Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

My Father went to the same cardiologist for years. Because of Atrial Fibrillation and other related heart issues, he was a frequent visitor at his doctor’s office. In fact, Dad considered him his primary physician, despite his specialty being the heart.

This seemed to work quite well until one day Dad was exhibiting strange behavior. Instead of opening the car door as usual and getting in, he grabbed a hold of the car’s headlight and tried to open it. When Mom asked him what he was doing, he simply replied “I’m trying to get in the car.” This behavior was quite odd for my Father, and immediately we knew something was wrong. But, what was it? It was first thought that maybe he was experiencing a mini-stroke.

Since Dad did not want to go to the hospital that night, he decided to see his cardiologist the next day. The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong, but decided to do CAT scan anyway. After a week went by, they received a message from the doctor’s office that there was a small legion shown in the brain. They didn’t think it was of any great concern, but he should eventually go see a neurologist.

A couple weeks later, my Father experienced a similar episode again. Mom immediately rushed him into the hospital. And it was only then, the ER physician noted he had two cancerous brain tumors. Dad later died two weeks later from the cancer which had already spread throughout his body.

The reason why I tell this story is to help others realize the importance of a primary physician. If you have a cardiologist, that is wonderful! But, you should also have a primary physician who generally understands the whole body.

Here are some tips to live by:

• Don’t settle on a doctor you are unhappy with. Find a physician who will listen to your needs and address your concerns.
• It is also important to find a doctor that stays up-to-date in the medical field. Yes, continuing education is required for doctors. But the question is, do they apply it?
• Because your health has been “good” so far don’t assume that everything is perfect. Assumptions can be disastrous. Go in for yearly checkups. If you are notice a medical change, contact your doctor right away.
• Get educated. Read articles and attend lectures, so you can make informed decisions, especially if you are aware of a medical issue.
• No one knows you, like you. Verbalize your concerns to your doctor. Don’t expect he or she will notice something is wrong. Your physician may see hundreds of patients a week. Unless they know you personally, it is unlikely they will notice a change.

I encourage everyone to get involved with your medical care. If anything, it may save your life one day.

I’m proud to say, my husband’s web design company, AIM Technology Services donated a website to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance for Education & Support(ADAES).

ADAES led by Terrie Hardison in Ocala, Florida, equips caregivers with the knowledge they need to manage the challenges associated with caring for a loved one. This organization has already helped hundreds of people this year, even while still in its infancy. Check out their new site at www.adaesinc.org.

Technorati Tags:

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Ocala, Florida