Yes, Steph. It was particularly awful yesterday. I had a bad experience with a doctor who told me I needed my gall bladder removed, and the surgeon said my pain wasn't connected to that, and suggested a test for ulcer bacteria.

But then my brain went haywire, and I've just been hanging by my fingertips, so I've been unable to do much to take care of my health.

Allyson,

(I've had gall bladder surgery)

Why do you need yours removed?

But then my brain went haywire, and I've just been hanging by my fingertips, so I've been unable to do much to take care of my health.

I totally understand that. Getting your brain back in order is the most important thing (and does qualify as taking care of your health, IMO).

Getting your brain back in order is the most important thing (and does qualify as taking care of your health, IMO).

Absolutely.

There were stones found in an ultrasound. The surgeon said most people have stones, and that my symptoms were not gallstone related.

Allyson, I'm just glad you are hanging on.

Rant:

My car died on the way to my haircut. On I70 at 75 mph. 2;15. Same way it did in October. I reach for my cell. It isn't there. I put it in the pocket of my fleece. Which I am not wearing because I took it off to change bras. It's in the bedroom. Not on I70. (I've gotten really good about carrying it when going more that 10 miles from home, or into the boonies.)

Luckily someone stopped. Called a tow. State Trooper stopped and waited with me until tow arrived.

I got home at 5:15. I stopped by the booze store on the walk home. It seemed the Thing to Do.

I really don't need this. Sure, I've arranged my life so I can work around this. But really? REALLY? REALLYTHEFUCKINGREALLY? Let's just break more expensive things in Sara's life.

Allyson,

FWIW (and perhaps you have done this), they like to do a gall bladder functioning test before they recommend surgery. You have to consume some nasty beverage and then get in some machine to see how your gall bladder is doing.

It was not until I failed that test that they recommended removal. Since, as you said, most people have stones.

My doctors tell me to take peppermint oil and quit smoking.

In fact, when I went to the psychiatrist complaining of suicidal ideation, she asked me if I would consider quitting smoking. Because I was obviously worried about health risks at that time.

I think my healthcare could be better. Most of my doctors are just about one degree higher than a rock-bonding class.

I think my healthcare could be better.

More than slightly.

Because that's the point at which you should consider quitting smoking. I hear it's very soothing to break that habit.

Assholes.

"Just so you know, I'm sharing the quality of 'care' I am getting from you on the internet. So there's plenty of documentation in the case of a malpractice case."

Which I know is bullshit, but good lord.