October 14, 2007 -- a day as important as my birthday!
Four years ago today, Dr. Darryl Tookes quite literally saved my life with his expert emergency surgery.
October 14th or 15th could very well have been the date after the dash on my tombstone (if I had one).
Dr. Tookes discovered clots in the portal, mesentary, and splenic veins in my gut. These clots caused part of my intestine to rot and triggered peritonitis which put vital organs in distress. During my two week stay at the hospital, the doctors searched for the cause of these clots. I detailed the experience in posts in the Winter of 2007 and early 2009, so I won't digress today.
It wasn't until October 2009 that we learned that I have Polycythemia Vera. The hematocrit rose to over 69 and I had symptoms that put me at high risk of a stroke. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed that I am JAK-2 positive; the protein/gene malfunctioned.
I have not regained the energy, stamina, and mental acuity to return to a 40+ hour career. I want the old "me" back! I still dream of making significant contributions to our world. I want to be back in the compensated career track. I am continually frustrated by the unreliable and inconsistent "good days" that chronic illness offers.
Shifting focus from frustration to gratitude is part of my daily spiritual practice. I am aware that my life is much easier than millions of people in this country and the world. I have a loving and supportive family, excellent affordable health care (which is expensive for chronic illnesses), great friends and community -- both local and on-line, clean water & electricity on demand, plenty of food, a safe and comfortable home...
I don't take my gifts lightly.
With great gifts come great responsibility. That belief is ingrained in my soul. Perhaps that is where the frustration is fueled. There is so much I want to do to act on my gratitude and help others. I derive intense joy from helping others, easing another's burden. When I cannot DO, I must focus on BEING... and today I am grateful.
So today, I exclaim a heartfelt THANK YOU to Dr. Tookes and all the great Kaiser Permanente docs and staff who saved my life and keep me going.
May you share gratitude and love to someone who has been there for you. Trust me, it feels great!
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Beauty of a Competent, Caring Physician
My kids have heard me say many times, "Never underestimate the power of your smile. It may be the one nice thing someone receives today."
To physicians, I say "Never underestimate the power of your intentional listening. It may be the relief your patient needs when there is no cure for what ails them."
I recently had two such pleasant experiences in one week with doctors I had not met before. After 20 days of a Behcet's ulcer that was proving to be more resilient than its host (me), I got an emergency appointment with Dr. Giardina, a gynecologist with Kaiser Permanente who was kind and sympathetic. He admitted he hadn't seen a Behcet's case before, but he was familiar with the disease (that it is an auto-immune disease and very rare). He provided some pain relieving creme and antibiotic ointment to tide me over until my appointment with a rheumatologist two days later. It's the same "good stuff" they use on baby boys when they are circumcised.
That Thursday, I met with Dr. Andres Salazar, a rheumatologist with Kaiser Permanente. Fortunately, he is familiar with Behcet's Disease and reviewed my case before he entered the exam room.
[side note: This was an important visit for me because not only was it my first appointment with him, but my family was leaving for a Spring Break holiday the next day. My husband and I weren't sure if I would be able to make the long trip comfortably since the Behcet's wasn't healing. I was prepared to venture on, but dear hubby wanted the doc's opinion.]
I took prednisone daily for the first year to manage the flare-ups, but the side effects proved hazardous to my physical, emotional, mental, and marital health. Since I stopped taking the prednisone in January, the flares have been more frequent and take longer to heal. This, he says, further confirms the Behcet's diagnosis. In addition, I now have arthritis in my hands, hips, and ankles. All I need is the dowager hump and I'll be walking like Quasimodo!
Dr. Salazar also explained that the meds that are most effective for Behcet's also affect the bone marrow. Since the Polycythemia Vera is a bone marrow malignancy, we need to tread lightly on this. He is going to confer with Dr. Kondapaneni, my hem/onc about the next course of treatment.
I am just one year into the disease, so there is still a good deal to learn about which of my systems are affected by Behcet's. He ordered a lot more blood work and we'll reconvene in a few weeks. I've also got to go to an ophthalmalogist to be checked out for uveitis; while I doubt there is any involvement in the eyes, I do have some vision issues, so we need to check it out.
Did either of these doctors solve my problem? No. But they listened to my concerns (I felt heard), recognized the illness (I'm not crazy, making this up), acknowledged and treated the pain (they understood this hurts like hell), and continued probing for more information by asking me questions and doing more lab work (willing to gather more information to determine next course of treatment).
I left my appointment with Dr. Salazar feeling better than I had felt in weeks simply because he displayed competence and thoughtfulness during my appointment.
Living with chronic illnesses can be a part-time or full-time job (depending on the type and severity). We get to live with the symptoms, manage multiple medications & their side effects, endure the funky things the illnesses throw our way, go to doctor's appointments, lab visits, deal with insurance companies, etc.
When we are fortunate to find physicians who treat the patient and his/her illness with attentiveness and compassion, it's amazing how much better we feel.
In my daily practice of gratitude, I am thankful for medical professionals who remember that their patients are people -- with names, lives, families, histories, hopes, and desires. It's challenging, I'm sure. Doctors don't see us patients when we are at our best. And they have a host of pressures outside their 15-20 minute appointment with each patient.
When you work with physicians or other medical professionals who are competent and kind, let them know you appreciate them. Don't we all like to feel the love?
To physicians, I say "Never underestimate the power of your intentional listening. It may be the relief your patient needs when there is no cure for what ails them."
I recently had two such pleasant experiences in one week with doctors I had not met before. After 20 days of a Behcet's ulcer that was proving to be more resilient than its host (me), I got an emergency appointment with Dr. Giardina, a gynecologist with Kaiser Permanente who was kind and sympathetic. He admitted he hadn't seen a Behcet's case before, but he was familiar with the disease (that it is an auto-immune disease and very rare). He provided some pain relieving creme and antibiotic ointment to tide me over until my appointment with a rheumatologist two days later. It's the same "good stuff" they use on baby boys when they are circumcised.
That Thursday, I met with Dr. Andres Salazar, a rheumatologist with Kaiser Permanente. Fortunately, he is familiar with Behcet's Disease and reviewed my case before he entered the exam room.
[side note: This was an important visit for me because not only was it my first appointment with him, but my family was leaving for a Spring Break holiday the next day. My husband and I weren't sure if I would be able to make the long trip comfortably since the Behcet's wasn't healing. I was prepared to venture on, but dear hubby wanted the doc's opinion.]
I took prednisone daily for the first year to manage the flare-ups, but the side effects proved hazardous to my physical, emotional, mental, and marital health. Since I stopped taking the prednisone in January, the flares have been more frequent and take longer to heal. This, he says, further confirms the Behcet's diagnosis. In addition, I now have arthritis in my hands, hips, and ankles. All I need is the dowager hump and I'll be walking like Quasimodo!
Dr. Salazar also explained that the meds that are most effective for Behcet's also affect the bone marrow. Since the Polycythemia Vera is a bone marrow malignancy, we need to tread lightly on this. He is going to confer with Dr. Kondapaneni, my hem/onc about the next course of treatment.
I am just one year into the disease, so there is still a good deal to learn about which of my systems are affected by Behcet's. He ordered a lot more blood work and we'll reconvene in a few weeks. I've also got to go to an ophthalmalogist to be checked out for uveitis; while I doubt there is any involvement in the eyes, I do have some vision issues, so we need to check it out.
Did either of these doctors solve my problem? No. But they listened to my concerns (I felt heard), recognized the illness (I'm not crazy, making this up), acknowledged and treated the pain (they understood this hurts like hell), and continued probing for more information by asking me questions and doing more lab work (willing to gather more information to determine next course of treatment).
I left my appointment with Dr. Salazar feeling better than I had felt in weeks simply because he displayed competence and thoughtfulness during my appointment.
Living with chronic illnesses can be a part-time or full-time job (depending on the type and severity). We get to live with the symptoms, manage multiple medications & their side effects, endure the funky things the illnesses throw our way, go to doctor's appointments, lab visits, deal with insurance companies, etc.
When we are fortunate to find physicians who treat the patient and his/her illness with attentiveness and compassion, it's amazing how much better we feel.
In my daily practice of gratitude, I am thankful for medical professionals who remember that their patients are people -- with names, lives, families, histories, hopes, and desires. It's challenging, I'm sure. Doctors don't see us patients when we are at our best. And they have a host of pressures outside their 15-20 minute appointment with each patient.
When you work with physicians or other medical professionals who are competent and kind, let them know you appreciate them. Don't we all like to feel the love?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
An Open Letter of Gratitude
Now that I am home recuperating and my brain is clear of the anesthesia and other life-saving medications, I need to share my sincere and humble gratitude with all who played a role in saving my life beginning on October 14, 2007. This is no small matter to me and my family. My 13 year old daughter Katrina and 11 year old son Alexander are so happy to have their mom back at home! Robert and I never expected to have this kind of challenge in our lives at such an early age. We are so truly blessed.
To the women and men who chose careers in medicine – “thank you” is not enough. All that schooling and residencies, all that tuition, today’s health care environment – and still you get up every day to share your best selves and help others.
Special thanks to the amazing Kaiser Permanente doctors and Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia!
I am thankful for the NG tube that pumped out 2.5 liters from my stomach and gave me some relief when I arrived at Northside. I was so dehydrated when I arrived that the promise to swallow liquid and the tube seemed like nothing.
Dr. Darryl Tookes and his team saved my life with the emergency surgery that was done just in time. I was in the most excruciating pain I’ve ever encountered (yes, worse than pitocin-induced labor!) when we met. Your calm presence put me at ease.
Dr. David Brodeur took great interest in my circumstances to search for answers. What we learn will not only help me, but may be of great value to my children and siblings.
Dr. Mooney removed the NG tube like it was nothing and provided great follow-ups my last week in the hospital.
Dr. Kristyn Greifer regarded me as a whole woman and ordered tests that provided important information that will help guide future gynecological decisions. The time and patience she shared with me and my family are priceless!
Dr. Vickie Wilson orchestrated my follow up care. I am following her kind but stern warning to slow down and let my body heal. It is not easy, as you know, but I don’t want to see her in the hospital again.
And my gratitude goes to the lab and radiology techs who gathered the information to help the doctors make informed decisions.
The nurses and patient technicians are wonderful and appreciated, too! I don’t remember everyone’s names, but please know that you do truly make an impact on your patients with your smiles, positive attitudes and kind words.
To my mom and dad -- you dropped everything to be with me and my family for two long weeks! Your presence and love helped me more than you will ever know.
So many kind people pitched in and helped my family with the most delicious meals, running the kids around, driving me places before I got my wheels back... we are so grateful for the village that surrounded us with unconditional love and support!
I am thankful for your thoughtfulness, prayers, and warm wishes. My life is a testament to the power of positive energy, be it called prayer, thought, words, or Reiki. I promise you that I felt the love from so many when I was in the hospital. My mother believes that is why I am here today to write about it.
With humble and sincere gratitude,
Marina
To the women and men who chose careers in medicine – “thank you” is not enough. All that schooling and residencies, all that tuition, today’s health care environment – and still you get up every day to share your best selves and help others.
Special thanks to the amazing Kaiser Permanente doctors and Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia!
I am thankful for the NG tube that pumped out 2.5 liters from my stomach and gave me some relief when I arrived at Northside. I was so dehydrated when I arrived that the promise to swallow liquid and the tube seemed like nothing.
Dr. Darryl Tookes and his team saved my life with the emergency surgery that was done just in time. I was in the most excruciating pain I’ve ever encountered (yes, worse than pitocin-induced labor!) when we met. Your calm presence put me at ease.
Dr. David Brodeur took great interest in my circumstances to search for answers. What we learn will not only help me, but may be of great value to my children and siblings.
Dr. Mooney removed the NG tube like it was nothing and provided great follow-ups my last week in the hospital.
Dr. Kristyn Greifer regarded me as a whole woman and ordered tests that provided important information that will help guide future gynecological decisions. The time and patience she shared with me and my family are priceless!
Dr. Vickie Wilson orchestrated my follow up care. I am following her kind but stern warning to slow down and let my body heal. It is not easy, as you know, but I don’t want to see her in the hospital again.
And my gratitude goes to the lab and radiology techs who gathered the information to help the doctors make informed decisions.
The nurses and patient technicians are wonderful and appreciated, too! I don’t remember everyone’s names, but please know that you do truly make an impact on your patients with your smiles, positive attitudes and kind words.
To my mom and dad -- you dropped everything to be with me and my family for two long weeks! Your presence and love helped me more than you will ever know.
So many kind people pitched in and helped my family with the most delicious meals, running the kids around, driving me places before I got my wheels back... we are so grateful for the village that surrounded us with unconditional love and support!
I am thankful for your thoughtfulness, prayers, and warm wishes. My life is a testament to the power of positive energy, be it called prayer, thought, words, or Reiki. I promise you that I felt the love from so many when I was in the hospital. My mother believes that is why I am here today to write about it.
With humble and sincere gratitude,
Marina
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