africanviolet

Hello everyone... I am a pre-op sleeve patient undergoing the VSG program at Northwestern Hospital. Thus far, my journey had been great.... I got through the classes, Dietitian, nurse practitioner and weight management consults with no issues.... and was excitedly headed towards my Surgeon's Consultation and then..... **BAM** ....... here comes the Clinical Psychologist.... telling me she thinks I need to work through some of my issues for the next 3 months with a therapist before she will suggest I undergo surgery (even though she herself said I was an excellent candidate, and my Primary Care Physician wrote a letter of how motivated I am and how the surgery will HELP ME eliminate current medical issues). Now, while I appreciate that the Psychologist is trying to be diligent in her analysis, I have ONE major problem with her stance on this: ....... I think - as a recent graduate and post doctoral fellow - that she is trying to impress her colleagues/peers with this swooping diagnosis, and has completely disregarded my MEDICAL NEED for this surgery.... For example - I was referred to this Northwestern program because of chronic utercaria (Hives), and painful rashes (Pruitus) due to a variety of Gastrointestinal issues, including a stomach ulcer that has created a "Leaky Gut Syndrome" scenario, and is slowly turning into an auto-immune disease, with my body internally attacking itself, and my stomach excreating acid into my bloodstream. Obesity is an additional co-morbid that has contributed GREATLY to my current condition.... and therefore my Primary Care Physician recommended killing two birds with one stone. DOES IT SOUND LIKE I NEED TO WAIT 3 MONTHS FOR THAT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF??? ..... I wouldn't think so.... And do I really want to continue to be on 5 medications managing the PAIN of Hives, Pruitus, Edema (from the steroids), and situational anxiety from all the itching and burning??? I wouldn't think so..... And of course, this was explained to the Psychologist during my visit (although NOT forcibly, as I tried to remain respectful the entire time and not get into an argument with her), but to no avail. So here is my issue, and why feel I need a GREAT MENTOR right now.... If I am FORCED to have to continue to deal with my physical ailments because this psychologist wants me to work through "mommy issues", and OCCASIONAL late night snacking habits..... I am REALLY going to be upset, and will need someone to help me keep my eye on the prize and work through that emotional period. I am already seeing a Therapist about my behavioral issues, (have been for several weeks)..... but I guess that didn't show enough initiative for the Psychologist .... and she will possibly recommend a HALT to my surgical journey and push it back from February to MAY...... *sigh* ..... I can't have surgery WHILE seeing a Therapist???? ...... .... And not have to suffer through 3 additional months of a painful auto-immune disease??? :-( LOOK - I don't want to make a big stink out of this, because I am very grateful to be in this program. I Thank GOD for it daily..... I just wish I wasn't suddenly made to feel like I owed someone else something before I was able to receive what I needed, and my medical needs take a back seat.... I HAVE shared my feelings with my Dietitian & Nurse Practitioner, but I haven't heard back yet. I guess my MAINS question for a potential MENTOR are..... HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE THIS? AM I WRONG IN MY FEELINGS? And..... IF I AM FORCED TO ENDURE THIS ADDITIONAL "3 MONTH WAIT".... CAN YOU HELP ME GET THROUGH IT WITHOUT ME CRACKING UP?? (LOL!) Thanks.

@@swimbikerun - Yes, I understand where you are coming from. Because I am a person that holds their peace, and doesn't want to rock the boat, there are questions I didn't ask and statements I didn't make in my consultation yesterday. I respect people in the Medical field a GREAT DEAL, but they aren't perfect. They occasionally make bad calls and even kill people with their mistakes. I was intimidated by her being a doctor of psychology, and having the fate of my surgery in her hands as the last step before my surgery consult and subsequent date. I didn't stand for my side of the story like I should have.... in an effort to keep the peace. I hope that hasn't doomed me to endure my symptoms for an additional 3 months when I didn't have to.

@@MyssJones - Thank you sister for the encouragement. I truly appreciate your position and stance on this scenario. And I am no stranger to the benefits of being patient and seeing things through. However..... If I were not in PAIN, I think the circumstance would be a little different. I have had Hives, acidity and inflammation for nearly a year. I am TIRED and would love to be cured/relieved of this problem ASAP. When the solution is within reach..... but someone comes along, grabs the solution and keeps it dangling just out of my reach until THEY are ready to give it to me...... it can be a little nerve-wracking .... and in the meantime, guess who is left to deal with the pain, medication, insomnia, anxiety and Pruitus??? .... Yes. ME..... not them. ME. And although I applaud your patience in your situation, you were waiting on your SURGERY..... mine is being blocked. Very different..... :-(

@@swimbikerun - Thank you. My thinking exactly. :-(