In absolute confusion, Max turns to Darlene and says "what?! what's the matter?!". The young man's facial expression was a little something like this:
Darlene began to calm down a little bit and in a trembling voice said, "I have no idea! it feels like my uterus is trying to fall out! I have sharp pain and it feels like something in me is putting sharp pressure downwards, it hurts!!"...Before Max could respond, Darlene tried standing up and immediately fell back down in pain stating "Ohhhhh ouuuuchhhh, I can't take this pain!". Max immediately reached for her hand and rubbed Darlene's back and stated, "Babe I can't stand to see you in pain. I have no idea what this could be, I think we need to go to Urgent Care, now!". Stubborn as a mule, Darlene refused and wanted to lay down in case the pain just went away. Besides, she doesn't have health insurance and can't afford and emergency visit.
About 2 minutes went by before the pain worsened. Darlene was curled over in pain and finally agreed to be taken to Urgent Care. Max drove there while holding her hand along the way, his face as pale as paper showing concern and fear.
They arrived at Urgent care and Darlene was able to speak without crying. When it was finally time to be triaged, Darlene stood up to see the Nurse and nearly collapsed. The pain was so bad, that standing up made it worse, and taking any steps to walk made it seem like she was approaching an agonizing death. Tears began to flow out as Darlene's arm began to shake. Max rushed for a wheelchair and sat Darlene down. The nurse asked her questions and noted Darlene's pain at a 10/10. She did not offer pain medication. Darlene was upset. The Urgent Care physician approached the bawling patient and her concerned boyfriend. Questions were made and a conclusion by the physician stated, " Due to this being a gynocological problem, it is out of my scope. We don't have Ultrasound here, so i suggest we transfer you immediately to Mercy Gilbert ER! We need to see what is causing the pain and only they can do it." Angry that nothing was done, Darlene opted to go back home due to not being able to afford an ER visit.
Poor Max was at Darlene's bedside for the following hours, doing everything for her in order to simply lay down and rest. He even fed her jello since she hadn't eaten anything. The pain was still there. Sharp and stabbing pain that made darlene want to vomit. It was the worst pain experienced by this young woman.
THE NEXT DAY:
Pain was still there, thankfully now at a stable 3/10. Still, Darlene sat through a 5 hour lecture and was ever so careful when walking. Upon getting home, her mom and her began to call every clinic they could to see who did discounts on non-insured patients. Ultrasounds cost a lot of money, and seeing the doctor alone just to get an order was going to cost $115. This seemed ridiculous!!
FINALLY, a family friend suggested a small Hispanic clinic that does general medicine at a very affordable price. The sweet and concerned mom took no time in dragging Darlene to the clinic.
4:10pm: They arrive at the clinic and Darlene explains her situation to the front desk lady, who was extremely caring and attentive to detail. She said that at 4:00pm, the ultrasound man leaves and is done for the day. The ultrasound man happened to have been listening and stated, "no, it's okay, I want to her help, give me a few minutes to set up the machine". WOW what a BLESSING!! The kind man set everything up and took Darlene and her mom into the room. While performing the diagnostic test, the pain came back and the girl exclaimed "OUCH!! it hurts right THERE!!"....a few personal questions about Darlene's menstrual cycle was asked and finally the man said,
"there it is, you my dear have a CYST on your RIGHT OVARY. The left ovary looks perfect but your right one is carrying a nasty angry cyst! Come back Tuesday to speak with the physician and get your ultrasound"
The kinda man continued to explain how a cyst develops and how Darlene's was a common one, that most women will get in their lifetime.
Can't believe how painful those boogers are!! Now, Darlene just has to wait until that sucker bursts which will cause more pain and a little bit of blood, but that will be the end of the monster.
being a girl is great, isn't it?
