Nothing in the world makes my pulse quicken more than trying to guide physicians on my medical case. I attempt to be respectful and polite. But, what should I do when the information the doctor is telling me is incorrect? Thankfully, in this world of technology and internet, it is not difficult to bring up webpages and essential information which can help guide my physicians.
Today, as I am sitting in a hospital room trying to get all the details of my pseudomonas infection sorted out, a physician walks into my room. She tells me I am currently taking Ertapenem. I am a bit baffled. “No, I am on Meropenem.” The doctor tells me it’s the same class of drug, and I will probably be discharged home on Ertapenem. I grow worried. I do not ever remember reading about this drug as a treatment option for pseudomonas.
After the doctor leaves, I open Google on my iPad. I research Ertapenem. My heart nearly stops when I read, “Ertapenem does not cover pseudomonas.” What!? Do the doctors not know this? How can I be sent home on an antibiotic which does not cover my bacteria? I start panicking. My breathing increases, and I feel my heart pounding. I suddenly remember to pray. “Oh LORD! Please hear this urgent prayer. Please send me home on Meropenem. Please let the doctor know Ertapenem does NOT cover pseudomonas. Oh LORD, please don’t let this all fall apart. Please send me home on the correct antibiotic.”
About an hour later, the pulmonologist on my case enters my room. He briefly visits and says I am going to be sent home on antibiotics. He mumbles the antibiotic name to the physician assistant standing in the doorway. I ask the physician, “Which antibiotic did you say?” The doctor replies, “Ertapenem.” I tell the doctor Ertapenem does not cover pseudomonas. The physician states Ertapenem is in the same drug class as Meropenem. They cover the same bacteria. I again say no, and I get out my iPad and start asking Google for help. In a minute, I have Stanford University’s School of Medicine webpage open. Under the drug class carbapenems, it states in bold, “Ertapenem does NOT cover pseudomonas.” The doctor asks for the author of the webpage. I scroll up and point to Stanford’s information. The physician then says, “Well, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me. I learned something today. Let’s send you home on Meropenem.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. The doctor listened to me! More importantly, I am going home on Meropenem! I am grateful when the doctor leaves. My stomach is in knots, and I feel very nauseas. I hate challenging people, especially physicians. Who am I to question someone’s medical authority? I rejoice to God for hearing my prayer. I rejoice to God that He gave me the insight to research Ertapenem. “Oh, LORD. Please help me get rid of this infection. Please continue guiding me in the way I should go. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.”
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