I Feel So Unnecessary

Gone in a Heartbeat: A Physician's Search for True Healing by Neil Spector My rating: 4 of 5 stars Dr. Neil Spector, one of the nation's top oncologists, led a charmed life. He was educated at prestigious universities, trained at top medical centers, and had married the woman of his dreams. It seemed too perfect. And it was. In 1994, it all came crashing down. He and his wife lost two unborn children. And a mysterious illness brought him to the brink of death. In his compelling memoir, "Gone in a Heartbeat," Dr. Spector describes in great detail how he was misdiagnosed and, despite being a medical insider, was often discounted by his fellow physicians. As he recounts his own unorthodox approach to medicine and physician/patient relationships, Dr. Spector encourages readers to never surrender their power to a third party. He tells of courageous patients who served as role models, he conceded that doctors do a disservice to patients when "we tre...

As I was making another doctor's appointment for my grandfather yesterday I told the receptionist,   "He'd like to see the new doctor next time if possible." "No problem," she said, "but may I ask why he wants to switch because she's going to ask me." "He prefers male doctors.", I said. ( I get it, I prefer to see female nurse practitioners. Gee I come from a sexist family.) " I understand, it's his choice if he wants to change." However, that was only part of the reason ny grandfather wanted to switch doctors. He does prefer male doctors but there were other factors. And though I believe in speaking my mind, I also wanted to be tactful. (My family has opinions on my tactfulness but they're WRONG.) Here are the other reasons: She would make coffee nervous. I leave appointments with my grandfather feeling as if I drank several shots of espresso and I'm not even her patient. She doesn't give the p...

The husband had a check-up recently. His potassium has been low and the doctor was going over options to get the level higher. Scott explained to him it had dropped before when he started exercising again and losing weight. He said he thought that's what was happening now and began explaining to the doctor about what was going on with him- Scott: "When a person starts to lose weight they lose fluid first...but of course you know that." Me : "Yes, he would considering he's a DOCTOR." Scott: "You know I had a sleep study, my neurologist had ordered one..oh yeah did you know I see a neurologist? What's his name?" Me:"Dr. A**hole." Scott:"I don't think she cared for him." Me: "Ya think?" Doctor: "No, I didn't." What does he do for you?" Scott: "It's not the same one but this one does a test on my neck, to check my carotid arteries." Me: "He doesn't treat him for h...