I'M A DOCTOR WHO ALMOST DIED BECAUSE MY OWN DOCTORS REFUSED TO DO A BASIC THING

My day began early on that fateful Friday, as my wife Joanne and I arrived at 7 a.m. for my scheduled 10-year follow-up colonoscopy with Dr. Smith. Despite referring numerous patients to his practice, I had limited interaction with him. As the nurse went through her pre-procedure checklist, she casually mentioned that Dr. Smith was retiring that day and a farewell party was planned for the evening. I was taken aback but didn't think much of it at the time.

The procedure went smoothly, and I woke up in the recovery room 30 minutes later. Dr. Smith reassured me that everything had gone well and that he had removed a large polyp and a few smaller ones, none of which were concerning. I thanked him and offered my best wishes for his retirement, thinking that our paths would never cross again. Feeling relieved and cancer-free, Joanne and I headed home for lunch.

Later that afternoon, around 2:45 p.m., I experienced an urgent need to use the bathroom and was alarmed to see streaks of blood. Initially, I didn't think much of it, knowing that some bleeding is common after a colonoscopy. However, 15 minutes later, I felt another sudden urge and was shocked to see significantly more blood. My concern turned to alarm, and I told Joanne what was happening. We decided to drive ourselves to the nearby hospital, and I called the physician's office to update them on my condition.

Upon arrival, I was relieved to find the waiting room empty. After checking in, a nurse promptly attended to me and began the usual admission procedures. However, I soon felt another urgent need to move my bowels and requested a bedside commode. To my horror, I passed several pints of blood, nearly filling the container. I was in shock, having lost nearly 20% of my blood volume.

Dr. Woods, the ER doctor, entered my room with a sarcastic tone, which immediately put me on edge. Despite my attempts to convey the severity of my situation, he seemed unconcerned, focusing on my low heart rate as an indication of stability. I tried explaining that my heart rate was always low due to my medication, but he dismissed my concerns.

As the hours passed, my condition deteriorated, and I continued to lose significant amounts of blood. Dr. Woods refused to listen to my pleas for IV fluids and blood transfusions, and I became increasingly frustrated and scared. It wasn't until Dr. Smith returned to my room that I felt a glimmer of hope, but even he seemed hesitant to take immediate action.

Eventually, one of the hospitalists on duty, Dr. James, took over my care and promptly ordered the necessary transfusions and fluids. He also arranged for a repeat colonoscopy, which revealed that I had lost nearly 50% of my blood volume. The procedure identified the source of the bleeding, and Dr. James successfully clamped the artery using titanium clips.

My recovery was complicated by the damage caused by the severe blood loss and shock. I suffered heart, kidney, and cognitive impairment, leading to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, stage III kidney failure, and chronic anemia. Despite adjusting my medications, I was advised to stop working and pursue disability due to my inability to handle the demands of practicing medicine.

This experience taught me valuable lessons about advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. I learned that even as a doctor, it's essential to speak up and seek help when necessary. I hope that my story will serve as a reminder to patients and healthcare providers alike to prioritize open communication and attentive care.

Here are some key takeaways from my experience:

1. Resist yelling at healthcare staff, as it can create tension and hinder your care.

2. If you're not being heard, involve the charge nurse or manager early on to address any conflicts or concerns.

3. If you're critically ill and in a small community hospital, consider pushing for a transfer to a larger hospital if necessary.

4. Outpatient medical practice can be very different from hospital-based care, and it's essential to be aware of these differences.

5. Bringing a friend or family member to appointments can serve as an advocate and help improve communication with your provider.

6. Prepare for appointments by reading about your condition and making a focused list of concerns to discuss with your provider.

7. Don't hesitate to request tests or procedures if you feel they're necessary, even if your provider seems hesitant.

8. Finding a great provider who listens to you is crucial, and word-of-mouth referrals can be an excellent way to find one.

9. Remember that you can always "divorce" your provider if you're not satisfied with your care.

In conclusion, navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, but being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your care and recovery.