diagnosis and misdiagnosis
What You Need To Know About Covid-19 Testing
Covid-19 testing can be confusing. Read about the different types of Covid-19 tests and when to use them.
Read MoreWhen Your Provider Says, “It’s All in Your Head”
In a recent conversation with Annette, a young woman who has MS (multiple sclerosis), she described to me the first time she went for a drug infusion which had been prescribed by her neurologist. She arrived for the session using her walker, barely able to keep her balance. Exhausted, she was finally able to get…
Read MoreWhy It’s Important To Treat Your Body As Well As You Treat Your Car
My friend Janet had a bad wound on her leg. It had been there for two months, and just looked worse and worse. Finally, it got so bad she doesn’t even want to leave the house. “What does your doctor say about it?” I asked her. “I’ve been back to him five times!” she responded.…
Read MoreBusting the Cure Balloon and Finding a Workable Solution
“The cure cannot come soon enough.” As someone who works in healthcare, and who speaks to patients and their loved ones every day, this is a statement I hear frequently. Whether we’re talking about someone’s cancer diagnosis, or Alzheimer’s Disease, or ALS, or MS, or diabetes… it seems to be everyone’s hope – that a…
Read MoreAc-cen-tu-ate – the Negative?
It’s time to take a trip with the Way-Back Machine to a song many of us heard when we were kids – because our parents played it on the radio or record player. We all sang along! With lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and sung by Ella Fitzgerald (that’s Ella in the photo above), the song…
Read MoreThe Folly of Driving to the ER
Hugh, a gentleman of about 68 years, lived alone. Hugh wasn’t feeling well. It was just a general feeling that something – who knows what? – just wasn’t right. After a short while, Hugh walked over to see Phil, his next door neighbor. Phil agreed to drive Hugh to the Emergency Room. It took them…
Read MoreNo Diagnosis? It May Not Matter
Years ago I watched a movie called Serendipity. It starred Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. It was a “romcom” – and adorable – and it occurs to me that it sets the stage for today’s post. The story was about two young people who met in Bloomingdales while shopping, and through a series of events,…
Read MoreAre You, a Friend, or Loved One “Battling” Cancer?
Those of us who spend much of our time embroiled in some way within the healthcare system are reminded, over and over again, that not everyone sees themselves as a patient in the same way. As in: you say “tomato” and I say “tomahto.” I was reminded of this after reading this article from New…
Read MoreSometimes the Doctor IS Wrong: How to Avoid Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis. This topic is very personal. In fact, over the years I have been affected by PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) because of a misdiagnosis that I experienced. But because it’s so personal, I may be the best person to share this lesson with you. My name is Trisha Torrey. Thirteen years ago this week,…
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