Different Views

Having someone go through something major like a transplant seems to be a similar, but very different experience for everyone. I knew that was true from the patent's/family point of view, but it appears to be so from the different health care professionals points of view as well.

Our experience with our personal health care providers has been cautious, but positive. Our family doctor, our dentist, and our gastroenterologist, have all wanted to ensure that everything is at least coordinated with the transplant team. We just presumed this would be the attitude of all medical professionals.

When my husband, on a weekend naturally, suddenly developed signs of dental infection; our dentist and the transplant team ensured he received the appropriate antibiotic. Both made sure we kept them apprised of how the symtoms reacted to the antibiotic. The dentist saw us first thing Monday morning for X-rays, formulated a plan that was presented to the transplant team, who concurred. I perceived that taking care of Allen was everyone's first priorty and never even thought that professional ego was involved in any way. I didn't even think about this being anything except the way that caring healthcare professionals act.

However, yesterday, I heard of a different reaction from another transplant patient's health care profesisonals in a neighboring town. (Don't believe the location of the doctor' is the issue, could have been others here in our area just as easily.) Our friend's husband suddenly developed some fairly serious complications, serious enough for hospital admission. When our friends requested they be transferred to the transplant center, they perceived their doctor took offense, stating he could take care of this issue at this local hospital.

I am truly hoping that, given the stress that everyone was under, this was a mistaken perception. Transplant patients take very powerful anti-rejection drugs, so events occur suddently. These patients also react differently to treatment than otherwise healthy patients do.

This is not the time for egos to stand in the way of patient care.