Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The past two times I've been to the doctor, I've left with his words weighing heavily on my mind. I'm currently stressed out. After I left, I started thinking, "Is that what he meant by that?", or, "I should have asked him..." I'm thinking the next time I go I should have my wife with me for an extra set of ears.
About 4 weeks ago I visited urgent care 3 times due to blood in my urine (I recently started coumadin for a blood clot and thought it might be related) and then later that day and weekend pain in my kidney. The first time I heard, "You probably passed a stone" and was sent home. The 2nd time I heard the same thing, but they added a CT scan. The 3rd time they referred me to the urologist. When I visited the urologist he reviewed the CT scan and said he saw some possible cysts and sent me for another CT scan with contrast. I left with him saying, "It's probably nothing to worry about. I just wouldn't want to miss a tumor or anything". Needless to say that bothered me for a week or so until I had the scan and went back for the follow up. When I went in for the 2nd follow up, his first words after sitting down were, "Well...after talking to the radiologist and a couple other doctors, this is a real head scratcher". Right then I knew he wasn't going to tell me, "Hey, small cysts. No big deal. Let's tackle that stone". So I heard him talking about the size of the cyst (or whatever) inside the kidney, how they could maybe drain it if it's a cyst, encouraged by smooth sides, etc but I didn't hear everything he said. Does that make sense? So it is driving me crazy. BTW: I just completed three days of labs for him and he referred me for an MRI on March 3. Also, no pain for 4 weeks (knock on wood).
Do you take a spouse or 2nd person with you to the doctor for another set of ears? I think I might do so next time.
To calm your fears, I tell you this: an episode of diverticulitis led to an ultrasound which led to a CT because of "something" in my kidney. Saw the urologist who said let's repeat it in 3 months; said kidney cancer is slow growing. Repeated the CT in 3 mo. And "it" was still there. I saw the scan and understood the issue - it was grainy looking. The radiologist thought it was cancer. So I had the surgery and it was a cyst filled with dried blood. Noting to worry about.
To calm your fears, I tell you this: an episode of diverticulitis led to an ultrasound which led to a CT because of "something" in my kidney. Saw the urologist who said let's repeat it in 3 months; said kidney cancer is slow growing. Repeated the CT in 3 mo. And "it" was still there. I saw the scan and understood the issue - it was grainy looking. The radiologist thought it was cancer. So I had the surgery and it was a cyst filled with dried blood. Noting to worry about.
Thanks.
How big was it? This is one area where I wish I had someone else there to listen to what the doctor was saying. He showed me the size on the computer screen and told me to remember it and then showed it with the contrast. I think it said he was encouraged by the fact that it did not increase in size with the contrast scan, was not along the side and was smooth. From what I understood it is filling up a large portion of the kidney and he wants to get "as much information as he can". He said the lab work was more important than the MRI.
I guess what's bothering me is that he said, "It's a real head scratcher".
Yes, it's definitely a good idea to bring someone with you. It will help you remember what was discussed, plus I feel (at least for me) it is helpful to have the emotional support of a loved one at medical appointments.
If you feel that you need to have someone go with you, do so. Here in Florida, most visit their doctors in pairs, I often think it is because one is too nervous to drive and the other can't follow the conversation. Two eyes and two ears are better than one.
Me, I travel solo, although that might change in a few years!
That's what I'm planning the next time I have a follow-up. This time however (I remembered after posting earlier) I think he is going to call me.
wishing you all the best and try to not worry. If at all possible-let your wife speak to the doctor when he calls. Update when you know something.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
