Letters to the editor
A 'thank you' to the doctors who care
I have to tell you that at age 50, I have seen it all.
This letter is a tribute to doctors who listen, help look for answers, and don't cut you short. I am thankful for two such doctors who listened to me and saved my eyesight.
If it were not for two special doctors, I would be blind and have other complications from my brain tumor. These doctors listened and understood my frustrations and helped diagnose my brain tumor. Other doctors told me that this was a diabetic related issue -- that this was a weak eye muscle condition that returned at my age. I was told to ignore the symptoms and that everything would be fine. I found the right doctors, who collaborated and saved my vision. We, as patients, have the right to question doctors when we are not happy with their thoughts. Is it that they are not really putting much effort into listening to us?
I went for my yearly mammography and received a letter in the mail, saying that I must come back as soon as possible to repeat the study and possibly have an ultrasound. Something was noticed on my first set of tests. Now, with having a history of breast cancer in my family, this letter nearly tore me apart.
My aunt had a total mastectomy and in my mother they found early cancerous cells in one breast.
When I cried to my OB/GYN he looked at my past records from this radiologist's office and said that they have seen the same thing on the tests since I have had my first mammography (10 years ago) and never made it an issue -- why now? When you enter a radiologist center, no one really talks to you, especially after you received the letter. I asked the receptionist to have their doctor call my doctor with my results. I highlighted this information on my information sheet. Taken in for the extra mammography, I again mentioned that my doctor wanted a result today. The technician kept going in and out with my x-rays and telling me they needed a few more views.
Then I was told 'oh, you don't need an ultrasound, goodbye!' My physician wasn't called with the results. When I called the imaging center back they told me that they do not normally call the physician with these reports. I almost became hysterical; my husband is currently having problems recovering from major surgery, I am a brain tumor survivor, and now what is this?
Only because I asked, I was put me hold and spoke to a doctor, who told me everything was fine. Something is very wrong here with the entire picture.
The doctors will charge for your visit, but do you feel that you are happy with their comments, answers, etc. If you are not happy with a doctor's comments, answers, etc., get a second or even third opinion. This is your life.
If I did not get several opinions on my brain tumor I would be blind at this point in time with other complications as well as the tumor continued to grow.
I am forever indebted to doctors who took the time to listen and look for answers with me. Thank you.
Mindy Schwartz
Fanwood