QuestionWith-out proper knowledge, I opted to have a mastectomy of my left breast on Dec. 12th, this year. (I am a Medicaid recipitant & as such can not choose my own Dr. much less get a 2nd opionion.)The surgeon they chose for me has little time or patience to answer questions or explain thing to me. At the time of the surgery, I did opt to have a 'BardPort' installed in order to help with the upcoming chemo. (some info...I am a tiny person...5'5"; 125 lbs.). When I finally did regain semi-consciousness,all I know is that the mastectomy went OK but, according to family members that were there, my right lung had totally collapsed (due to the port being installed to "lose to my lungs", I had to undergo a complete blood transfusion, & there was pump installed into my left lung to remove the build-up of fluid there. The surgeon readily admitted he had indeed installed the port "to close". Today, almost 3 weeks from the surgery, I have had to return to the ER 3 times regarding complications. My lungs feel as if they will NEVER be the same again. The mastectomy is healing fine & yet, I still have alot of pain, specifically in my upper back, where the lungs are. I can NOT breath properly, I have NO lung strength at all. When I do breath, it hurts upon inhalation. I do still have drainage bottle attached to my left side, the surgical side, & am leaking about 25 (whatevers) every day. I talked to one one my family members today who told me that immediately after the surgery, while I was in recovery that the Dr. had brought some papers to me & believing that by signing these papers, he would 'take care of the pain problem'. They obviously rushed me right back into surgery, that's where the blood transfusion, etc., came in at. I DO NOT remember signing ANY papers!!And, I am (A) in so much pain <Lortab5 onl;yuI have NO energy what so ever & (C) my right side, where the port is, gives me one heck of a time, MORE pain!
What can I do in my financial situation??
What would YOU do???
ANY advice will be gratefully appreciated!!
Thank you for your time & consideration! God bless you!
Sincerely,
Connie Hayes
Auburn, AL. 36830
334-821-1172
venessa45@yahoo.com
AnswerDear Connie, I do wish I could help you with this, but I'm a Swede living in Sweden. I have no idea of US insurance, medicare, medicaid and legal matters only strictly medical matters are what I can take care of. I therefore strongly suggest that you direct this question to an American expert on this site! Sorry I can not be of more help! I know what I would do here but not where you are!
