I once had to go into the ER because of a
constricted esophagus. I could breathe and talk, but could not eat or drink anything, not even water, and had food stuck in my throat (more accurately, well past my throat).
The ER insisted nothing was wrong. They even gave me anxiety medicine and insisted that it was all in my head. A nurse literally told me that the reason I couldn't swallow food is because I simply *
thought* i couldn't swallow. I was absolutely livid when they told me to drive myself home, starving and probably incredibly dehydrated (remember, couldnt ingest anything) at this point, with a 2,500 dollar ER bill.
I set up an appointment with a gastroenterologist the next day to clear the blockage and get antibiotics for my esophagus. Sadly, it still cost like 1000 dollars with insurance, which is a story in its own right...
Called a malpractice lawyer (luckily my mother works as a hospital auditor of some sort, so I had a reference) and got the ER bill waived, thank god.
Not really considering willingly going to an ER at this point, at least not easily.