Last year, I lost someone in my life that I loved, admired, and adored.

My doctor.

Now, I know I’ve harped on this subject plenty of times, but I can assure you I’m not harping today and this post will not be one about wishing he was back, but rather – it’s about a discovery I made – in my brain, of all places.

As I’ve said before, my doctor (I still refer to him as ‘mine’, as – if God wills it, he’ll be my doctor again) was/is the best. If you question my authority on this subject – don’t. It’s just a plain Jane fact. No arguments allowed.

Now, this discovery will incorporate all neurologists who have become Movement Disorder Specialists – young and old, tall and short, round and skinny, blonde-headed or brown.

If you watch TV on Monday evenings, it’s more than likely that you’ve come across a show called ‘House’. It’s a show about a doctor (yes, another doctor show) who is basically, nothing short of a genius. His specialty is solving cases that the regular GP’er can’t even begin to figure out. He’s the Mayo Clinic doctor of all doctors. Rarely do any of his patients pass into the next life.

That’s the ‘job’ of most doctors, right? To determine the source of the symptoms, pinpoint the pain, find a cure for the cause. Most doctors watch their patients walk in, walk out, and don’t wonder when they’ll be meeting up with them again.

This is just not the case with Movement Disorder Specialists, which is why, after my epiphany moment; I now have an even greater respect for these people.

An oncologist has a tough job. That goes without saying. Yet, while they do see many patients breathe their last breath, they also have many patients under their care who are given a new lease on life. An orthopedist is fortunate to have the specialty of fixing up their patients and sending them on their way with say – a new knee. But a Movement Disorder Specialist? Have you ever thought about this? They chose to get into a specific field where they know that the patient referred to them to now be under their care, is another life they will have to, even under the best of care, watch deteriorate and/or eventually come to an end.

I know this is a difficult thought, but please bear with me. When I thought about my doctor (the infamous Dr. Anthony Santiago – superhero Movement Disorder Specialist of the northwest and beyond), I realized that he literally sees his goal as a physician, to try to give the best possible care to those who will most likely not get ‘better’, but rather – get worse with time.

The reason this hit me like it did is that these specialists choose to do this work. They choose to walk beside patients that they know can’t take a pill or undergo chemotherapy or radiation (not that it works for all cancer or other patients with life-threatening diseases) to see if their disease will be eradicated. Instead, an MDS operates with the knowledge that their main purpose is to try to give their patients the best quality of life they possibly can. (I hope this is making sense!)

I guess that’s just another reason Dr. S- was/is so great. You knew, (being his patient) his greatest concern was to make your life the best possible while he fought Little Monster with you. All to say, hats off once again – not just to Dr. Santiago but to all MDS’s out there who have a tough job of not only caring for us PD’ers. Thanks to all of you who care for us and do it so incredibly well.

We appreciate you.

Sherri

I have a new doctor. No, I didn’t dump mine and contend for another. As most of you know, mine lost his practice because of lack of funds, and cutting back on Medicare closed the doors. I can say with certainty that he was most likely the best in the west.

A patient never waited more than ten minutes, tops. His nurse was the best. He spent time with you as if you were all that mattered on his list of patients for that day. You knew he cared and could understand first hand what you were dealing with, having a similar physical fight of his own to deal with. He explained things in such a way so that you felt educated when leaving and could understand yourself what was going on inside of you. He was compassionate and so kind. And he’s not there anymore.

So, I have a new doctor. And while he was ‘okay’, the difference between the old and new was blaring. This new doctor (new to me but near retirement) was kind, smiled at the right times and all the rest, but he was not Dr. Anthony Santiago, MD. MDS. VIP. Didn’t even come close.

Today’s doctor wasn’t bad – he just wasn’t Dr. Santiago. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me. I am quite confident that I am not going to enjoy these ‘new’ visits, unlike those I had with Dr. S- who always had a smile, a laugh, a genuine concern for his patients. And, I NEVER had to strip down to my skivvies for an exam. What is up with that?

Survey: How common is that (for PD patient exams)? I’ve been to three other neurologists and have never had to do that. (Leave a comment, please.) Weird.

I came home and cried. I just want Dr. Santiago back but I know I have to face this. Problem is – I don’t want to.

Meanwhile, another reason I want my doctor back is for another situation the doctors are looking at. They’re wondering whether the lupus that they thought was a brain tumor and then MS and then ruled it all out by mere lack of evidence and then thought perhaps it was the PD starting in my early 30’s instead of 2004 – well now they’re back to looking at lupus since my ANA is off the charts. I’m curious, however, to find out what it is and if that’s what’s causing so much of the pain. Time will tell.

Until then, we are promised today only and I am so grateful I know Jesus and the unrelenting fact that we don’t go through anything alone.

A friend so timely emailed a link to a beautiful song today. It was waiting in my inbox when I arrived home after my appointment. I clicked on it and listened. God is sovereign and knows just what we need, just when we need it. I hope you’ll listen to it and be as blessed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUhGip85U8

Are you tired of the cold northwest dumping more than snow on you? Awaiting you is a warmer yet wet little area of the northwest not commonly mentioned.While browsing the internet two days ago, I came across a phenomenal breakthrough in opportunities to fit your specialty.

The Best Job in the World

By clicking on the above link, you will be connected directly to the site where awaiting you is an opening needing the greatest neurologist in the world who also specializes in movement disorders, among other specialties.

Let’s take a quick look at the magnitude of this opportunity, as stated in the job description:

Premier southwest Oregon private practice is currently scheduling interviews for a board-certified / board-eligible Neurologist.

You will have the opportunity to sub-specialize in the following areas (fellowship training preferred): Cerebrovascular Disease/Stroke, EEG/EMG, Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurophysiology, Sleep Disorders, Pain or Pediatrics.

-Enjoy a competitive starting salary, comprehensive benefits, pension plan, and partnership track when you join this dynamic clinic (Please note they said ‘dynamic’ – I didn’t have to entice you with big words)
-Be busy from day one (I will be your first patient to guarantee this benefit!)
-Large catchment area of over 600,000 offering a solid patient base (I can also guarantee a solid patient base as Parkinson’s Journey has several of your past patients patiently waiting to hear that you’re not too far away from landing nearby, and ready, if need be, to welcome you at the newly renovated Rogue Valley International Airport, with two baggage turnstiles and all on one convenient level!)
-Well-established physician referral network (I’m not sure how I can guarantee this one.)
-Collegial practice environment (I can guarantee this, as the university is so close and think of all the young minds you could mentor.)
-Terrific work-life balance (I can guarantee this by stating that your drive to work will not be anywhere near what you had to drive to get to Spokane / Liberty Lake – unless of course you find a home that far out again!)

The Medford Neurological & Spine Clinic has a 44-year history of offering comprehensive neurological services. As the only full-service clinic in the surrounding area, our clinic staffs both neurologists and neurosurgeons and specializes in adult and pediatric neurology, electro-diagnostic studies, stealth frameless CT- / MRI-guided cranial surgery, skull base surgery, microsurgical spinal surgery, transphenoidal adenomectomy and stereotactic radiosurgery consultations. (Isn’t that just so exciting?!!!)

Would you consider joining our team? Apply today! (Please!!!)

If the above weren’t enough to entice you, get your wife and read on (I will highlight the strong points for you):

Medford, Oregon is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers moderate temperatures year-round. (Consider the lack of snow shoveling you’ll have to do!) You will appreciate our outdoor recreation, such as golf, mountain biking, fishing, boating and skiing, as well as enjoy our first-class day spas, outdoor concerts, award-winning theatre performances, and monthly festivals. Medford, Oregon offers affordable luxury homes, excellent public and private schools, and LOW PROPERTY TAXES; plus there is NO SALES TAX in the state of Oregon! And, for those who enjoy the beach, the Pacific coast is a short 2.5 hour drive from Medford. Come home to Medford! Apply today!

And now, if that still hasn’t convinced you, consider these pros (cons are of no concern here):

~ Gardening in Medford cannot be compared to anywhere else on earth. Prize winning pumpkins, world famous pears and more await the avid gardener and his/her spouse.

~ Cultural activities are as diverse as the world famous Ashland Shakespeare Festival or the Jackson County Draft Horse Pull.

~ Guided tours of Harry and David, where free samples of raspberry shortbread cookies are handed out when the tour ends.

~ Holiday events galore to welcome the Christmas season and more – Gingerbread House Festival, Ashland Christmas Parade with the spikey head snowmen and fun beyond belief.

~ Farmer’s Market through the summer months with fresh fruits and veggies. Dogs have been banned which takes away the fear of being devoured while shopping.

~ Discounts at the supermarket Friday mornings on old breads and meats.

~ Nearby and historical Jacksonville offers a peaceful atmosphere and the Britt Festival with world famous musical artists such as James Taylor.

Now, some may think I’m being selfish and that I just want my doctor back (which I cannot deny as being true and don’t relish the thought of anyone else messing with my brain), but really I’m just worried about you not having the opportunity to touch other’s lives with your calling. At the very least, with all attempts of humor set aside, I hope you know just how much you are missed.

Sherri

Several years back, there was an extremely popular software game called Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Originally the game focused on teaching geography and history. It had a catchy name. It was educational. It became popular.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to ‘our version’ of Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego.

Many of you know that a couple months ago, my doctor and his staff were elected by their overseers at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA, to be shut down, due to lack of funding from Medicare. Over 800 patients who were cared for by this outstanding specialist were left hanging. Due to legalities, he and his staff were unable to comment or answer questions regarding his future plans.

So, here’s what I want to do…

I am in limbo. I don’t know one neurosurgeon from the next in the area I now live in. I know I am not the only one in this predicament. There are many people seeking a quality neurologist and/or movement disorder specialist. Scanning the columns in the phone book doesn’t give you an idea of whether the doctor your finger lands on is quality or not.

If you currently see a neurologist and/or a movement disorder specialist that you consider quality, how about sharing? Please use the comment box and leave their name and city/state and a couple sentences as to why you’d recommend this physician.

People move, doctors leave, etc. and to find a new specialist can be frustrating. I will compile a list of physicians that you think give great care to their patients who continue to battle a movement disorder or neurological disease.

And, if anyone knows where in the world Dr. Anthony Santiago is now practicing – inquiring minds want to know.

Leave information in the comment box. Please include doctor’s name, city and state (complete address would be better, including phone number), reason why you would recommend this physician.

Thanks for the input!

Sherri