Consulation today...

This is a picture of Dr. Subhash Sahai, M.D. who is one of the co-chairs of the Webster City Medical Clinic in Webster City, Iowa. He has had a hand in my care off & on. Today, yes on a Saturday, he met me for a consultation about my digestive issues & the inability to progress as I should be. First I must say, he has a hilarious sense of humor, which as most of you know, is one of the most important things to me in getting along with anyone! (SMILE) He also is confident, in the good sense, that makes you feel well cared for & secure in your treatment. We reviewed records & went over some things. He got me in immediately today for a CT scan of the abdomen. Next Friday, I will be having another endoscope but this time they will be trying to pass the scope through more of the small intestine than they normally do so that they can have a view of the site where my J-tube (feeding tube) was positioned when I had to use the feeding tube. This will help them see if there is residual damage/scar tissue from the problems/failures of my J-tube. Then, the Wednesday after that I will go in for a barium test. I could have done the endoscope sooner, but we have a 2 day trip at a little lake in Iowa planned for my family--my Grandpa & his siblings & their spouses & my cousin Shelby, & I. I have really been looking forward to this, so I didn't think waiting two more days would hurt at this point & neither did he.

Now...why am I so pleased when I don't know much more? Because of Dr. Subhash! I love my doctors in Des Moines, don't get me wrong, they have done good things for me, but they are hesitant to touch me for fear of doing more damage. Not Dr. Subhash...he is willing to put the scope down and assured me that it was his job to make sure everything went well & that he would be right there. That is why I'm happy. For once I don't feel 'on guard' about the situation and know that it is in good hands, so for the next week I can relax a bit. There is also a large difference between 'city medicine' & small town medicine. I would have had to wait for weeks to see my doctor, he got me in within 24 hours. I would have had to wait days for CT scan (unless it was an emergency), I had it scheduled in 2 hours. In Des Moines I wait as much as a month and a half for an endoscope--less than a week, they'll have me. It's amazing to me! I also have their home number & they assure me that either Dr. Anil (Subhash's brother--who will perform my endoscope procedure) or Dr. Subhash himself will always answer. My Aunt Linda lives in Webster City & it is nothing for her to call them while she's out of town, call them at home, or have them called in the middle of the night and you know you are getting YOUR doctor who knows YOUR case. It is amazing to me. There is a security in that & I think that is what medicine should be. My Great-Grandparents drove to Webster City for all their medical care because of the Dr. Anil & Dr. Subhash & I understand it more than ever now. Patients shouldn't have to wait & they should be able to see the same doctor & they should feel safe with their medical professional and care. I do in Des Moines, but the feel is different with the Sahai's. I'm not sure what all we'll find out from this, but am confident we should have some sort of game plan in the near future--or that is my prayer.

He gives me hope in the medical profession. He sat on the examining table with me to talk, gave me a hug, made me laugh & was cracking jokes. He also welcomed my questions...which is a huge plus. Dr. Martin has done what he can do here in Des Moines & I appreciate him as well, I think the combination of my team of doctors could be the answer. If nothing else, I have a bit more hope today & feel a bit better in my stance--not so rejected as I felt from Mayo!

So...we'll see where it goes. But, Subhash Sahai is a fine example of what medical care should be & the kind of compassion every person deserves! SO...tonight, I am staying in to unwind from the day & try to feel better after all that CT Scan crud I had to drink. I watched "Cool Runnings" which always makes me laugh & now am enjoying the Chiefs vs. Seahawks game. The Chiefs were ahead, now they are tied, so I best get back to watching the game. GO CHIEFS!

Thanks for reading...even if I have made it a bit more medical lately (I try not too). It has been very therapeutic!!! Feel free to leave comments!!! XoXoXo

By the way, I stole the picture of Dr. Subhash off their medical center website, sorry Subhash!

C'MON CHIEFS....