Micah has been hospitalized since Monday.  They have done an ultrasound and CT scan.  A surgeon saw him and told him, with no further information or explanation, that since his spleen was so enlarged, she could not remove his gall bladder laparoscopically (sp?) and she would take his spleen AND gall bladder.  Micah (alone at the time) replied that he wasn't sure he wanted his spleen removed.  She told him that if he could tolerate food, he could be discharged.

 

His internist came in later, after lunch had been eaten, told Micah that the removal of his spleen would not significantly impact his immune status and that he thought he should have the double surgery.  He then spoke to the surgeon, who said she would not do the surgery because she felt Micah had been coerced into giving his consent.

 

The internist called to say that Micah would be discharged and that he should follow up with an appointment in the doctor's office next week.

 

Entirely confused, we then asked about the symptoms which had put him in the hospital in the first place...abdominal pain and diarrhea...still present and untreated.

 

They kept him overnight.

 

And they wonder why medical costs are so high...three days of hospitalization with NO information or coordination of treatment.

 

Yesterday, I called one of the hematologists from CHOP to get an opinion, but have yet to hear from him...heading back to the hospital.

 

Any information or suggestions would be extremely welcome.  I will check email tonight...if you have anything I could use sooner, my cell number is 610-304-7575.

 

In any case, thanks for being out there so that I have a place to vent my frustration!!!

 

Shelly (Micah, 22...nine years with Evans)