It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. In that time I’ve been the Gramma-sitter for my two little grandsons while their new baby sister arrived (welcome Kyla Shay!), buried my ex-husband’s cremains (he died last April), spoken to two groups of patients, recorded two radio shows and finished my book proposal. Enough excuses, you say! But […]
Daniel Was Misdiagnosed with SPTCL, Too Read More »
When I was (mis)diagnosed with SPTCL (subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lyphoma) in 2004, I was handed a book, published in July 2004, that stated that “fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the last decade.” Yeah — really, really rare. Because that’s a book used by oncologists all over the world. Then, from Fall 2004
Daniel’s SPTCL Diagnosis is Suspect, Too Read More »
Beginning October 1, 2008, Medicare, and many health insurance companies, will no longer pay hospitals for the additional services needed for patients who suffer from “never events.” Never Events, as defined by the National Quality Forum, are those events which should never happen to a patient. There are 28 errors on the list ranging from
Never Events — Shooting the Messenger Read More »
I had lunch today with a long-time friend, Mindy. (No, of course that’s not her real name…) It’s been at least a year since we saw each other, and probably two since we had a long conversation. My heart broke as I learned that her daughter, Lindsay (not her real name either) has, for lack
Ulterior Motives for Eating Disorders, Too Read More »
Last January I posted three stories I had been told, all within a few days of each other, about patients who had acquired MRSA in the hospital and had been revictimized by the system that would not treat them, listen to them, or help them get well. Over the next several days, I was condemned,
MRSA: Patients Ignored, Left to Die – Redux Read More »
I’ve added another guest post this morning — one that will break your heart, too. John T. James, PhD, a dad — and now a fixer — posted about his son Alex, a seemingly healthy 19-year-old college runner who one day collapsed, was hospitalized, and died a few weeks later. The problem is, of course,
A Sea of Broken Hearts – Dad Posts About the Loss of Alex Read More »
Last week I spoke to a group of payers — health insurance executives, Medicare and Medicaid representatives — and shared with them the many ways in which we patients feel the American healthcare system is failing us. The points I made came from you — my readers — from the many stories you have shared
Guerrilla Patienting: Getting the Healthcare You Need Read More »
(The post below was put online this morning at 8:15 EDT. An update at 10 AM — Randy Pausch died this morning. My prayers are with his family.) ………………………………………………….. Because so many of you, my readers, have checked here to learn more about Randy Pausch, I bring to your attention a comment made by Claudia,
July 2008 – Update on Randy Pausch Read More »
