Why Does the Waiting List Have to be so Long????

I have struggled with abdominal problems since Spencer was born (I will spare you all the details). I was diagnosed with acid reflux, not unusual these days and have been on several different medications for this and finally have one that works. I was referred to a Gastroenterologist last fall and finally had my appointment yesterday. Yesterday was the first time I had received the results of a Barium Enema that I had done in early October. The results showed that I had polyps on my bowel and that they may be cancerous. It was determined by the doctor that given the history of cancer in my family, especially with such a close relation as my own child that further investigating was warranted. A colonoscopy has been scheduled for December 2, 2008. That is the earliest appointment that I could get. They are also going to put a scope down my esophagus to find out what's really going on with my stomach. Now I have to wait 7 months before anything can be done. I have decided that really there is nothing I can do but wait until I have this procedure done. Really right now, there isn't anything to worry about. I'm actually quite surprised at how I'm taking this. I've been put on the cancelation list and have given them my cell phone number and once I have passed the probationary period at work I will give them my work number. So now I just wait.

Many prayers that everything goes well. Although, I think it is ridiculous that you have to wait that long to take care of your health. My husband has 2 hernaited disked in his back and has been waiting almost 2 months to get into the neurosurgeon. He doesn't go until June 4th and it has been heartbreaking watching him suffer in pain. I hope somehow they can get you in sooner.

OMG, how nerve wracking to hear that little tidbit and have to wait so long to find out anything more! You're very strong

I'm sorry you have to wait so long, how frustrating.

That is horrible to have to wait that long to find out any answers. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thanks everyone! I really am surprised at how the medical system works. I think it's like this everywhere. I just need to be strong and put my life in perspective.

Its not like that here OMG to have to wait like that I will keep my insurance ty
Forget that insurance you guys have there in Canada.

I would call them up and demand you get faster service I mean you could have a serious problem there and its so wrong to make you wait like that

Please keep us posted hun

This post has been edited by gr33n3y3z on May 23 2008, 03:26 AM

That is a really long time to wait I hope they can get you in sooner so you can get some answers. And, I hope it turns out to be nothing.

You're in my thoughts and prayers. keep us posted.

OMG what a long time to wait! You would think they would try harder to get you in sooner than that for something like this that has the potential to be serious. I hope someone cancels soon and you can get in!

I can't believe they would have you wait that long!! That's absolutely rediculous!! I hope they get you in sooner! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

I'll be praying they can get you in sooner. I can't imagine living with that kind of fear for that long.

Yep-I'll just take good old independent US health care. Situations like this are when universal health care stinks.

Thanks everyone! I know that there are other options out there. I could have the procedure done in another city or province. I could pay and have the procedure done in the US, I know that my in-laws would help in anyway they could. I'm going to give it a few months and see if I can get in sooner. I'll keep you all posted!

I talked to Spencer tonight about this. DH and I both agree that it's not fair to keep secrets from the kids and we have always been open and honest with them. Spencer told me I was going to be fine. I asked him if I wasn't fine would he be brave for me as well and he said "Of course, but you're going to be just fine!" What a strong and couragous little boy I have!

The wait time seems awfully long even for Canada. Did they do the other screening tests for cancer that they can do? The blood test I mean. If you click onCanadian Cancer Society They is a new screening process that you can have done before the other tests.

Thanks Terri! You would think that with all of the test Spencer had done I would have known about this. I guess I just put my trust in the doctor. I'll take a look at the site and see if my Family Doctor can have some of the tests done. I see him on June 4.

You've got one awesome little boy there. Let us know what the dr says!

Keeping you in my prayers.

That is RIDICULOUS. So you could have a possible cancer issue & they cant check it before December??? You'd NEVER have this happen in the US.

If I were you, I'd get REALLY angry about it & find someone or someway to get this taken care of before then. You never know what could happen from now to December...what could be fixable NOW may not be THEN.

Health care is expensive here, but I'd take paying for my healthcare over waiting 7 months to find out if I have cancer any day of the week.

I'm so sorry they are doing this to you.