Since When are Second Opinion's a Bad Thing?

For most of my adult life, I have battled sinus infections. Lately, however, I have been losing, losing big time. I have been treated quarterly for infections for the past year and a half. Far too often, and my doctor and I have had enough. He sent me for a cat scan, and referred me to an ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist).

About two weeks ago, I met with the lovely, Dr. B, a well known and equally respected ENT here on the North Fork. Dr. B read the cat scan to which I will spare you the gory details. He did determine that sinus surgery was necessary, a pretty non-invasive procedure that will be done ambulatory at the local hospital.

When I shared the news with family and friends, it was recommended that I get a second opinion, as it is still surgery, and a similar specialist should really concur. I agreed.

By the referral of my boss, I went to see Dr. H, an experienced ENT up Island. Dr. H and I met and hit it off really well. A wealth of knowledge, he thoroughly explains the nasal anatomy and opens up a new door for the headaches I suffer, indicating that my ultimate prognosis may stem from migraines, and not necessarily from sinuses. He also suggests an alternative to surgery, a four week run of antibiotics to clear the gunk the surgery would remove.

When I inquired about another procedure that Dr. B suggested be done simultaneously with the sinus surgery, he deemed it unnecessary, and asked why would I ask such a question.

Once Dr. H concluded that my visit was for a "second opinion", he stood up from his little doctor stool, stated "oh, you have already been to an ENT", and informed me he had other patients to see. He told me to ask him my most important question, as he needed to wrap up our visit.

I was dismissed. I. Was. Dismissed. By a doctor!

Needless to say, I was beyond upset.

I think it's important to note, Dr. H performs the same surgery that Dr. B does.

Holding back the tears, I assured Dr. H that I appreciated his expertise and thorough explanations. I reminded him that my boss, his patient, had recommended that I come see him, because "he is the best". I also reminded him that since someone suggested surgery, I just needed to be sure it was the right thing to do. I was back pedaling, why was I back pedaling? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

I asked my final question:

"Why did you become so stand-offish, once you knew I was here for a second opinion?"

Yes. I. Did.

He deserved it.

He was being not only unethical and completely unprofessional, but he was down right rude.

Dr. H replied, "I have told you what I think you should do. I need to see other patients now, and you need to make a decision."

Clearly, my decision was to never see Dr. H again.

I have also decided to go through with the surgery, with Dr. B, which is scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Wish me luck.

Peace.

The BIG Goal Announcement

As many of you know, I am riding in the Tour de Cure for Diabetes this Saturday. I will be riding 16 miles honoring my best childhood friend’s daughter. At first, I wasn't entirely sure that I could complete the 16 miles, but today, I am certain I can do it.

Funny thing is, “training” for this event has rekindled my love for bike riding. I have dusted that bad boy girl off and given her a real workout. I have the same bike for about 12 years now, nothing fancy, just a typical street riding Schwinn bicycle, but I do love my bike. Unfortunately the ole gal was gathering dust hanging from her jumbo hook in the ceiling of my garage for quite some time. The bike, she and I have officially become one again!

It is my goal to continue riding throughout the summer and as long into the Fall as possible, taking a break over the Winter and begin again early next Spring. I would really like to complete the next level of the Tour next year, the 35 mile ride. Whew, that sure sounds like a long ride, so very, very far, but it’s a goal, a personal goal I am hereby setting for myself.

In order to do the 35 mile ride, I will need to really train hard, which I believe I can do, because of my love for riding. Only time will tell, but if I can do it, hell, there is a whole bouquet of benefits to come. I may end up in the best physical shape of my life, I will definitely be healthier, stronger and feel better, mind, body and soul. Those bene’s cannot be beat!

So I have done it, my hands dripping with sweat on my keyboard, I have set this goal! Wish me luck, and hey, if you would like to sponsor me for the ride this Saturday, I would really appreciate that!

Peace.

I am Riding for a Cure

When my life long friend called me nearly 8 years ago to tell me her 7 year old daughter was admitted to the hospital, I, like anyone else, was devastated to find out more.


"She has been diagnosed with childhood diabetes, aka, Type 1 diabetes", she explained.


"She will be insulin dependent for the rest of her life", she sobbed.


I immediately drove to the hospital. We cried, we hugged, we thought of how this would not only change her daughter's life, but how it would change the entire family. There were two other sisters, one older, one younger.


We continued to talk, and then, I remember saying to her, you know, lets be grateful that it's only diabetes, and nothing worse.

Just then, things changed. My friend realized that she could muster up the strength to take the disease head on and learn how to live with it. It's not life threatening, after all, unless it goes untreated.

So, learn she did. She read and watched everything she could get her hands on. Sugars, carb counting, insulin measurements, oh my. Within no time, she was an expert.


Today, at fifteen (15) my dear friends daughter is a happy, otherwise healthy, gorgeous teen.


Recently, when I learned the Tour de Cure would be in my neighborhood, it was a no brainer. In five minutes (literally, thanks to Facebook) I assembled a team, and was registered to ride 16 miles to help find a cure for this disease on Saturday, June 27th.


As a participant, I need to raise money for the cause, and could really use some help. Would you sponsor me?


Peace