Support Group

I missed it!!! Why, you ask??  Well, I have spent the last two days with HORRIBLE pain in my stomach and upper right quadrant.  So, they have been running all kinds of tests that show NOTHING!  I thought for sure it would be my gall bladder, but it's negative.  I am just baffled and miserable.   So, here is what I am asking my fellow Arkansans.  Why can't I just call the clinic?  Why can't the helpful Baptist operator just give me a number.  Is it a super secret?  I am after all a pre-existing.  I DID have a lap RNY!  Don't you think one of the bariatric doctors would agree to see me?  I am just near tears in frustration.  Can someone explain the steps I need to take here to get into this club?  Feel free to email me if you'd like.   Sorry for the poor me bit, however I am just beside myself.  Any help is appreciated.   

Becky, First of all, let me say, Im sorry about your pain.  My suggestion would be to call Dr. John Bakers office Monday morning and ask for Becky.  They have a wonderful staff.   If you dont feel you can wait till Monday, maybe going to Baptist thru the ER this weekend, they will have to see you and maybe you can get them to call in one of the bariatric surgeons while you are there.  Explain your problem and tell them that you cant take the pain.  Be really pitiful if you have too.  If you are like me, you dont like doing that, but  sometimes we have to do that to make them do something for us.   Keep us all posted, and know we are here for you.  I dont have any other ideas. Hugs, The New and Improved Rhonda

Would you be willing to private message me with that number.  That is my problem.  Noone will give me the number.  It's like some weird referral thing.  I don't completely understand it.  But, it's like I have to be referred to the Doc.  And, noone is willing to refer me yet.  I think the dear family doctor guy thinks he can help me himself, but I think I need a bariatric specialist.  Does that make sense.   Maybe I can call my South Dakota surgeon and see if they can do something.    But, I honestly believe it's probably something surgery related because the pain attacks are localized near my incision sites.  Especially the belly button one.  Thanks for the response.  Believe it or not, it's really difficult for me to ask for help!  I am NOT a wimp.  But, this is getting ridiculous.  

Please Becky or Christy......They can get you what you need.  Never be afraid to call them.  They will never make you feel bad or guilty for calling.  You may have a hernia.  I had the same pain and ended up in the ER last year....after testing they found a small hernia.  It still cause me pain.  Try lying on your back....take deep breaths and massage your stomach.  Get in to see Dr Baker when you can.  I am having hernia repair 10-1-07.  Keep in touch :)

Becky and Christy can be reached at 501-221-9175 or [email protected]  You can also go to their website...Just google Dr. John W. Baker. Let me know if you still have trouble.  I talk to Becky/Christy everyday ( I also work with them through a consulting service) Kim Titsworth 501-944-9035.

I forgot to tell you it wasn't until later that they ended up doing a CT and found the hernia...if they haven't done a CT they need to :)

Were you able to get help and get in touch with Dr Baker's office?

HI Kat~ Thanks for checking in.  I did NOT call anyone.  And I felt dumb posting about it.  The reason: I feel better.  So, after all your great help, I didn't even use it.  I am sorry about that.  I just feel really silly.  I have no idea what this horrible, horrible pain was, but I have huge bills and nothing to show.  I have absolutely no idea what was wrong.  Thanks again for caring enough to check in.  I hope to attend the next support group meeting.  Sorry for the big ALARM...I guess it was a false one.