Our experience in Cleveland

[DLCC2]

For the most part we had a smooth trip to Cleveland. Planes were on time and thunder storms moved magically out of our way. We stayed at the Guesthouse and took shuttles. What a nice conveinance(sp)

Most of the people at the clinic were very nice and professional. Unfortunately because I am so over weight my encounter with the Dr. was rough. He was disgusted with me from the moment he put his eyes on me. Mostly focused on the weight and I DO GET WHY but he was rude to both my husband and myself. I have been making steady progress with my weights loss and went to see him to make sure my meds and my obstruction were being treated correctly. He was short with us and abrupt and of course he's a very busy man but it is still no excuse for rudeness.

I share the truth so that anyone reading the board who might have a weight issue can know to avoid him. As I was told by the many people I met in that department it's not his bedside manor but his skills as a surgeon that you can count on when your in need of him.

All in all even with the negatives I'm feeling more confident and sure I'm on the right path. And for that I'm grateful. I'll lose the weight and when and if I get to the point I need surgery our new west coast Dr. will hopefully be in place.

Well that's my two cents. Time to go to bed.

Diana

[mtlieb]

Re: Our experience in Cleveland

Diana,

I'm so sorry to hear that the specialist was rude to you. Good lord, there's no excuse for that! I would think an HCM specialist would know better than anybody how hard it is for some of us with HCM to shed pounds. Our hearts don't always let us get the excercise we need, our meds can contribute to weight gain and slowing our metabolisms. And that's not even the point! I don't care if you ate a dozen twinkies during your appointment, there's no excuse for his treatment of you.

Dangit, i get so upset when i hear stuff like this. We put a lot of faith (and money) into these guys, and travel great distances to see them in the hope that they can help us, and to have them act like that?

Your post will probably be edited for your doctor's name. We're not allowed to say negative things here about specialists, only positive ones. But believe me, i know your frustration! Feel free to write me privately any time, okay?

Hang in there,

Jim

[Linda]

Re: Our experience in Cleveland

Diana, I'm sorry you weren't able to report back all positives about your trip to Cleveland. I am pleased that you seem to have had reassurance that you are on the right track. No one should have to suffer rudeness, and I am sure that your doctor will be concerned that you thought of him in that way and more aware of this in the future. I have known him for several years and have not seen this. Maybe a little distracted at times, but never meaning to be unkind. I know he cares deeply for his patients and only wants the best for them. That's little reassurance for you when you have had such a long trip getting there and the same trying trip to get back home. Best of luck with continuing weight loss. Let's hope things stay good for you and you don't need to use the West Coast surgery services either. Keep us posted, Linda

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Our experience in Cleveland

I am glad you found that your treatment path was moving in the correct direction! I will caution one item I would not hold out hope that the west coast clinic will be doing surgury for a while yet, it is likely that those cases will still be refered to centers with more experience for a while yet.

Best wishes,
Lisa