Gout? I wish!

[Jackofalltrades]

So not long ago I wrote and told you all about my gout.

I went to the Dr. the other week and he gave me drugs, blah, blah, blah. He also wanted to re-run a couple labs that were a little off from my previous visit in Feb. My thyroid looked a little slow and something was off with my liver numbers.

I figured the thyroid was a no brainer and would help explain several problems I have, but as it turns out my liver is a HUGE problem and apparently I'm very close to liver failure.

To make things more fun, they want me to do an ultrasound to determine exactly what we're dealing with, however I have no insurance and can't afford it out of pocket.

Long story short- should have just been happy to have gout, now I'm facing a possible failure and transplant scenario all at the ripe old age of 33.

I'm really interested in what started this slide, it seems like since I had my back surgery everything has gone downhill.

Anyway, prayers are always appreciated and any advice is welcome.

[boo7382]

sorry to hear that buddy. hope you get everything figured out.

[Hawk]

doesn't sound like much fun!

Can you go somewhere else and get a 2nd opinion?

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Sorry to hear that. How complicated are the transplants? Any risks involved?

Hoping everything works out for you.

[Samuel L. Jackson]

dang, man!

Any idea how much the ultrasound will cost out of pocket?

If you can't find the funds, I'd at least try to work out a payment plan with them...

[bLACKpANTHER]

Prayers are with you man

[Jackofalltrades]

At a local Radiologist it's a couple hundred dollars, at the hospital it's 1k, all upfront.

Risks? Organ rejection, infection, death, any number of things associated with major surgery and anesthetics.

Problem is getting a matching organ within whatever time constraint is imposed. I don't have the stature or money of Jerry Richardson, so leapfrogging an entire list like he did isn't an option.

[LifeisaGarden]

Very sorry to hear, Prayers sent. I wish I had some sound advice for you. I was thinking ultrasounds cost about $500 but I'm really unsure of it. But if you are considering not doing it because of cost I would reconsider. Your life is more important than money. Good luck, my thoughts will be with you.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Your life is more important than money.

Yep.

You need to get that ultrasound done. I know that's easier said than done, especially when you're out of work, but you've got to find some way to do it.

You've got a little man to look after now, right?

[Jackofalltrades]

Yeah, I'm going to do it, just have to figure out how.

I have a 15 month old son and I plan on being around for a long time if possible.

I'm great with God's plan, just hope it has me here on earth for quite a while.

[Hawk]

so do we!

[Samuel L. Jackson]

look man, I'm not saying that you are the kind of person to ask for it, nor that people here would do it... but you never know who out there may have some sort of connections to help you get it done cheaper, or even help you pay for it... just saying...

Regardless, keep your head up and don't let this news beat you up inside... People have overcome a lot worse, and if you stay headstrong in the face of this new challenge, I'm sure that is what you will do too...

[sunbunny]

We'll do whatever we can to help. (((HUGS)))

[ThaJackal]

Hemachromatosis (iron overload) causes liver numbers to be off and from what I have heard doctors aren't always looking for it. Did your doctor test for that?