drs, nurses medically uninformed

December 28, 2001

I agree with Chip,

When I first started to experience symptoms that I couldn't blow off as

migraines (cough headache to be precise) I questioned my family doctor about

it.

He told me it was probably fluctuating blood pressure. This continued for

about 7 years. But I let that happen to. I could have insisted that something

was wrong. I knew in my mind somewhere that something was wrong. But I was

naive and in denial and family doctors typically do not seen this kind.

So one day while driving down a busy 4 lane highway I blacked out and drove

into a utility pole. ( I go for high drama.)

Within a couple of days my family doctor had gotten my into see a local neuro

who requested an MRI and I got a dx.

My former sister in law at the time was in family practice and she was

familiar with ACM -- but she was fresh out of her residency and had been

taught some brief information about it.

But most doctors put in such long hours just treating the more conventional

illnesses that they just don't have the time to keep up with every obscure

disorder. (I only get annoyed when they get arrogant which is what happened

when I returned to the nsg that did my first decompression (Re: big fish in

small pond.) He didn't want to hear about it.

So, I took the time -- fought the HMO. (I personally promised to be a major

expense to them with continued visits to specialists and testing until I got

answers.)

She has one patient that she was trying to get in with Dr. Milhorat about a

year or so ago. I haven't heard from her lately (Misty, are you out there?)

My family doctor now has 4-5 patients with chiari in his practice.

So he grew, I grew and those patients get better care. In fact, even the

utility pole is still standing. Another happy ending!

Vikki in town, PA

Recommended Posts