I had my appointment with the infectious disease doctor today. Luckily, some of the really bad things that could be wrong with me were negative. That's the good news. The bad news is that we still don't know what IS wrong. That means more blood tests and some CT scans next week. The doctor will be away until next Tuesday, so she has her nurse looking for some results and making sure to get those to internist if they need to be dealt with before her return. I am impressed with the fact that she isn't giving up and is trying to find answers.
She is going away to a medical conference on diabetic ulcers. She told me this because we were talking about doctors and how they like to deal with the "sexy" or "exciting-high profile" things-- like in her field-- anthrax, or some such seminar. She said she likes to learn things that help people in the day to day. By going to conferences such as this one, she has been able to help people avoid amputation and have a better quality of life. I was shocked to hear a doctor realize the importance of those things. She understood completely how many doctors don't want to deal with chronic illness patients because we don't provide easy answers, sometimes there aren't answers and it isn't all exciting or worthy of publication. The fact that despite that, she wants to help, wants to see the quality of my life improve, really touched me. By the way, she works at one of the top hospitals in the country, so it isn't like she couldn't reach for those other areas of study. In fact, I would guess she would be held in more esteem by some for doing that, but she wants to help her patients. It is heartening to see doctors like her still practicing, because I have seen too many on the other side of line.
Tonight will be my first drop in pain medication and I don't know what to expect. I am hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. I have received some wonderful support from the on-line community, which is so uplifting. Thanks for caring and for taking the time to let me know you are there with me.
5 comments:
Not that we ever want terrible answers, but sometimes no answer is the hardest, isn't it? Thanks for dropping by my blog and I am praying for you right now. {hugs}
Thanks for your comments on my blog, Maureen!
Maureen, Your doctor sounds like a gem and like she is working for YOU (as it should be). Quite interesting her sharing the glamour of the exciting condtions that are publishable vs. us with the day to day, frustrating, few answers if any conditions, not so interesting to publishers.
It sounds like she will share your medical journey with you. In my own experience a doctor who believes in me and is committed to my care is healing in itself as it gives such peace of mind. Kerry
Maureen,
I'm really glad you like your doctor and hope your medication change goes well!
Jeanne
Your doctor sounds like a keeper. It's so refreshing when a doctor doesn't give up. Stay well and keep thinking positive thoughts and praying.
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