More platelets, no red blood cells needed and two stories
Only two platelet transfusions this week, I’ve now went two weeks without red blood cells—-the longest since this started on June 29.
Two quick stories from last week.
After looking over the tests I had last week I noticed my liver enzymes were high, really high. Shortly after the discovery, the doctor walked in for our visit. I had decided not to mention the liver enzymes to the doctor, rather I would wait to see what she had to say. After listening to my lungs and asking me how I was feeling, she headed for the door;a $50 co-pay to see a specialist gets you three minutes, maybe. Just as her foot stepped out I said, “Wait, one more thing, did you notice my liver enzymes?”
She made the mistake of not bringing my chart into the room, and had no clue. I informed her they were high, showed the doctor the the test results I was holding in my hand. She agreed, the H, signifying high, next to the enzyme value was a dead giveaway. The doctor promptly adjusted one of my medications. Three days later the enzymes had fallen to a close to normal level. I’m happy they are lower, I’m pissed that if I hadn’t noticed they would still be through the roof and probably climbing higher. I know these stories are probably getting old to read, but they are increasingly infuriating every time a mistake is made or a number is overlooked.What happens to the people who don’t look at their test results, the ones who depend on the doctor they pay to catch these things? Elevated liver enzymes wouldn’t kill me, but the point is that they were worth addressing. A system where the patient needs to alert the physician of abnormal test results is not optimal.
Second story. I spent some time this week on the phone with my insurance company. One of the representatives I spoke with explained the co-insurance requirement in my policy, not only was it explained incorrectly but at one point the rep stopped what she was saying, took an exasperated breath and said, ” I really don’t like this plan you have, it may be my least favorite we offer.” Have to love an employee who stands by their company’s product.
Below is this week’s installment of www.mypiccline.com’s ongoing photography exhibition:
photograph by D. McCarthy
August 17th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Hey, Matt…
About notifying the Doc about your liver enzymes: I’m with you there!! I really do feel for the millions of people that blindly follow the medical authority’s plan-my parents were like that. You are doubly blessed with a mom that’s an RN and your own BS; but the truth is that even the most uneducated people can be proactive in their research, their right to question, and knowing their own bodies. I have always trusted my own instincts, and I have always been able to get to the root of a physical problem-by finding the right Dr. A huge part of our insurance nightmare is the $$$ wasted on fixing the mis-diagnosed and medical mistakes caused by incompetent medical practitioners and uninformed patients.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Matt, Classic example! Keep every copy of every test. File them chronologically because your chart is never as current as it should be. (Lab work especially in your case)
August 17th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hi Matt,Just wanted to drop you a line to see how you’re doing. Sounds like you really have to stay aware of everything going on with your healthcare. I also found this to be true when I was in the hospital about 15 yrs. ago in the Univ. of PA. It makes it especially hard since you have enough stress getting through the tests and procedures. I had Hodgkins Lymphoma and was pretty much in shock w/two little boys to care for. Luckily, I had a mother (like yours) who took over. To have the support of family and friends really is a tremendous help. Every day seemed like and effort sometimes, but it’s the baby steps that get you through the hard times. Keep up your great writing! I believe that God has a purpose for us on this earth and somehow we can make a difference in helping others. I look forward to reading your book!
August 19th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Dear Matt,
Thank you for sharing. Your journey reminds us and encourages us to be aware of our health conditions to our fullest, and to be unafraid to question the doctors who are working for us.
My husband and I know you through 2 of your family members, and they adore you! A visit with friends Annmarie and Mark does not end without a discussion of you…their love for you and their dedication to your health. I hope that this stranger’s note reminds you of how much they love you and how much they are in this with you.