > > Tuesday for a Endoscopic Ultrasound. They know I have a dilated bile duct > > probably from somekind of blockage. I wasn't going to go but I made the > > appointment. The GI doctor called me yesterday after I canceled the > > appointment. He told me he knew I issues about school but I was putting > my > > education before my health. I know I don't like him and I think he thinks > > I am too old to be in school. Even my primary doesn't like him. This > > procedure is suppose to be a outpatient thing. I was told that when they > > did the ERCP, and I had to stay. My primary told me there is an 88% > > chance that there is no cancer. They even took lymph nodes and they were > > fine. My son told me if there is a cancer it is microscopic. The stint > > they put in is only good for two months after that there would be a > > horrible injection from it. No one told me that before it was done, I > > don't think I would have let them do it. The primary thinks they will > have > > to take it out before the procedure. > > Okay so I bummed, I keep thinking it could be worse and by God it does get > > worse. Nothing can be easy with me. I am glad that it will be done at > > the U. of P. Has anyone ever had this test. I'm scared, my son will be > > going with me, I don't think he would let anyone else take me. > > Me Mom > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > > Change subscription options: > > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Hi , I know this is a good hospital. Last Christmas night my brother received his heart transplant at the U. of P.. He was treated great and of course he still has to go back every other week. He is alive and well with the heart. Me Mom ---------- > From: k.j.choate@... > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 10:48 PM > > M-M-- > > When I was looking into gastro referrals and my anemia > problems a year ago- after my GI doctor thought I had > Barrett's and my primary said I did not, I reviewed a > number of teaching hospitals. I went to Mayo because the > problem became more one of menstrual hemmorhagia and > clotting problems rather than GI bleeding. U of Penn is > one of the teaching hospitals my primary and I > considered when we thought it was more of a GI problem - > it is an excellent facility. I thought it might help if > you had one more person who told you how excellent their > rep - especially in the GI area -is. You are in my > prayers. > > Hugs, > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2001 Report Share Posted January 4, 2001 Me Mom , Try to concentrate on the 88% and not the 12%. Stress and worry slow down healing. It's hard sometimes to try staying positive especially when you don't know what is wrong with you. 88% is a high number. Being scared is normal. I can't wait for it to be over for you so you can get back to living life and going to school. (((hugs)))) a ----- Original Message ----- From: Valued Compaq Customer <ruf-caimi@...> < egroups> Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2001 8:12 AM Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Hi a, > Thanks for your message. I am scared the primary told me there is an 88% > chance that there is no cancer. However, in my book that means there is an > 12% chance that there is. I am glad I am going to the U. of P., I hear > only good things about it. My Rheumy called yesterday and wants to see me > soon. I was suppose to see him on the 29, but now I am going on Monday. I > know he is concerned that I am off of the Fosamax. I think he wants to > touch bases. I know he and the primary have been talking. He will be glad > I changed doctors, he told me he doesn't have a good working relationship > with the GI doctor I was going to. He had recommended that I change over a > month ago. > Hope you and are feeling better. > Me Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2001 Report Share Posted January 5, 2001 Thank you a, I just can't concentrate on anything. I just talked to my son and he told me that since the brushings and small stuff came back okay and that is a good sign. He also said that there could be stones there that are very small and the other doctor couldn't pick it up. He also told me that when he first started working after grad school he thinks he interviewed the GI doctor I was seeing. He said he was arrogant. I told him if I need a gastro doctor after Tuesday, I will go to the one his father-in-law wanted me to go too. He is pleased with that decision, he thinks I probably will need someone. He also said that with all the drugs anyone with RA takes, their immune system is very sensitive. This makes everything medically harder. I see my primary tomorrow. Thank you for trying to help and you have. Me Mom ---------- > From: a <aA@...> > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Thursday, January 04, 2001 9:15 AM > > Me Mom , > Try to concentrate on the 88% and not the 12%. Stress and worry slow down > healing. It's hard sometimes to try staying positive especially when you > don't know what is wrong with you. 88% is a high number. > Being scared is normal. I can't wait for it to be over for you so you can > get back to living life and going to school. > (((hugs)))) > a > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Valued Compaq Customer <ruf-caimi@...> > < egroups> > Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2001 8:12 AM > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > > > > Hi a, > > Thanks for your message. I am scared the primary told me there is an 88% > > chance that there is no cancer. However, in my book that means there is > an > > 12% chance that there is. I am glad I am going to the U. of P., I hear > > only good things about it. My Rheumy called yesterday and wants to see me > > soon. I was suppose to see him on the 29, but now I am going on Monday. > I > > know he is concerned that I am off of the Fosamax. I think he wants to > > touch bases. I know he and the primary have been talking. He will be > glad > > I changed doctors, he told me he doesn't have a good working relationship > > with the GI doctor I was going to. He had recommended that I change over > a > > month ago. > > Hope you and are feeling better. > > Me Mom > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2001 Report Share Posted January 5, 2001 Hi Jeannette, With all you have been going through, it is nice of you to think of me. The meds I am on just for the Ra, are predisone, metho pill form but I have ask to go on the injection. I have learned from this group that this will by pass my stomach. Folic acid I was on clinoril but that was stopped. Remicade that has been stopped too. Druggist tells me that is the drug that is the culprit. Darvocet is the really bad days. Alluvial at night, I couldn't sleep so they gave me that. Fosamax but that was stopped too, I know the Rheumy wants that started as soon as possible. I see him on Monday. I hope they put me to sleep. My son said it is the same as the ERCP except at the end they use different instruments. This is the one day he has to be at work, so my daughter-in-law is taking me. I'm okay with this, actually if Ricky can't come Bonnie is an excellent one to go. She will ask all the right questions and she will understand what he is talking about. Thank you for helping, it is a shame we have to take the drugs we take. Without them though, our quality of life would not be as good. I know my sister will say why do you take those drugs, but she can't understand she doesn't have the disease. Me Mom ---------- > From: ednettieolson@... > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Thursday, January 04, 2001 12:58 PM > > Me Mom : > > I am also glad you are having more testing done regarding your intestines. > Don't be afraid. The tests that they do are quite normal and they sedate you > so you will not feel anything. At least they may get to the bottom of the > problem. Please tell me what meds you are using for RA. My meds bothered my > stomach so so bad. It could perhaps be a combination of things. Good luck > and God Bless. > > Jeannette > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2001 Report Share Posted January 5, 2001 - Did I read one of your notes correctly- that your doctor wants you to take FOSOMAX?! My GI problems and irritation started with Fosomax- it is extremely hard on the GI tract - especially when you take the crud we do. My doctor switched me over to miacalcin- you inhale that and I still had problems. You may want to bring up the fosomax to the new guy and see if it is a good guy. If someone charged me the deductible before I saw the doctor- its the last time I'd see them. It would give me a pretty clear picture of their priorities. Hugs, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2001 Report Share Posted January 5, 2001 Hi , I have been on Fosomax for two years. The Rheumy just gave me the once a week pill. I have not been able to go on it though. I hope to know more about this on Monday when I see him. I knew it was very hard on the stomach. I am glad that now I know about some other drugs. I see my primary today so I will bring it up. Thanks, Me Mom ---------- > From: k.j.choate@... > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Thursday, January 04, 2001 8:57 PM > > - > > Did I read one of your notes correctly- that your doctor > wants you to take FOSOMAX?! My GI problems and > irritation started with Fosomax- it is extremely hard on > the GI tract - especially when you take the crud we do. > My doctor switched me over to miacalcin- you inhale that > and I still had problems. You may want to bring up the > fosomax to the new guy and see if it is a good guy. If > someone charged me the deductible before I saw the > doctor- its the last time I'd see them. It would give me > a pretty clear picture of their priorities. > > Hugs, > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2001 Report Share Posted January 5, 2001 , The paying of the fee before I saw the doctor is the first thing I thought was strange. God forbid if you didn't have it. You can not see the doctor until you pay. I am glad I am changing doctors. Me Mom ---------- > From: k.j.choate@... > egroups > Subject: Re: [ ] University of Penn > Date: Thursday, January 04, 2001 8:57 PM > > - > > Did I read one of your notes correctly- that your doctor > wants you to take FOSOMAX?! My GI problems and > irritation started with Fosomax- it is extremely hard on > the GI tract - especially when you take the crud we do. > My doctor switched me over to miacalcin- you inhale that > and I still had problems. You may want to bring up the > fosomax to the new guy and see if it is a good guy. If > someone charged me the deductible before I saw the > doctor- its the last time I'd see them. It would give me > a pretty clear picture of their priorities. > > Hugs, > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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