Health Care and Parkinson’s

Before I start this post,  I need to disclose that I have been in health care for forty years. I have worked in clinics, hospitals and universities. I was fortunate to know that I wanted to be in medicine since I was a little girl. I am not sure why I was drawn to this profession, but it was simply my calling.  It has been a very rewarding career. 

Now I am a patient. I see the health care system from a totally different perspective. Having been a health care professional definitely influences my interactions with each of the doctors, PAs, and nurses I encounter. . I understand the medical terminology they use because I speak the language. Sometimes this is good, sometimes it is not. When I have an appointment, I am able to be open and honest with my practitioners in a way that let’s them know I want the same from them. I have an excellent neurologist who is bright, pragmatic and has a good sense of humor. During our appointmnet, Dr. P and I get right to it. I appreciate this approach and feel it allows the time to be used efficiently. If I need to slow it down and ask more questions, it is up to me to let her know. Together we come up with a plan to handle the latest issues and I feel that this team approach works perfectly for me.

For the past two years, I have been struggling with the decision as to whether or not to have a procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). It is a surgical procedure that reduces some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. It specifically is beneficial for patients who have tremor-dominate Parkinson’s which is what I have. I know other people who have had the procedure with good results, but it is not a decision to take lightly. I have been assessed by the speciality neurologist who would refer me to the neurosurgeon who does the procedure. I was found to be eligible and approved by the the neurologist, but I could tell he was hesitant. So I asked him directly, “If I was your sister, would you recommend that I have the procedure at this point?” I appreciate his candid answer, no. We discussed that my Parkinson’s could still be treated and somewhat controlled by medication. The invasive procedure of DBS could wait. 

I recognize the importance of having a good relationship with your health professionals, especially when having a long-term condition. I trust those who are caring for me and realize that my disease cannot be cured, but controlled. I am fortunate to have insurance coverage that allows me to get the care I need. I never take this for granted. Good health care professionals and good health care insurance are essential to patients with chronic diseases. How blessed I am to have both.