Dear SB,
I am dumbfounded by your doctor's attitude - I thought you had a good relationship going with her. The only thing I can say is I am so sorry that this has happened to you. You know you're not well, so don't let them off the hook by blaming you for your illness.
My best, Lulu
PS I learned something from your post - I was not familiar with the viper venom test and am going to read more.
Hi,
I'm sorry you had to be put through that, and know how frustrating it is to be talked to that was by a dr.
I've been in your same mood all week dealing with my neuro office trying to get them to set up the tests they supposedly want!! I think dealing with the medical community is enough to keep all of us in a c r a p p y mood.....hahaha
Hope they get this situation fixed soon and find a med that you can take for your blood problem. Isn't there something besides Coumadin?
Take care,
doni
Lulu- yeah I thought I had a better relationship with her too. I guess she freaked out when she couldn't figure it out so she figured I had to be doing something wrong. To me, she was just grasping at straws...but it was still offensive. At least I still have my neuro (even though she doesn't know what I have...but at least she cares)..and my wonderful GP so I haven't lost complete faith in the medical community. I had never heard of that test before either...It's actually referred to the Diluted Russel's Viper Venom Test. It's pretty sensitive from what I've read and can be used with other coagulant panels.
Doni- There is other anti-coagulant they could put me on, but only as a last resort. The other options both have to be injected.. She said that if I could not be regulated on Coumadin, that we might have to cross that bridge and I'll have to go on something, like Lovenox. I was on it once and it wasn't bad. You have to give yourself shots in the belly..but it is very, very, VERY expensive. 10 shots cost $650. OUCH!!! It's a pain in belly but also in the wallet. I couldn't imagine paying for a 30 day supply.
Wouldn't it be nice if your doctors did what they are suppose to do...so you could sit back and just be the patent? Sorry your having a rough time.
SB- this must have been the week for doctors - my GI flubbed it too by telling me I had anxiety causing my chest pains - you can read my journal for my rant if you want details. He just was grasping for an answer for anything since we had exhausted the GI tests. Yes, I was angry too but he planted that seed of doubt in me. It only takes a little seed to really destroy the confidence in our mission so stay strong.
Lu