Periodically an experience hits you and forces you to stop in your tracks to pay attention. In my line of work, it hopefully and usually is an amazing diagnosis with life saving implications. I just had one of these experiences.
My 63 year old woman went to a Chicago hospital for repair of a knee cap fracture. Coincidentally, she was found with an abnormal heart rhythm. The consultant cardiologist found a "scar"in her heart but felt it wasn't anything concerning and a followup in a few months would be fine. Both patient and husband returned to my care and recited the happenings. Needless to say, that didn't sit well with me. There is no routine "scar"in the heart, especially in this scenario.
I always practice the motto, ""if you think of something, do it". I don't hesitate to question and challenge diagnoses or treatment plans, when they don't make sense. It is easy to rely others' medical conclusions and not rock the boat. "Well, the cardiologist said... or " the doctor must be right, so I don't have to do anything further". My suspicion was confirmed after I ordered additional testing. She just had two tumors removed from her heart, had one heart artery bypassed, and had an intraoperative electrical conversion of the abnormal heart rhythm two days ago at Evanston Hospital.
I felt incredible knowing I saved her from the 30% stroke risk and from a heart attack. I saw her with the anesthesiologist the evening before surgery. She told him that she has the implicit trust in me as a child has to a parent.
good health and happiness to all...
as a side-note, a few months ago I read a book by Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, the most noted sniper in military history. Most noteworthy has been his work with military vets suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He was recently shot at a gun range helping a fellow military vet.
Let's not forget those who put their lives in danger to help others. We must learn and take their spirit to better our lives and those around us.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Happy New Year!
I recently had a patient in the office who missed my blog- it's difficult to keep up with this, while managing a busy medical practice. I got inspired to write...
The Flu season is ongoing and the worst seems to have peaked. Hospitals have been flooded with patients and have had to bypass new admissions due to the overload of patients and infection risk. This year's vaccine has missed one strain of the Flu, but it is still recommended to get immunized. The season extends into March. Please get the immunization. This is an inactivated vaccine so it is not possible to get the Flu. I have many patients claiming they get ill from the vaccine. It is difficult to dispute, but I believe any reaction is better than the actual infection.
This year's vaccination recommendations have been published. Interesting to note is that smokers continue to be a recommended population for the pneumonia vaccine. Anyone before age 65 who has a chronic condition and/or smoking history should get the vaccine. This can be repeated once 5 years later, if the time is still before age 65. The final dose can then be administered at age 65. Unless there is immunosuppression or other factors, no repeated dosing is needed after this age. Also, it is now recommended that everyone over 65 get a dTap vaccination in cycle with a 10-year tetanus vaccination. This protects against the whooping cough, which is dangerous to the very young and older/frail. Lastly, the shingles vaccine continues to be popular. Regardless of infection or outbreak of the shingles, vaccination is recommended beginning at age 60. Some indicate age 50, but most indications remain at 60 years.
We have joined Zocdoc to welcome new patients into the practice. I appreciate all the recommendations on LinkedIn as well.
I welcome any feedback and response from anyone. Please schedule a complete physical if you haven't had one in a year!.
RW
I recently had a patient in the office who missed my blog- it's difficult to keep up with this, while managing a busy medical practice. I got inspired to write...
The Flu season is ongoing and the worst seems to have peaked. Hospitals have been flooded with patients and have had to bypass new admissions due to the overload of patients and infection risk. This year's vaccine has missed one strain of the Flu, but it is still recommended to get immunized. The season extends into March. Please get the immunization. This is an inactivated vaccine so it is not possible to get the Flu. I have many patients claiming they get ill from the vaccine. It is difficult to dispute, but I believe any reaction is better than the actual infection.
This year's vaccination recommendations have been published. Interesting to note is that smokers continue to be a recommended population for the pneumonia vaccine. Anyone before age 65 who has a chronic condition and/or smoking history should get the vaccine. This can be repeated once 5 years later, if the time is still before age 65. The final dose can then be administered at age 65. Unless there is immunosuppression or other factors, no repeated dosing is needed after this age. Also, it is now recommended that everyone over 65 get a dTap vaccination in cycle with a 10-year tetanus vaccination. This protects against the whooping cough, which is dangerous to the very young and older/frail. Lastly, the shingles vaccine continues to be popular. Regardless of infection or outbreak of the shingles, vaccination is recommended beginning at age 60. Some indicate age 50, but most indications remain at 60 years.
We have joined Zocdoc to welcome new patients into the practice. I appreciate all the recommendations on LinkedIn as well.
I welcome any feedback and response from anyone. Please schedule a complete physical if you haven't had one in a year!.
RW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)