Sherry has had headaches since this began...never anything less than a 2 on a scale of 1 - 10 and most times it is around 6-7 and times it is up to 8-9.
3 doctors said 'stroke', 1 said 'acute migraine' another did not want to commit himself so said he would let the neurologist determine it...and of course this is the doctor who relased her from the hospital so the record doesn't show anything...just referred to a neurologist.
Her blood pressure skyrocketted yesterday and her PA is the only one we trust so far medically, told us if her blood pressure goes up get to the ER immediately as it could cause an aneurism.
She had a script written for the MRA. Before being released from the hospital she only had 1 MRI done, 1 Catscan and a spinal tap done. There should have been follow up MRI and Catscans done and weren't. They should have done an MRA and didn't so the need to get it done as soon as possible.
We have a neurologist - an instructor who repairs aneurisms and teaches others how to do it, in Windsor, Ontario Canada that we sent Sherry's MRI, Catscan and spinal tap and other records to view. His determination was 'aneurism' and the need for the MRA. He provided us with his info and a letter to present to other doctors. We took it with us to Traverse City and they blew it off. The ER doctor,even before any test was made determined nothing would be found in the MRA and that the pain is just a result of the spinal tap. The nurse (male) there was rude to me so that irritated me from the git-go. So we are told we have to wait for the guy to come in with the MRA skills. 3 and a half hours later he comes in wheels Sherry down and comes back in about a half hour.
The ER doc comes in says the MRA is normal. Gives a prescription for some more drugs and sends us on our merry way. But wait, what is involved in an MRA. Before the MRA a dye is taken and it takes 2 hours for it to go through the system so the dye can be picked up with the MRA machine.....NO DYE was given to Sherry...so wonder why it looked normal??
They know going in if you have insurance or not and if not you are treated like a leper and not worthy of medical help. If you do have insurance then they have to do what the insurance company says regardless whether you need more attention you only get what the insurance company tells the doctor he can do if he expects to be paid.
So Sherry is home, still dizzy, still with headache in the 2 -3 range if she does nothing at all and goes up if she moves and does anything. She called the family doctor of the ER room activities and the doctor and staff were appalled at what transpired. Oh yeah, because we have no insurance the neurologist she was referred to will only see her for a consultation only for $350 cash.
Sherry had a physical therapist show up today to give her an evaluation. We did qualify for Uncompensated Care from the visiting nurse group...but the physical therapist said medicaid would pay for it and Sherry informed him we do not have medicaid to which he replied we would have to pay the bill for his coming out. He did spend an hour and a half and is a Christian who said he was going to take personal interest in Sherry...though he would not be the therapist who comes out. He did say that her problem is neuro not physical so there is nothing he can help her with.
Oh yeah, when Sherry told the ER nurse that being referred to a neurologist is not going to help since we don't have insurance or the money to pay the neurologist all the ER nurse had to say was Welcome to America.
I think its time to go hunting....insurance companies and doctors. If ya see a guy who looks like Elmer Fudd and chuckles "I'm huntin doctors" its probably me.
The PA has told Sherry not to do mind stuff like concentrating on musical notes or multitasking, etc as it could cause an aneurism from the pressure. She also said NOT to take the medication the ER doctor prescribed as it is highly habit forming narcotic.
On a positive note...Sherry got a card from a long time friend (from high school) she is in contact with daily. Her friend is a Christian and has been following her condition daily. Her husband and her have sent a check....which will cover her going to a neurologist. Praise God for His children who are able to give to others. Bless them Father...including all those here who have given their voices to your ears for us. Thank you In Jesus name. Amen.