Boy, was that fun!!!!

[spastic]

I just wanted to give you all an update on what happened this morning.  I was there over two hours!
All I can say is wow, that woman doctor I seen is a genius!  I can see why she is the head of internal medicine dept.  She first came in the room and we went over my timeline (couldn't believe it), she even wanted to keep it!  We went over pictures of the rash, she did a complete neuro exam and ran an EKG to check my heart.  She ran some more blood work.  Than she had the students come in and give differential diagnosis after their exams.  That was crazy, not a single one got the Still's dx.  

I heard hepatitis, lupus, and depression, well I wasn't going to let it bother me, I know what is wrong, really.  After that she pointed out different red flags on the labs, multiple physical factors like the rash, the livedo reticularis, the hip joint desinegrating, etc and why it was dx'd as Stills and what they should look for when all things do not add up.  

After she had gone through everything, they seemed even more interested in me.  I did have a chance to tell them why I think Dr's are too quick to dismiss people with depression, I told them there is a difference, I am depressed because this illness has controlled every aspect of my life but depression didn't cause the disease, that came after the onset. That is the difference.  I really enjoyed it though.

I am scared though, my EKG showed a right side strain on the heart, probably the Still's is affecting it.  So now I have to see a cardiologist about the heart thing.  My dad had his first heart attack at 25 so I really am worrying about that now.  I have yet to start the DMARD's, with the ulcer thing they said it was best to wait until it is healed. :(   But all in all, I would do this everyday if it made a student doctor a better one.

Love to All,

Ada

[Jazzyfizzle]

Hey there Ada, Bravo on teaching the upcoming doctors a very important thing. You go girl. I am behind on everything and don't know what has happened to you, I will google the Still's.
You have all my thoughts on the heart issue and everything else also. Many hugs

Jazzy

[yorkieville]

Hi, Ada.

    You deserve to feel good about what you did yesterday. No, I don't think that's weird to compare it to a job setting. If you could do that every day, it may well be one of the most important jobs you do in your life!

  Love & Hugs,
  Sheila

[MCBCON]

Your a learning experience for all of us.

[spastic]

I feel good about what I did yesterday, I feel like I had a purpose, finally.  I haven't worked for over 9 months, now it is a little weird to compare yesterday to a job setting but if I could do that everyday and be used as a teaching tool for students, I would jump on that ship everyday.  Everyone, thank you for your comments and encouragement.  It means the world to me.

Love to All,

Ada

[LLWB]

I'm sorry the dr found a problem, but just think, if you hadn't done this educational thing with these students, who knows how bad your heart might have gotten before your regular dr found it.So maybe this is a blessing in disguise, and treat it before it gets worse. Take care of yourself. Isn't it nice to see a dr who takes time to really listen to her patients!....Maggie

[mokibear]

Great job teaching the students Ada!! Sounds like they learned a lot.

I too am concerned over your EKG and do please keep us updated. It does sound though like you lucked out with a great Doc. For that I am so thankful.

Moki

[Want to feel well!!!]

It's nice that you seemed to get some satisfaction through this as well.  Let's hope this turns out to be like a Pay it Forward occurrence, and this helps many others in the future.

Wanna

[mercyone]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about the heart problem - I didn't know that Still's damaged the heart too - more issues to take care of.

It does sound like you have a good doctor and that is wonderful. At least someone is listening and caring. Doesn't surpise me that the students missed so much - depression - well anyone would be depressed being in pain and an illness that makes like such a challenge. Hang in there.

Mercy.

[CtResident]

I am not pleased that you would have anything wrong that would warrant a trip to the doctor.

That being said, I am so glad that you got in to see this doctor, and that students learned from you. That is a positive, to have someone LISTEN to patients.

Good luck with the cardiologist!

Suzanne

[yorkieville]

Hi, Ada.

   Hon, I'm so proud of you!!!!  I believe you have made an impact on at least a few, future doctors.

  But, I am worried along with you, about you EKG results. Please keep us posted, we worry about you.

  Hugs,
  Sheila

[wingnut19]

Hi Ada!

First thing I wanted to ask is, When do you to the cardiologist?  That must be scary, and I'm sorry that on top of everything else you're dealing with that this is happening...

I am very happy for you, however, regarding the rest of your post....I, for one, would like to thank you for being a part in helping to educate young doctor's on the patient's perspective. I certainly would love an opportunity like that!  Good for you!!  :)

Let me know about the cardiologist thing...I really hope the appointment is soon!

HUGS Ada!
Tammy

[monotreme]

Hi Ada,
   Thank you for telling those student doctors about the depression diagnosis.  I  hope they all listened and will remember that when they are practicing doctors.

   Please keep us posted on your heart.  Thanks again for going and "educating" the future doctors!!

  Elaine