Dr. Santiago, Black Doggy, and me

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 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 understood what you were dealing 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 searched for a new doctor.  Was pointed to the best in town, I was told.  (Obviously they didn’t know the best in the west.)  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 J. Santiago, MD. MDS. VIP. Didn’t even come close.

And while I may have been pointed to a new doctor, he certainly wasn’t Dr. Santiago. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me. I was quite confident that I was 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 each of his patients. And, I NEVER had to strip down to my skivvies for an exam. What is up with that? He quickly became my old doctor immediately.  (Note to readers: If you think what a doctor asks you to do is weird, it’s probably weird. I surveyed about 20 people with Parkinson’s and not one has ever been asked to disrobe for a PD exam.)

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, then ruled all that out for mere lack of evidence, then thought perhaps it was the PD starting in my early 30’s instead of 2004 – (take a breath) – well now they’re back to looking at lupus since my ANA is off the charts.

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

Journeying with you,