tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566350280514765563.post822654859845849465..comments2011-03-25T12:55:49.755+00:00Comments on Heppy Countdown - Letters to HepC Virus: Pontius PilatAnnMaRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650936827936764065noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566350280514765563.post-89182851906014352142011-03-20T09:01:36.251+00:002011-03-20T09:01:36.251+00:00Wow, Anna, this is awful! I didn't know the de...Wow, Anna, this is awful! I didn't know the details of why your dr recommended against tx. I'm not familiar how the medical system works in Ireland. Can you demand a second opinion? Research and find the top Drs in that field and schedule with one of them? Do you have any choice of Drs at all? I know when I was living in Italy and needed to see a specialist that the American base clinic didn't have (which was most specialties), I had to go where they told me and the care I received was substandard to what I was accustomed to, which is the main reason we chose to return to the US instead of staying in Europe. As much as I LOVED living in Italy, I actually even returned early, ahead of my family, so that I could get better care.<br /><br />Of course, there are drs who act this way everywhere, and our medical system is FAR from perfect also and often more motivated by money than patient care, but for the most part, we have a choice. There is often red-tape with regards to choice for some people depending on who's paying, but there are different programs for people who can't pay, and sometimes the pharmaceutical companies will provide the medications free of charge for those who are unable. *Crap, I don't know where I'm even going with this anymore. Ugh...f'n brain fog!<br /><br />I did learn, while working in the medical admin. field when I was in the military how important it is to maintain your own set of records and advocate for yourself as you are doing, especially since I had to fight to get my disability benefits. I do agree with Eva that putting your questions to him in writing and asking for him to reply in writing is a good idea. It's always good to get things in writing and document, document, document! The way you were treated really wasn't right, and I am sorry you've had to fight like this.<br /><br />~PattyUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03313179687691185866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566350280514765563.post-25905939554349831072011-02-13T09:11:21.164+00:002011-02-13T09:11:21.164+00:00I think I would feel very tempted to write to Dr G...I think I would feel very tempted to write to Dr Gary and summarise your understanding of what transpired during the whole appointed - ie itemise the different points covered - and then ask him to correct any "misunderstandings" then it would be on paper or he would not correct or re-adjust his position. of course one of those points could be - you inofrmed me of the nature of the Hep C circles and that you know each other well: I am unclear as to whether this was intended to reassure or cautioon me? in any case Anna, I am sorry you have to fight like this.... it ain't right Dr Gary. (((((( Eva Dayeva in cloud kooky landhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766742363625080470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566350280514765563.post-21539105582725302142011-02-12T16:15:36.485+00:002011-02-12T16:15:36.485+00:00Anna,
Wow I'm sorry you have to deal with suc...Anna, <br />Wow I'm sorry you have to deal with such an a-hole. But I must say you handled it well. You will be an inspiration for those who aren't comfortable advocating for themselves, because after all, that's what we have to do. I'm sick of doctors (not all) who think that medical degree gives them ultimate power over our lives. The forget the THEY work for US, not the other way around. I'm sure there is money involved in the study which is his motivating factor. It's just plain unethical for docs to put money before patients needs and desires; and sadly it happens all the time.<br />I'd like to put a link to this post on my blog if you don't mind, because it speaks so strongly to the need for self advocacy (and sometimes legal advocacy)<br />Hang in there hon, we all here for you.<br />xo<br />JennyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319369089858745560noreply@blogger.com