One week and counting.....Time is racing..... D day is next Monday...... I enter the hospital on Sunday morning for a day of testing and GI tract cleansing. It really doesn't get much better that that. LOL A very expensive place to stay, and only clear liquids on the menu.
I really don't know what to say.... my emotions are all over the map, and I expect that this is normal. My plan is to endure this week, get through next week, and do the best that I can after that. Not a great plan, or even a unique plan.... it is, I think, the only plan available. I think that I have done the best that I can considering the circumstances. My doctor is one of the best in the world, the hospital is very well regarded, and, apparently, my insurance co. is going to pay this time.
I am confident that I am doing the right thing, and hoping for a good outcome. I hope that I will end up with a “neo bladder”, although I know that it is an “operating room” decision for the surgeon. The doc. will try to preserve the nerves that allow men to preform like men. Needless to say, I am hoping for success.
The next big event, after the surgery, will be the pathology report. (48 hours after the surgery) They remove the bladder, prostate, and surrounding lymph nodes, and send them off to the lab. If it is “all clear”, then 95% chance that I won't ever have to deal with this again. If not “all clear”, then chemo, and a much reduced chance of survival.
In spite of my confidence in the decision, the doctor, the facility, and the procedure, I am still anxious, scared, angry, and horrified. Part of me thinks that even the best outcome is bad, and I find myself hoping for the “least worst” result. The other part of me recognizes that I may be avoiding a slow painful death, and be able to live a near normal life, The technology available is hard to believe, imagine, making new body parts. I guess that both of these are reasonable assessments.
The Ca. Dept. of Insurance has informed me that they are very happy that I contacted them, and they encourage me to stay in touch, but are unable to help with this particular problem. They say that my dispute with Health Net is a “he said, he said”...... Nothing that they can do, and that litigation is my next step. Disappointing, but I have to agree. I am still seeking a lawyer to take this on spec. If I am unsuccessful, I guess that I will do it myself...... a bit of David and Goliath drama.....
I am spending the day preparing for the hearing on my “relief from stay” motion. Imagine me in a suit and tie...... trying to make a reasoned argument with no emotion leaking out. I have the facts, and the law, on my side, but I realize that “facts and law” may not carry the day, and that they may be able to cause more delays. I will try to present myself as “poor but honest” seeking much needed justice.
Life has gotten very complicated, and much of the time I feel like giving up..... but today, I feel like a warrior..... OK, a backed into a corner, and greatly out numbered, warrior, but still willing to engage the battle.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29, 2009
Two weeks and counting...... seems a little bit like a “Twilight Zone” episode.... I, apparently, signed up as “victim” in a knife fight, and, in the Zone, there is no backing out.
Really though, I am staying busy making preparations for being “out of commission” for a couple of months. My friends, Carl and Kathy, have invited me to park across the street from their house...... I will be in town, and near my friends that have kindly offered to look after me. They offered me their guest room, but you all know me, I would just be too uncomfortable in a house.
Carl and I spent yesterday putting in an electrical service. There are definite advantages to owning a backhoe, and living in a town with dirt streets. Carl and I tracked down most of the neighbors and advised them that this was only temporary..... Well, this is Frazier Park, and they could have easily thought this was permanent.... OK, it could be permanent, depending on how my finances go. LOL Anyway, we are hoping that “code enforcement” has better things to do.
I have 8-10 friends that have offered to check in and see if there is anything that I need.... I am thinking.... Wash and wax the motor home, change the oil in the car, shampoo the carpets, etc. guess that I will need to make a list.
The BK is going about as expected, the meeting of creditors has been pushed to Nov. 23, and the confirmation hearing has been pushed to Dec. 9. I am hopeful that the “relief of stay” hearing will stay on schedule for Oct. 6. If so, I may be able to complete the foreclosure, and put some money in the bank.... Well, just long enough to pay some bills. LOL I did, however, make a deal with UPMC, to make monthly payments for 6 months. This will keep my credit rating in tact while I try to force Health Net to honor their obligation.
I can't say enough about the people in my life...... I don't know what I would do without them.
Really though, I am staying busy making preparations for being “out of commission” for a couple of months. My friends, Carl and Kathy, have invited me to park across the street from their house...... I will be in town, and near my friends that have kindly offered to look after me. They offered me their guest room, but you all know me, I would just be too uncomfortable in a house.
Carl and I spent yesterday putting in an electrical service. There are definite advantages to owning a backhoe, and living in a town with dirt streets. Carl and I tracked down most of the neighbors and advised them that this was only temporary..... Well, this is Frazier Park, and they could have easily thought this was permanent.... OK, it could be permanent, depending on how my finances go. LOL Anyway, we are hoping that “code enforcement” has better things to do.
I have 8-10 friends that have offered to check in and see if there is anything that I need.... I am thinking.... Wash and wax the motor home, change the oil in the car, shampoo the carpets, etc. guess that I will need to make a list.
The BK is going about as expected, the meeting of creditors has been pushed to Nov. 23, and the confirmation hearing has been pushed to Dec. 9. I am hopeful that the “relief of stay” hearing will stay on schedule for Oct. 6. If so, I may be able to complete the foreclosure, and put some money in the bank.... Well, just long enough to pay some bills. LOL I did, however, make a deal with UPMC, to make monthly payments for 6 months. This will keep my credit rating in tact while I try to force Health Net to honor their obligation.
I can't say enough about the people in my life...... I don't know what I would do without them.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19, 2009
This is a rant, followed by a weak attempt at humor..... READERS BEWHERE
Well, “There is no joy in Mudville”. Health Net, my insurance Co, pounded some more nails into my coffin today. They have denied my appeal for payment of about $60,000 to UPMC. UPMC has started collection proceedings. Credit likely to be ruined......
I have not heard from the Insurance Commissioner yet, but I am sure that he will be by with some more coffin nails. I guess that the commissioner and Health Net belong to the same club. I was foolish to believe any different. The insurance co. is saying, “our phone reps. Are so well trained, that they must have given you the correct information, and it is right there in the notes”. I have been trying to get information on the existence of a recording of the pertinent conversation regarding this.... 5 weeks and counting.... They continue to give me conflicting directions, and excuses. If this recording exists, and it supports my argument, I am afraid that it will become lost. What they have done seems like such a blatant abuse of the rules, it is hard for me to believe that this is happening. The only avenue left is a lawsuit, but I don't know how I will find the energy to continue. I guess that they know that they are dealing with sick people, and have no problem using that to their advantage. I suppose that “waiting for the patient to die” is good business.
I still have high hopes regarding the property that is tied up in BK. It seems impossible that my “motion for relief” would be denied, but I have been wrong before. If I can get the property out of the BK, and proceed with the foreclosure, I may be able to avoid financial ruin.
I think that the only way out, is to write a hit country song...... Old, Broke, Sick, and Single..... Has a nice ring to it..... I guess that I can always downsize, and get by.
Well, “There is no joy in Mudville”. Health Net, my insurance Co, pounded some more nails into my coffin today. They have denied my appeal for payment of about $60,000 to UPMC. UPMC has started collection proceedings. Credit likely to be ruined......
I have not heard from the Insurance Commissioner yet, but I am sure that he will be by with some more coffin nails. I guess that the commissioner and Health Net belong to the same club. I was foolish to believe any different. The insurance co. is saying, “our phone reps. Are so well trained, that they must have given you the correct information, and it is right there in the notes”. I have been trying to get information on the existence of a recording of the pertinent conversation regarding this.... 5 weeks and counting.... They continue to give me conflicting directions, and excuses. If this recording exists, and it supports my argument, I am afraid that it will become lost. What they have done seems like such a blatant abuse of the rules, it is hard for me to believe that this is happening. The only avenue left is a lawsuit, but I don't know how I will find the energy to continue. I guess that they know that they are dealing with sick people, and have no problem using that to their advantage. I suppose that “waiting for the patient to die” is good business.
I still have high hopes regarding the property that is tied up in BK. It seems impossible that my “motion for relief” would be denied, but I have been wrong before. If I can get the property out of the BK, and proceed with the foreclosure, I may be able to avoid financial ruin.
I think that the only way out, is to write a hit country song...... Old, Broke, Sick, and Single..... Has a nice ring to it..... I guess that I can always downsize, and get by.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14, 2009
Ok, Here is the schedule..... I enter the hospital on Sun. morning, Oct. 11, have my surgery Mon. morning at 7:30, and will be there 8 – 10 days. I can expect to resume activities in about 6 weeks and feel good, maybe sooner and maybe later.....
I will supply more details as they become available. I don't know if I will have internet access or energy in the hospital. If I am unable to post reports in my blog, I encourage my friends and family to post my condition in the comments section of my blog.
I will, of course, have my cell phone, and, depending on the level of drugs in my system, will welcome all calls.
I will supply more details as they become available. I don't know if I will have internet access or energy in the hospital. If I am unable to post reports in my blog, I encourage my friends and family to post my condition in the comments section of my blog.
I will, of course, have my cell phone, and, depending on the level of drugs in my system, will welcome all calls.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 12, 2009
I guess that my plan to post blogs only when I feel good is now obsolete. I do, however, feel a bit less bad today, which I guess will be the new criteria.
The indecision is gone, and I am coming to terms with the inevitable sacrifice of some body parts. I am trying to accept the idea, that sometimes, bad things happen, and when they do, anger is useless. My plan is to do this as well as I can, and learn to live with the result. I didn't really choose this plan, it just seems to be the only one available.
I have spent the last 3 days playing lawyer, which actually took my mind off of health issues. I produced, and filed with the Bankruptcy Court, a motion for “relief of automatic stay”' and an “opposition to confirmation of the Chapter 13 Plan”. Each of these were about 75 pages, and were necessary to protect my interest in the property that I sold 3 years ago, which is currently in foreclosure. The opposition motion is asking the court to deny a reorganization plan that pays me far less that I should receive, and the relief motion is asking the court to kick the 2 houses out of the BK, and let me go forward with the foreclosure. I have high hopes for both of them.
I don't like being in this legal battle, but I do find it very interesting, and am getting a reasonably good education. I have discovered things that they probably don't teach in law school. Every thing that you need to defend your self is available on the internet!!!!! I just root through existing cases, (public documents all, at cabc.uscourts.gov) and find one that is similar to my case. All of the pleadings are there; motions, notices, caption pages, declarations, exhibits, and forms...... They are all there! The pleadings and forms contain the arguments used in similar cases, and all reference the proper sections of the code. The US Civil Code itself, is there as well.
This is stuff that other people paid high priced lawyers, tens of thousands of dollars to produce. They paid their lawyers to research the law, make the arguments, and produce the paperwork. All of that stuff is available for 8 cents a page in the comfort of your own home, or in my case motor home, or for free at the court house. You just substitute your name and the facts of your case. I mostly used paperwork from the legal department at “Country Wide Home Mortgage Co.” I figured that they must certainly know what they are doing. What a country.
The hard part, I find, is that you actually have to read the code sections, and really understand the arguments..... This becomes easier with time.
Oh yes, the “Rules of Procedure”, there are United States Rules, 9th District Rules, Central Division Rules, Santa Ana Rules, and ….... each Judge has their own special rules. They spend a lot of time in law school teaching these things, and I was a bit worried about the consequences of screwing up some procedural rule, and costing myself a bunch of money. Then I found this rule...... drum roll...... “these rules shall not be enforced in a way that would cause someone to lose their rights”. I think that these rules help cases travel through the system in a predictable way.
I know that my paperwork is not as polished as that of a top law firm, but am hoping that my Judge will see me as “poor but honest” and trying hard to do the appropriate things. The Judge in my last case took on this attitude, and I hope this Judge will do the same. I did, however, pay particular attention to the time allowed for various actions, and to the proper service of notice on the opposition.
I should pause at this point to thank my ex, Sherrie, who brought a frivolous lawsuit against me regarding a property that we jointly owned. That is when I discovered these little known techniques. I guess that there really was a silver lining to that drama.
Also a special thanks to my brother in law Tim Esq, who looks over my shoulder, and offers encouragement and advice as necessary.
While I am in the thanking business, I should thank Claudia as well. She visited for a couple of weeks of no fun, all work, tired, dirty, and crabby. I was gone for 7 months, and had a lot of catching up to do. The surprising part, is that she has offered to return for the upcoming medical festivities.
I should also thank all of my family and friends out there that following this blog, and offer your support. It really does matter to me.
Thanks also to all of my local friends that are offering to help me through the next few months.
Back to the medical future..... they are going to remove my bladder and prostate, harvest about 4 feet of intestine, and craft a new bladder for me. At least that is the plan, however, they could find problems that would prevent this procedure. It won't be the same, but may allow me to live a fairly normal life. I am very thankful that this technology exists.
My doctor, Dr. Boyd, is head of the department at USC Norris, and was one of the team that developed this procedure back in the middle 80's. Let's all wish him luck.
For those of you who are interested in the gory details, just google “neobladder”.
The indecision is gone, and I am coming to terms with the inevitable sacrifice of some body parts. I am trying to accept the idea, that sometimes, bad things happen, and when they do, anger is useless. My plan is to do this as well as I can, and learn to live with the result. I didn't really choose this plan, it just seems to be the only one available.
I have spent the last 3 days playing lawyer, which actually took my mind off of health issues. I produced, and filed with the Bankruptcy Court, a motion for “relief of automatic stay”' and an “opposition to confirmation of the Chapter 13 Plan”. Each of these were about 75 pages, and were necessary to protect my interest in the property that I sold 3 years ago, which is currently in foreclosure. The opposition motion is asking the court to deny a reorganization plan that pays me far less that I should receive, and the relief motion is asking the court to kick the 2 houses out of the BK, and let me go forward with the foreclosure. I have high hopes for both of them.
I don't like being in this legal battle, but I do find it very interesting, and am getting a reasonably good education. I have discovered things that they probably don't teach in law school. Every thing that you need to defend your self is available on the internet!!!!! I just root through existing cases, (public documents all, at cabc.uscourts.gov) and find one that is similar to my case. All of the pleadings are there; motions, notices, caption pages, declarations, exhibits, and forms...... They are all there! The pleadings and forms contain the arguments used in similar cases, and all reference the proper sections of the code. The US Civil Code itself, is there as well.
This is stuff that other people paid high priced lawyers, tens of thousands of dollars to produce. They paid their lawyers to research the law, make the arguments, and produce the paperwork. All of that stuff is available for 8 cents a page in the comfort of your own home, or in my case motor home, or for free at the court house. You just substitute your name and the facts of your case. I mostly used paperwork from the legal department at “Country Wide Home Mortgage Co.” I figured that they must certainly know what they are doing. What a country.
The hard part, I find, is that you actually have to read the code sections, and really understand the arguments..... This becomes easier with time.
Oh yes, the “Rules of Procedure”, there are United States Rules, 9th District Rules, Central Division Rules, Santa Ana Rules, and ….... each Judge has their own special rules. They spend a lot of time in law school teaching these things, and I was a bit worried about the consequences of screwing up some procedural rule, and costing myself a bunch of money. Then I found this rule...... drum roll...... “these rules shall not be enforced in a way that would cause someone to lose their rights”. I think that these rules help cases travel through the system in a predictable way.
I know that my paperwork is not as polished as that of a top law firm, but am hoping that my Judge will see me as “poor but honest” and trying hard to do the appropriate things. The Judge in my last case took on this attitude, and I hope this Judge will do the same. I did, however, pay particular attention to the time allowed for various actions, and to the proper service of notice on the opposition.
I should pause at this point to thank my ex, Sherrie, who brought a frivolous lawsuit against me regarding a property that we jointly owned. That is when I discovered these little known techniques. I guess that there really was a silver lining to that drama.
Also a special thanks to my brother in law Tim Esq, who looks over my shoulder, and offers encouragement and advice as necessary.
While I am in the thanking business, I should thank Claudia as well. She visited for a couple of weeks of no fun, all work, tired, dirty, and crabby. I was gone for 7 months, and had a lot of catching up to do. The surprising part, is that she has offered to return for the upcoming medical festivities.
I should also thank all of my family and friends out there that following this blog, and offer your support. It really does matter to me.
Thanks also to all of my local friends that are offering to help me through the next few months.
Back to the medical future..... they are going to remove my bladder and prostate, harvest about 4 feet of intestine, and craft a new bladder for me. At least that is the plan, however, they could find problems that would prevent this procedure. It won't be the same, but may allow me to live a fairly normal life. I am very thankful that this technology exists.
My doctor, Dr. Boyd, is head of the department at USC Norris, and was one of the team that developed this procedure back in the middle 80's. Let's all wish him luck.
For those of you who are interested in the gory details, just google “neobladder”.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8, 2009
I am not sure how to start..... I saw the Doc. today, and got bad news. Despite the recent treatments, I still have cancer, the bad kind that tries to burrow through the bladder muscle wall (now weakened by treatments) and set up colonies in my other organs. He couldn't see anything but inflammation, however, he took random samples, and the cancer was found by the pathologist.
The good news, the cat scan found nothing suspicious in my other organs.
The bad news, trying to save my bladder seems foolhardy at this point. For the best chance to stay alive, the bladder must go. This will likely be scheduled for the first part of October.
Needless to say, I am very disappointed.
The good news, the cat scan found nothing suspicious in my other organs.
The bad news, trying to save my bladder seems foolhardy at this point. For the best chance to stay alive, the bladder must go. This will likely be scheduled for the first part of October.
Needless to say, I am very disappointed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009
Quick update...... The poke and peek procedure went about as expected, however, my bladder has not healed from the BCG treatments, and the doc. was unable to offer anything concrete. He described it as looking like hamburger. Sorry for that image, but I am just reporting the facts. He is recommending a cat scan to check the rest of my organs.... my last one was back in Feb, with an ex, and he is probably a bit jealous.
Dr. Boyd wants to have a serious talk in about 2 weeks..... sounds like bad news, but maybe he just wants to take this relationship to the next level.
I will write more when I feel better, and am not under the influence of dangerous drugs.
Dr. Boyd wants to have a serious talk in about 2 weeks..... sounds like bad news, but maybe he just wants to take this relationship to the next level.
I will write more when I feel better, and am not under the influence of dangerous drugs.
Friday, August 21, 2009
August 20, 2009
WARNING...... SERIOUS WHINING AHEAD!!!!!! Sorry, but it can't be helped.
First of all, sorry for not posting sooner. I generally wait until I feel inspired, and on top of things, but it just isn't happening. I have been feeling overwhelmed, and seem unable to turn things around. The wolves are still circling, and anxiety is high.
Anyway, I met with the Doc. at USC, and didn't really learn anything new, my chances are still poor...... funny, I keep changing doctors, and they keep saying the same thing. LOL I have an appointment for a “poke and peek” on Friday the 28th. I will be asleep, in the event that he needs to do some cutting, and will be happy to doze through the uncomfortable part, but not looking forward to the anesthesia hangover. I am hoping for some definite result this time.... I am worn out with the indecision.
I spent the day preparing one of my big guns in the insurance war. I am ready to send my complaint in to the Insurance Commissioner. Health Net led me and UPMC to believe that my surgeries would be covered, and now are trying to strand me with a $60,000 bill..... regardless of what they said, there is the fine print on page 42....... I have high hopes, after all, I am sure that the government will protect me from the giant corporation. LOL
Speaking of money, the guy that owes me $185,000 has filed bankruptcy. I think that it is just a delaying tactic, and expect a series of “requests for extensions”. In the end, I should get my money, or the houses. The trouble is, that I don't know if it will be a couple of months, or a couple of years.... a little something to work on in my spare time.
The good news is, I have found renters for my 2 vacant apartments. I still have some work to do getting them ready for move in, but it will be good to have them producing income again.
I must say that here, I am surrounded by long term friends. They are helpful and supportive in every way. Unfortunately, there is not much that they can do while I am embroiled in these battles. I am trying, but find it hard to be cheerful. I truly am grateful, but am not sure that it shows.
It seems that the reality here is...... life is not fair.... not news really, but I really hoped that it might be. Most of the trouble in my life has come from my own poor decisions, no fun, but well deserved. This time, I had done everything right, I had tons of insurance, money in the bank, and more on its way...... I even got solar for the MH...... what could go wrong?
First of all, sorry for not posting sooner. I generally wait until I feel inspired, and on top of things, but it just isn't happening. I have been feeling overwhelmed, and seem unable to turn things around. The wolves are still circling, and anxiety is high.
Anyway, I met with the Doc. at USC, and didn't really learn anything new, my chances are still poor...... funny, I keep changing doctors, and they keep saying the same thing. LOL I have an appointment for a “poke and peek” on Friday the 28th. I will be asleep, in the event that he needs to do some cutting, and will be happy to doze through the uncomfortable part, but not looking forward to the anesthesia hangover. I am hoping for some definite result this time.... I am worn out with the indecision.
I spent the day preparing one of my big guns in the insurance war. I am ready to send my complaint in to the Insurance Commissioner. Health Net led me and UPMC to believe that my surgeries would be covered, and now are trying to strand me with a $60,000 bill..... regardless of what they said, there is the fine print on page 42....... I have high hopes, after all, I am sure that the government will protect me from the giant corporation. LOL
Speaking of money, the guy that owes me $185,000 has filed bankruptcy. I think that it is just a delaying tactic, and expect a series of “requests for extensions”. In the end, I should get my money, or the houses. The trouble is, that I don't know if it will be a couple of months, or a couple of years.... a little something to work on in my spare time.
The good news is, I have found renters for my 2 vacant apartments. I still have some work to do getting them ready for move in, but it will be good to have them producing income again.
I must say that here, I am surrounded by long term friends. They are helpful and supportive in every way. Unfortunately, there is not much that they can do while I am embroiled in these battles. I am trying, but find it hard to be cheerful. I truly am grateful, but am not sure that it shows.
It seems that the reality here is...... life is not fair.... not news really, but I really hoped that it might be. Most of the trouble in my life has come from my own poor decisions, no fun, but well deserved. This time, I had done everything right, I had tons of insurance, money in the bank, and more on its way...... I even got solar for the MH...... what could go wrong?
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10, 2009
So, tomorrow is a big day..... foreclosure sale and Dr. appointment. My mortgagee has not yet filed BK, she still might, but if not, then I get the property or my money. Woo Hoo. I could sure use the money, and am hopeful that this drama will end quietly. I am not expecting much from my first meeting with the new doctor, but am still excited about it.... you know, first date jitters.
I woke up with adrenalin seeping into system, and appeared poised to worry away the day, after all, it is what I do. But wait, not this time...... I made a conscious effort to relax, and have a serious talk with myself. “These events were not a surprise, I knew what to expect, and had a plan for most of the likely outcomes. Try to spend the day doing something useful.” Now I know that this doesn't seem like much to some of you, but for me, that was an excellent bit of therapy. Some good advice from a trusted friend.
Ok, so far, so good. I went into town, called to confirm my Dr. appointment, and got involved in an earthmoving project with some friends. Well ok, it was really rock moving..... very manly stuff. A huge pile of rocks, trucks, dump trailer, back hoe, a bobcat, and diesel fumes in the air. You could have cut the testosterone with a knife!!
The day was going very well, then crisis..... USC called and said that they had not received any of my records or the pathology slides. Yikes, no need to see a doctor that knows nothing of my condition. Instant adrenalin rush, another stern talk with myself, a flurry of faxes, and all ok. Beat the Pittsburgh UPS man with minuets to spare. I would like to think that it was just a mistake, but, I had broken it off rather suddenly.
The day ended by unsticking a truck and loaded trailer that was buried about a ¼ mile down a dirt bike trail. Well, I wont name names, wouldn't want to embarrass anyone, but more trucks, even larger machines, and more testosterone. Altogether a fine day.
Monday, August 3, 2009
August 3, 2009
Ok, another quick update. I have decided to end my relationship with UPMC, and have made a date with the seductive and available Dr. Boyd at USC Norris. I do not have hard feelings, in fact, I have many fond memories and still think that UPMC is a wonderful hospital, with lots to offer. I am sure that, given time to heal, they will find another bladder cancer patient.
My appointment will be in the afternoon of August 11, oddly enough, the same day that the foreclosure sale is supposed to take place in the morning. A double header, so to speak. It is likely that neither of these events will yield definitive results. Dr. Boyd may want to get to know me better, and not want to “do it” on the first date, and my mortgagee has threatened bankruptcy, which would delay the sale. Still, I am pleased to have things moving forward.
On another front, I just got a look at my file from the local clinic.... I guess that I should bring everyone up to date. I probably had the first symptoms of my cancer back in the fall of 2007, and went to the local clinic. They found microscopic blood in my urine, and prescribed antibiotics. The problem persisted, and different drugs were prescribed...... Symptoms disappeared. Several doctors have said, very definitively, that “any blood in urine, straight to the urologist”, anything else is severe malpractice. Now, I am not generally the type to engage the lawyers, but I thought I might have no choice...... Back to the clinic file. On the notes from my 3rd and last visit, at the bottom of the page, away from everything else on the bottom of the page, were the following words..... “urologist consult advised”.
This advice never happened, I know me, and I would have been all over that recommendation. Why, what might be wrong, is this important, is this just defensive medicine? It is well known, legendary in fact, that I always question authority. It has been a habit/hobby of mine since I was.... well, about 4 years old. My family, friends, and I have suffered greatly as a result. I remember annoying the appointment person and the physicians assistant I was scheduled to see, questioning why I was seeing him a instead of a “real doctor”. I know that I would have demanded a discussion about that recommendation, and would In fact, not have taken it lightly.
Over the last 7 months I have noticed many warnings and disclaimers, in reports and notes, that never actually took place. At first I was amused, but now I see why, CYA Note to self, and everyone else..... Always get the reports and notes, and read them carefully. I guess that I will be fully prepared if I survive this illness, and am stricken with something else..... Maybe a career as a consultant, give seminars, go on Oprah.... Anyway, lesson learned, and one less thing to worry about.
After a moment of introspection, I realize that, during my years as a home inspector, I have likely been guilty of the same thing.
One last thing, everyone here keeps saying how good I look. Seems that everyone expected me to look like someone that had been through hell. My treatments were mostly contained in the bladder, and not the kind that made me nauseous and unable to eat. I can, however, assure you that if you could see the inside of my bladder, you would be horrified, get that look on your face, and start to ooze sympathy.
I have noticed, if I don't act sick, people don't treat me like I am sick, and that, is a very good thing.
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