My Third Ear

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Most Patients Need a Medical Advocate



Enjoy a Threesome

My sister Karla has suffered with a knee problem for over a year. She’s had surgery. Been on crutches. Walked with a cane. More surgery—the doctor scraped the bone. No relief from swelling or pain.

She’s seen a family practice doctor, a surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, an infectious disease doctor. She’s spent time in the hospital with IV’s and at home with home health and more IV’s. I can’t remember how many doctors have tried to drain the fluid from her knee. Several put the icky fluid in a Petri dish to grow—trying to find the cause of the problem.

Nothing grows.

When Karla’s knee swelled to horrific proportions, the orthopedic doctor said, “Probably more surgery, but I’m sending you to a rheumatologist first.”

My sister Karen and Lil, Karla’s friend, accompanied Karla to the new doctor appointment. All three ladies fell in love with the doctor.

“He’s just wonderful. He said he has absolutely no idea what my problem is, but he didn’t recommend surgery again.” No wonder Karla liked him.

Lil and Karen are still Karla’s advocates. Between the two they remember everything Karla complains about between appointments and then share the details with the doctor.

At the last appointment the doctor asked Karla why she didn’t call him when she had a problem. She shrugged. The doctor turned to Lil and Karen. “Here’s my card. If she says anything about the pain, swelling or whatever….call me. We are going to figure this out—together.”

My two-cents: Never be ashamed to ask someone to attend a doctor visit with you. 

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