Comments for Professional Patient Perspective

Comment on In-Network Doctors – Quantity over Quality by Kim

Kim — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:11:55 +0000

I applaud you for taking a stand against inadequate care. More patients need to do this and maybe the medical professionals will “get the message.”

Comment on What to ask before your 1st Crohn’s Disease Surgery by Michael A. Weiss

Michael A. Weiss — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:36:38 +0000

May 12, 2012

Rob:

Thanks for commenting on the surgery Blog Post. You are spot-on about the importance of a correct diagnosis. In that regard, I’ve learned to ALWAYS “Trust my Body” even when those who love me might think I’m a little bit crazy in doing so in certain circumstances. But as the years have gone by, I’ve NEVER been wrong so now I am respected for maintaining this approach. I think other Crohn’s patients do the same thing and ironically the Disease gives them a sense of Confidence that they would not have had but for Crohn’s. Anyway, I hope the Chemo worked and that you are okay.

Comment on Breast Cancer, NFL Football & Crohn’s Disease Awareness by Michael A. Weiss

Michael A. Weiss — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:31:42 +0000

May 12, 2012

Nancy:

Thank you for the kind words about my Blog. If you have ANY questions regarding Crohn’s as it pertains to your daughter, PLEASE contact me. Please also keep in mind that what I go through isn’t necessarily what your daughter will go through as Crohn’s Disease is a broad spectrum illness. In that regard, your daughter may have a hard time of it now but may never get sick from it in the future. Therefore, you and your daughter should be optimistic. Good luck and Good Health.

Comment on Breast Cancer, NFL Football & Crohn’s Disease Awareness by Michael A. Weiss

Michael A. Weiss — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:28:17 +0000

May 12, 2012

Venus:

Thank you for your comment and I admire your perseverance through all the adversity you faced. Please trust that I’m doing the best I can to make the public respect Crohn’s Disease as the often pervasive, painful and horrific life-changing illness it is – instead of the stigmatized “ugly bathroom problem” some perceive it as. Stay well and keep “fighting the good fight.”

Comment on Breast Cancer, NFL Football & Crohn’s Disease Awareness by Venus Kourouvacilis

Venus Kourouvacilis — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:38:06 +0000

I have Crohn’s Disease as well as Breast Cancer…the first was diagnosed when I was about 12years old( I say “about”because it took the doctors a year to diagnose)I have “suffered” from this condition and it’s “stigma” for 43 years…Tell me about a career “blockage”.lol. I too was athletic…a fractured back( due to the meds)and having to wear a back brace for well over a year was alot of “fun” in 9th grade( I’m sure those girls in algebra felt I was sitting up “annoyingly”straight in class, if they only knew) .I got through it. I wanted to go to law school, but a career in banking is what chose me. I did enjoy a rewarding 20 year banking career…that was interrupted every 10 years( a flareup) Most of my colleagues were kind. However, the higher the food chain I climbed, my condition & it’s symptoms were used against me…I left a very rewarding career and I cannot help think that if there had been more public awareness and acceptance that my life may have been a “bit’ easier.

Comment on What to ask before your 1st Crohn’s Disease Surgery by Rob Musson

Rob Musson — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:39:46 +0000

I cant stress enough the importance of a correct diagnosis – I spent two years being treated from Crohns and was at the point of surgery when the biopsy found Lymphoma cells. They checked the first biopsy taken two years previously and it also had lymphma cells so the op was cancelled and I started Chemo which stopped all those Crohns symptoms. No one can say if I ever had Crohns but for sure I have lymphoma and the Chemo took away all the Crohns symptoms – Please dont stop questioning and if necessary get a second opinion.

Comment on What to ask before your 1st Crohn’s Disease Surgery by Julia

Julia — Sat, 05 May 2012 10:50:21 +0000

An excellent piece of writing which explains clearly the practical aspects of Crohn’s, it’s unpredictablity, it’s persistence, it’s complexity and it’s impact on your life (for some). How to approach treatments and those who are treating you is invaluable, I find surgeons to be a breed of their own who and need handling differently to other medical professionals; the first encounter can indeed be off putting, a forewarning through a piece like this cam give a patient a vital head start which is worth more than at least one and probably many more consultations – again vital. Many thanks.

Comment on What to ask before your 1st Crohn’s Disease Surgery by Karen

Karen — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:15:58 +0000

Very well written article and I am sure someone enduring their first surgery will appreciate this post. I will also stress your point that if your surgeon makes you feel uncomfortable, or does not take the time to answer your questions….move on!
There is nothing worse than lying in a hospital bed, awaiting surgery, scared, and not feeling confident in your surgeon.
For as many ‘arrogant surgeons’ there are also compassionate ones.
I have “fired” a couple of doctors and surgeons in my time.
YOU are number one and YOU are more than just another slab of Crohn’s on the table….
also you can also hire Nurse Advocates that will work with you and your doctors and will go through your entire medical history to make sure you are getting the very best care. If you are in a situation where you feel you are overwhelmed or can’t deal with the stress of it all. Look into Nurse advocates.
If this is your first surgery good luck and no 1000′s of others have done it-you are not alone

Comment on The 25 Most Effective Patient Tools for Managing Chronic Illness by Kathleen Fox Polizzi

Kathleen Fox Polizzi — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:54:35 +0000

Fantastic job and so true. It’s too bad we have to deal with so much bureaucracy. As if the life long illness is not enough to deal with!

Comment on WegoHealth.com asked: “What does ‘Health Technology’ mean to Me?” by Erno

Erno — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:03:59 +0000

I need a girl friend, or a Correspondant.