13 months ago, I chose a new Principal Care Provider, regular Doctor. He quickly took care of my problem (bladder infection). His demeanor was far from conventional as he walked in, introduced himself as "I'm Ken". Very unpretentious. Unusual. He had no white lab coat, casual dress, wore sandals, very informal. I liked how he verbally accepted both me and my wife, who sat in. I had a blood draw, CBC done, following week we met again, discussed it.
Many months went by. Almost a year later, 4 months ago, strange skin eruptions on my arms and hands. They resolved, but painful skin cracking and thickening became obvious on my fingers, both hands, both feeling like tightly stretched leather. Much research indicated hundreds of possible diagnoses. Among worst, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Yesterday I finally got the blood-letting done. The results are mind-relieving, to say the least. Today, we went in to confer with Ken, after 13 months. He bounded into the exam room, extending his left hand to me. I immediately asked how could he have known my right hand was so "out of whack". Then he showed his right.
Thumb all but gone, index finger 3/4 gone, bandages. He explained it as a bit of accident. We talked over an hour. He revealed to us he had had a stroke, which compromised tissue nourishment, and required amputation. His casualness was the most commendable thing I had ever seen! During the exam, lacking a table on which to spread the CBC sheets, he flopped down onto the floor, proclaiming "kindergarten method"!
This guy is one in a million! Listens, deliberates, then declares his opinion, subject to mine. MINE rules, he believes. The most down-to-earth physician I've ever met, and the most believable! How I hope no more strokes are in store. I would now prefer NO doctor, if he were not available. imp
Many months went by. Almost a year later, 4 months ago, strange skin eruptions on my arms and hands. They resolved, but painful skin cracking and thickening became obvious on my fingers, both hands, both feeling like tightly stretched leather. Much research indicated hundreds of possible diagnoses. Among worst, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Yesterday I finally got the blood-letting done. The results are mind-relieving, to say the least. Today, we went in to confer with Ken, after 13 months. He bounded into the exam room, extending his left hand to me. I immediately asked how could he have known my right hand was so "out of whack". Then he showed his right.
Thumb all but gone, index finger 3/4 gone, bandages. He explained it as a bit of accident. We talked over an hour. He revealed to us he had had a stroke, which compromised tissue nourishment, and required amputation. His casualness was the most commendable thing I had ever seen! During the exam, lacking a table on which to spread the CBC sheets, he flopped down onto the floor, proclaiming "kindergarten method"!
This guy is one in a million! Listens, deliberates, then declares his opinion, subject to mine. MINE rules, he believes. The most down-to-earth physician I've ever met, and the most believable! How I hope no more strokes are in store. I would now prefer NO doctor, if he were not available. imp
