Not abandoned after all

Eight years ago, I traveled many hundreds of miles to a large medical facility in hopes of finding out what was ailing me. I saw specialists in many different disciplines and underwent five weeks of testing. At the end of the day, we had few answers. My postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) was reconfirmed, and my GI dysmotility was found to be severely affecting my stomach and small intestines (which was already highly suspected).

The one highlight of my long stay at the medical center was finding an exceptional doctor. She was kind, caring and actually seemed to understand how debilitating my conditions were. She never brushed off my symptoms. Anything I brought up in my appointments with the physician, she took very seriously and would try to seek remedies for the issues. Unfortunately, the last time I saw her, I was informed she was moving across the country to work at another medical facility. I was broken-hearted.

Several months later, I developed severe GI issues. I traveled back to the large medical facility. Unfortunately, I was assigned a resident doctor who knew nothing about POTS or GI dysmotility. The doctor told me she did not believe any of the results from the testing I had completed at the medical center. She thought I had somehow faked the test results and wanted to repeat ALL the tests! Yes, she wanted me to have five weeks worth of testing repeated. Her ultimatum was if I did not have the testing re-done, she would refer me to the psych department. I did not agree to the testing and decided going to the psych department with a large stack of papers full of tests which proved I had my medical conditions was better than trying to deal with this physician.

Tonight, as I was printing off my medical records from this medical facility for an upcoming appointment, I read at the bottom of one of my GI consults this statement: “Following my transfer I would recommend this patient to follow with Dr. Fraiser.” Wow, I did not know I was supposed to have been transferred to another GI doctor! The sentence is typed at the bottom of my record away from the rest of my medical notes. I do not think I ever saw this note until tonight. Although it is very disheartening that I had to endure so much at the hands of a physician not familiar with my medical conditions, it is comforting to know that my old GI doctor did not abandon me. She had referred me on to another medical professional knowledgeable about my conditions. However, it seems I was never supposed to follow up with Dr. Frasier. God had different plans for me.

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)