2 o PO- pain below breastbone; please advise

Hello, Sorry for this post but I want to get a second opinion. I have been having pain about a week after surgery directly below breastbone; between breasts just a tad lower; dead center. I had GERD prior to surgery and am not taking anything for it but tums. (Surgeon stated that it will be healed as of surgery). I am taking Actigall for GB (since it wasn't removed). I am taking lots of vitamins and allergy medicine (for seasonal allergies). Here's my issue. I saw my surgeon and he doesn't seem too worried about the pain. BUT I will be losing my insurance coverage as of Feb. 1st 2005. I just found out that I cannot convert it to another plan as I no longer reside in that state (I moved due to health issues). Due to the lack of insurance come Feb. my surgeon is requesting an Upper GI w/small bowel. The problem is that due to issues with the place I was trying to schedule my test and my doctor's office, my paperwork didn't arrive until yesterday so I could schedule this test. It's scheduled Jan 27th.. only giving the surgeon 2 days to decide if I need repairs or ?? My friend today advised that I screw the test and go to the ER while I still have insurance since they will run tests and treat while there. My problem is I am severly lacking on funds and if I go to the ER I will have to spend at least $1,000 whereas if I have the test outside of a hospital it is 100% covered. Any thoughts as to the pain? Any suggestions? I figure I won't have insurance earliest is 3 months from now and latest at least 6 months (if denied, I have to go then to the state medical aid program.. but first I need to be denied by an ins. provider which can take up to 60 days). Thanks so much! (I posted this on the main board as well)

Hello sorry to hear of your problems. Is there only one place you can go to get the test done? Do you have a walk in clinic? They should be able to schedule you alot quicker than the 27th. Have you aked your surgeon to call the X_RAY department and tell he needs this test done ASAP and the 27th is not soon enough. If all else fells go to ER and at least you can make payments on your bill.

Thank you! I am seeing my PCP tomorrow and see if she can get me in soorner or knows another location. I was talking to one of my other doctors and he was stating if I go to the ER they may not do that specific test as they will start with bloodwork and basic tests. So I'm going to my PCP and see what she can do. Plus I think I should have an x-ray and/or a scope rather than that test because I don't think that test will show anything. Thanks again, Jennifer

Hello, Just a followup for those interested: My PCP wants me to do a HIDA test on my gallbladder function and wants me to do the Upper GI. She feels that I can wait to resolve if gallbladder until I get insurance. So I feel better. Great News! I am no longer Diabetic nor have high cholesterol! YEAH!!