In the beginning when I started this blog, I wanted to reach out to help answer questions that people like me might want to ask. I thought if I detailed what the doctors don’t tell you, it would be an easier transition than watching the syrupy video given to you by the nurse. My daughter and two youngest grandchildren at the time went with me to see the video to learn what’s involved after bladder cancer surgery. We all watched; it wasn’t graphic, just a glimpse of adults using the appliance, what I call the “bag”. Thus the title of my blog, the Bag Lady. I tried to approach it with humor, and it is there, once you get through the OMG! part. I had a harder time adjusting than some because I kept having leaks. I hadn’t found the right type of appliance and it took three months after the two week hospital stay to find it. Luckily I swallowed my embarrassment and spoke freely to the manufacturer’s reps and they were very helpful.
My family moved to Wyoming and when I joined them, everything was fine for a while. I had lost weight, stopped the 24 hour oxygen, and went to a clinic and was helped to get off the 150mcg Fentanyl patches I was on because of back and leg pain, for over ten years. Before I moved I had to find a medical doctor and a psychologist. The CO docs at the clinic were great and I wasn’t looking forward to changing. So I picked a couple from the Internet. On my first two hour visit, an hour for each physician, I just introduced myself to the psychologist. The first words out of his mouth were “what can we do for Cheryl today”? I just stared at him with a look of disbelief and then I laughed. It went downhill from there. About ten minutes later, the MD came in, saying he needed to see me right then, or his schedule would be messed up, etc. Actually, I was relieved. Then I sat in his office, his back to me, on the computer. Without turning around he asked why I wrote a note about my doc in CO. This was about the Fentanyl and why I left and went to a clinic. I told him the truth. “She told me she couldn’t treat me anymore, and I would have to find a clinic that could prescribe F”. I added that I had planned on leaving her practice anyway, because she never talked to me, just asked questions with her back to me, on the computer. It took him a minute and then he replied, “you mean like I’m doing now”? I said “yes”. Needless to say, I never went back to either doctor.
Yes, it is funny. Sometimes you just need to laugh! I have learned over the years of health problems that you need to be your own advocate. You cannot just accept what the doctors say. You need to read and learn and ask lots of questions. If they object or say they don’t have time, find someone else. Healthcare is expensive and you usually have to wait for an appointment. So research, and when they “explain” the problem, you’ll know what they’re talking about. Medicine is the same. Make sure they know all the meds you’re on, and your allergies. Doctors don’t know everything and a lot don’t take the time to read up on the latest medicines or treatments. It’s up to you. They work for you, just like hiring an electrician or plumber.
This may sound harsh, but I’ve been to all types of doctors and trying to give you some good advice. If you read me, you expect me to voice my opinion.
The Bag Lady 
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