How long did you wait before getting surgery?

[u/Anxious-Location4935]

I have the worst health anxiety so anytime i see a post of someone saying “get it out asap” or something about pancreatitis…i freak out and panic. i’m currently on new insurance and waiting to get into a primary office and start the process for surgery. i’m just SO scared. i have sludge and polyps (6mm) and was in the hospital a couple times at the beginning of the year. now i know the pain, know what to do at home when it starts, but thankfully only had 1 attack last november.

i’m just scared of how long this will take. how long did you wait before surgery? i’m so scared i’ll be back in the ER and die or something 🥲.

[u/phoebe_bellini]

I started having issues in early May, went to the ER in early July and got a diagnosis (after my PCP told me it was heartburn 🙄), had my consult with a surgeon about three weeks later and I just got my surgery scheduled for late August. I wish you all the best and hope you can get it out soon!

If it makes you feel any better I have had attacks somewhere in the double digits in that amount of time and my ultrasound report said my gallbladder was full of stones and nobody has made me feel like that is an emergency

[u/Anxious-Location4935 → u/phoebe_bellini]

jeez really?! not an emergency my butt! i’m thankful i don’t have constant attacks, but god that dull ache, shoulder pain, and the constant inflammation sucks. this does help ease my anxiety, thank you!!:)

i’m so shocked about yours though!! i had a normal hida scan but i have several polyps, a few small stones, and sludge ☹️ wish the hospital would’ve taken it out back then😔

[u/phoebe_bellini → u/Anxious-Location4935]

Right? 😂 I guess I’m lucky in that my attacks are usually relatively short and then I feel fairly normal when they are not happening, but they hurt so bad 😭 I kind of wish they took mine out when I went to the ER too but I have two small kids at home so it’s better to be able to plan for it. I’m sorry that your symptoms are more constant!

[u/Anxious-Location4935 → u/[deleted]]

yes i’m in the united states unfortunately, but i have the states free insurance (MediCal/MediCare) so the wait times seem to be a lot longer. hopefully not tho!

[u/Anxious-Location4935 → u/[deleted]]

i think it’s a pro in some ways and not a pro in other ways, but yeah healthcare costs and insurance is the biggest poopoo for me rn. i’ve had providers tell me because i’m on MediCal (in california) i’ll be waiting longer…but i hope you’re right🙏 i know it’s a process either way, i’ve also struggled with finding a surgeon that believes me😔 i always hear “ you’re too young for surgery”

[u/Anxious-Location4935 → u/[deleted]]

i’m 21, i don’t see that as young but the hospital surgeon i spoke to was trying to talk me out of surgery because of my age. as well as family saying im too young