Help Dave Not Become A Medical Refugee

Hi,

So many of you may have heard bits and pieces of the story via social media or via phone, but here's the current scenario I find myself in. I'm sure this will read sporadic and disjointed, thanks morphine.

I have a 9mm x 11mm kidney stone that will not pass on it's own and needs to be surgically removed. I have been battling this particular stone since at least late May of this year.

My history with kidney stones is numerous, but they have always been ~5mm or less and passable within a week or two. July 30th I spent the weekend in the ER because I couldn't hold down water and the pain was immeasurable. They told me to go to my PCP and get everything checked out. So I did. and after several weeks of back and forth with offsite imaging services, ct scans, etc; I finally was directed to The Urology Center of Colorado. Where I was moved to triage and told I would have an appointment for surgery within a week. That Monday arrives and I am scheduled for surgery the morning of the following Thursday.

Wednesday I get a call from TUCC, saying ok, we just need a minimum of $5k up front when you arrive tomorrow and we will get you right in.

I am uninsured and have been paying out of pocket since July 30th for everything. I am officially broke. As of 10/15 I managed to sell some parts off my car to grab a little money but still need help in order to get this surgery asap.

So they denied my emergency surgery flatly, even when I told them what I could pay monthly.

I was told to go to the North Suburban ER where I wouldn't be denied surgery (although it would be exponentially more expensive), so I did. Also had a wicked attack the morning of my scheduled surgery. Spend the day in the er, and am told they won't perform surgery if it's not obstructing even though quality of life is pretty much nonexistent at this point. I was discharged and told to come back if the pain was unmanageable given my current meds, which was the reason I was there in the first place. I am currently filing complaints with the Patient Advocate Union for this visit.

Spend the night and most of the next day on teh phone with social workers, financial advisors, family, and doctors. Was told my best option may be Denver Health and their Urology Center. But I am on a 1-2week wait time now that the referral is in, and to be honest, I am skittish about waiting that much longer for surgery given my current situation.

So now that I was able to sell some stuff, and if I can get some financial help from all you fine folks, there is a chance I can push on Monday to see how soon TUCC can reschedule me. I conceptually disagree with how they treat people, but that can't play a factor in me getting needed surgery.

Barring that, I will be following through with the Denver Health 1-2week timeframe. This whole time I just keep getting fed pain meds. Not to whine too much, but it's been since July since I had a decent nights sleep and could think straight.

Looking forward to seeing if I remember what it's like to feel human.

I cannot thank those of you who choose to help enough. I am forever in your debts.

Much love,

David