Update on Rodger, Laura's brother

[Nonnie917]

First let me thank Lise for the kind words of encouragement. All of you have been an encouragement to me. Here is the latest on Rodger. Drs. released him today saying that they didn't THINK anything was wrong with his heart that they could see. The cardio doctor's words were and I quote, "the next step is an angiogram, but our table only holds a maxium weight of 400 lbs, Rodger is 409, so when you lose 20 or 30 pounds and if you are still having problems, then we will do an angiogram." Rodger talked to a lawyer friend of theirs and found out that what this doctor did was "MEDICAL ABANDONMENT" for which he is liable. If they did not have the proper equipment to treat him they should have sent him immediately to the UW. So discharge doctor comes in and says the same thing about the heart tests ("appear" to be normal) but there was a problem with your cortid artery doppler. We found a tumor on each side of your neck right at the cartid body. Is it cancer? We don't know, you have to go to and ENT specialist at the UW. Not a problem now but they can grow. Well excuse me but DUH! If Rodger is suffering dizzy spells to the point he can't work, then the tumors ARE a problem. They are called paraganglioma tumors and left untreated can become cancer. Also did some research and found out that these tumors are genetic and that he and Elise will have to be checked every year for this problem. Which also means my other son and DD and her girls will have to be checked too. Sorry I went on so long, but I am just so MAD at the lacksadaisy attitude of the cardio doctor here that I could just scream. We are in for a long haul. Please continue to pray for us and keep us in your thoughts. I appreciate it.

Signed one sad mama. :17:

[Charla]

I'm praying!!!

[chloe]

OMGosh, this doc is terrible! Hoping it won't bee serious, and sending lots of hugs and healthy vibes to you, Rodger, Laura, and the whole family!

[sinead]

Lots of prayers, Chris! Thanks for the update. Is he on his way to UW now?

[Nonnie917]

Lots of prayers, Chris! Thanks for the update. Is he on his way to UW now?

No. The UW will not see anyone unless they have been referred. So he saw the chief doctor of the clinic where he goes and she said, "Well, we just do not see anything to worry about." Rodger blew his cork and made them give him a referral to a cardio dr. and an ENT dr. for the tumors. She had the nerve to tell him that they weren't tumors, just a mass of nerves. The right hand doesn't know what the left one is doing. I am on the verge of a mental breakdown because of our country's stinkiin' medical system. Thank you insurance companies. I really believe they are to blame for lack of our medical care today. I have to go. I am getting all riled up again and getting on my bandwagon. Thanks so much for caring and maybe we could pray that the Lord would work on the hearts of these medical professionals, or lack thereof, and make them fix the problem.

[sinead]

Chris, we are having similar problems with my mom. She's still having lots of dizziness/nausea after her strokes (7 months ago) and her idiot neurologist won't give her a referral to a dizziness and balance center because he says it would be a waste of time and money. You can't get in without a referral, so she's pursuing other options right now. ugh.

Lots of prayers for Rodger. i know that this is incredibly stressful for you guys. You'll be in my thoughts.

[meems]

wow, that is really awful about the doctors and the whole referral business. I hope Rodger is able to get the right medical attn and soon!

[Nathalie]

I hope your son finds a way to get the treatment he needs, hugs and prayers.