Multiple Organ Transplant

[cocojax]

Hi Everyone, well I went to my GP yesterday and advised him what they said at Toronto General about the blood clot, breaking off and going to my lungs, he did not seem surprised or really concerned for that matter. I have know for quite a while that I need a new GP, but that just confirmed it. In Dec of 2000 I banged my shin on a grocery cart, a week later at work my right side started paining me, I left it over the weekend but by Monday I could barely walk. I went to the walk-in clinic and the Dr. there said there was blood in my urine so he figured I had a bladder infection, I asked why it was bothering my leg and groin so much if it was a bladder infection, so he listened to lungs with a stethoscope and said it sounded blocked, so I told him about banging my leg, he said that would have nothing to do with it and sent me home with antibiotics. At about 1:oo am I was throwing up and felt horrible so my husband took me to hospital emergency where they confirmed that I had a blood clot that had traveled to my groin. 5 months of blood thinners and not being able to get up, my GP is wondering why it is taking so long for me to heal. Never did they do another cat scan to check what was wrong, I think he thought I was just prolonging my time off work. That spring is when I noticed I was having trouble doing things and becoming SOB. Now years later I find out and will have it confirmed with this next test that that clot probably had moved to my lungs and probably progressed the copd. I know I am rambling but I am angry that none of the Doctors would listen to me So please everyone you know your bodies better than anyone don't let anyone dissuade you of what you know and feel, as they do not pay a price you do..again sorry for the ramble but had to get it out and warn others...I am grateful that I may be a candidate for a double lung transplant BUT.....

[virginia]

CoCo, I'm so sorry that you have had to go through all thisjust because the doctor didn't listen to you..It's a shame And it happens all the time ..really frustrating ...You take care ..you're in my prayers..Virginia

[LindaNY]

Oh Coco, my heart goes out to you. ((((hugs))))
Is there agency you can report that incompetent doctor to? If there is, go for it. What he did was horrible to say the very least.

[cheryl]

Ellen,

That is terrible. I feel bad for you. Doctors should listen because you're right, we know what's "normal" for us and when there is something wrong. I'm sorry you had to go through all that. I hope the future will be brighter. I'll be thinking of you.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Gr-r-r-r-rr- It's d**ned annoying isn't it Ellen? Dr's; the ones we put our trust in and it can have such negative results. I know of a few cases even here locally and frankly if I was living in the US believe me I'd be encouraging a couple of the families here to go after this particular Dr (the same one in both cases). Like Ann Landers use to say ...."they didn't all graduate from the top of their class". Some one was at the bottom.

You might want to google the 'College of Physicians & Surgeons" for Ontario. Actually Bear might have that address handy since contacting them all was part of our latest campaign. I'm sure they have a complaint process and form you could file if you're interested.

Also; and if you're interested; there's a link on my site and a little bit of info re: Melodie Pearson" who's awaiting a double Lung Transplant (in Quebec). She has a couple of sites. Go to www.copdcanada.ca On the right hand side you'll see links for 2 pages re: Melodie. Follow them through to hers.

I'm really, really sorry Ellen that you had to go through all this. You have every right to feel sad and angry. Channel some of that anger by contacting the College of P&S for Ontario. Why not?

[morningstar]

Coco,

I am sorry I missed this until just now. How terrible. You are changing GP's right? I hope I write this the way I mean it. The blood clot could have killed you so maybe it was better to have COPD than death. I hope you understand I don't word things right sometime.

Stop worring about Rambling talk, scream rant and rave you have every right. We are hear to support you how ever it turns out.

None of us would never abandon the ship of Captain Nana.

You are in my thoughts, and wishing you healing.

Rosmarie

[bobbioh]

Co Co I so understand your frustration. And Im so very sorry that your GP is a A** Good luck, Hang in there . bobbioh

[cocojax]

Thanks everyone, I am going to try and find a new GP closer to me, that is willing to go thru this thing with me. Again just like smoking I cannot change the past we have to move forward. Hopefully after the tests I will be accepted for the transplant and just put all my energy in doing a good job, as I said this morning I have set a goal for myself to be in the best possible shape that I can be, that means eating correctly to maintain my weight, physically being in the best shape I can be and the best mental shape. ( that could be the hardest one as you have to consult with a psychiatrist, better not mention Captain Nana) If you are interested here is the link for Toronto General Hospital regarding transplants...
www.torontotransplant.org/patients/lungs.cfm

[kygal]

Jackie, (& others)

I agree with you whole-heartedly about reporting this doctor to the College.....but have to say it won't do much good. Not sure about the other provinces, but here in Ontario, the shortage of doctors is so severe that they do nothing to them and basically ignore the issue. There was a doctor reported on the Toronto station that had literally maimed 8 women doing surgery and they had a lawsuit filed against him and the man was still practicing, there was nothing noted about his past records, nothing!

I know how Ellen feels, you have heard me complain about the lack of care my husband received for over a year and again, our hands are tied.

Ellen, I wish you luck finding another doctor, we can't find one that will touch us with a ten-foot pole here in the Niagara region. Maybe we'll have better luck after the end of this month when our old family doctor releases us from "emergency-basis care." At least then we can prove we definitely DO NOT have a family doctor.

Mary

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Ladies; there's gotta be a listing of "what GP's" are accepting new patients.............somewhere. I'm scratching my memory banks here as to what I did when we moved back to Nova Scotia after being out of the province for 30 years.....(Nova Scotia is probably worse in that regard for family Dr.) Anyway; it was 7 years ago. My few siblings here (their Dr's weren't accepting new patients.

I know I went on line looking; can't remember if it was a listing from the College of P & S or the (Medical board? ) or what it was. But; there was a list of "potential" Dr's that "may be" accepting new patients..... I made some calls; got a Dr (for lack of a better word ) about 20 min. from where I live. Maybe if you called the Provincial Board and asked if the province or your area has such a list? Just a thought.

[cheryl]

Thanks for the link Ellen, My husband's Uncle is awaiting a double lung transplant to be done at, I think it's Toronto General. I hope everything goes well for you.

[cocojax]

I am not a very religious person, however I do believe in the power of positive thinking. I also believe that you have to have a strong will to live. From what I have read from everyone on this site we are fighters and we all have our reasons for that. I am not saying people should not believe in religion, but each to their own. I also would never tell anyone not to pray for themselves or me. We are all on the right track here, the moral support is tremendous.. and I thank everyone for being so positive...

There is no beginning or end.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift.

[kygal]

Jackie,

There IS a list online at the College of Physician's website for each province. Only thing I found with the one for Ontario was it seems to be out of date. Most doctors I called hadn't been taking patients for a while. But, I do continue to look and check.

Mary

[the bear]

Ellen; Try www.ratemds.com This site lists doctors both in U.S. and Canada according to state or province. If he is not listed, type in his name and give him the devil. Hope this helps, I am not a great believer in revenge but if you can stop just one other patient from undergoing your mental anguish, pain and suffering I say go for it girl. Hugz, as ever, bear

[LindaNY]

great site Bear, thanks.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Ellen: Have you tried this.....(sounds promising)


Find a Doctor Accepting New Patients
Find a Doctor
416-967-2626
www.cpso.on.ca
A service offered by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Find a Doctor, provides you with the names of Ontario physicians who are accepting new patients.


Is this the listing you already checked? Just choose whether you’re seeking a GP or Specialist, then the area… (The site says the list is checked annually)
www.cpso.on.ca/Doctor_Search/dr_srch_hm.htm

[cocojax]

This video is two years old and some of the concerns have been dealt with but it still is very interesting and this is Doctor Waddell is the Doctor I saw at Toronto General Hospital and he is the Doctor that will be doing my transplant if I am accepted to the transplant program. I find it fascinating and has given more confidence to have the procedure done if I am accepted..
Take a look:
www.tgwhf-uhn.ca/mcewen/Lung1.htm

[cheryl]

I found that interesting too. I'll have to go back and check out the different headings.