Doctor B.
Marcus Welby, MD (1969-1976)
I had an appointment with my doctor on Monday regarding my ongoing tummy issues after initially reaching out on Friday. Speaking with him always provides a sense of reassurance. As I'm relatively new to managing this condition - I inquired about when it would be appropriate to go to the emergency room (ER) during a flare-up. He informed me that I could call him on weekends if I experience a Diverticulitis flare-up, allowing me to avoid an unnecessary ER visit for antibiotics. I appreciated his willingness to make himself available like that.
Additionally, he mentioned that if he examined me and assessed that I required ER care, he would meet me there. This level of support is not unfamiliar of him. There was an incident back in 2009 when my blood pressure dropped dangerously low, leading to unconsciousness. The situation I experienced was critical, as I was essentially in a state of clinical death, lacking a detectable heartbeat. During that emergency, I was transported to the ER by ambulance, and He met us there in the early hours of the morning, providing comfort and support to us. At the time of my discharge, he even wheeled me out to the car, demonstrating his dedication to patient care.
(I have a low blood pressure)
I mean, who does that any more?
He's like Marcus Welby!
Dr. B has been my primary care physician for nearly 17 years. Initially, he was my mother's doctor, and after her passing, I confronted him regarding his failure to detect any suicidal tendencies she may have had. I was out of line, but this nice man let me blow off steam. My reaction stemmed from grief and misplaced guilt, as I had spent a full week with her before her death and felt I should have noticed warning signs.
I sincerely appreciate Dr. B, and I often think about the day he retires, although he assures me that he plans to continue practicing for some time. He is likely around 10 years my junior, and unfortunately, he no longer accepts new patients. In addition to his private practice, he serves as the head physician at the care facility where Foodie works. The three surgeons I have dealt with (gallbladder, knee, and rotator cuff) all told me that Doctor B was old school -but knows his stuff. I noticed he still uses a folder for file cabinets!
Again...who does this?
I'm telling you, he's a Dinosaur 🦕
One of the aspects I value most about Dr. B is his respect for my autonomy in making medical decisions. He represents a rare breed of physicians who operate independently. He has his own office and staff and is not affiliated with any medical corporation, which I find increasingly uncommon in today’s healthcare landscape.
I am currently reintroducing fiber into my diet. However, I've been advised to avoid nuts and seeds. Duh! This is such a bummer to me, as I previously relied on nuts for protein and appreciated their cardio-related health benefits. Additionally, I enjoy the texture that nuts and seeds bring to my meals, as they provide a satisfying crunch that I crave. Given this limitation, I recognize that my cardio health may be adversely affected. I cannot consume shellfish, and I am not particularly fond of fish.
With a life expectancy of around 70 years, (Psalm 90;10) and having already lived a year beyond that, I'm certainly not going to stress over it. None of us are getting out of this life alive or pain-free. I will just have to find comfort in knowing that God is with me, providing me with all I need - except for my nuts and seeds of course. 😞
Just for Fun:
Who was YOUR favorite TV Doctor, back in the day?
Dr. Joe Gannon on Medical Center (1969-1976)
Dr. Kildare (1961-1966)
For you youngsters...
Doogie Howser, MD (1989-1993)
Be Healthy, Stay Healthy!
Debby
Dr Welby! I loved that show even though I was fairly young when it aired. I remember watching it with my mom.
ReplyDeleteYour Dr B sounds like a winner. I worked with one Dr who was like that, but it's so rare!
Dr Welty was my favorite and I also watched Medical Center because I thought Chad Everett had gorgeous blue eyes!
DeleteMarcus Welby was my favorite. I don't think I ever missed an episode. But I watched all of the other shows too. They told me no popcorn, too!!! The unpopped kernels act just like nuts!! Oh my goodness. About two weeks ago, I passed out in my doctor's office. They could not revive me, even pounding on my chest. My B.P. tanked, and ambulance came and I am alright now. I was not clinically dead though. Did you get CPR? Did you have to take meds to raise your BP after that? Your doctor is a rare gem!!
ReplyDeleteFrom what my husband tells me, they were beginning CPR. but I didn’t have any broke ribs, I remember being sore from just everything.
DeleteNo meds but I don’t need to suppress my salt intake. My chronic low blood pressure has been an issue since my first pregnancy but the older I get, it seems to be more. I think I’d rather have high blood pressure because at least that can be better controlled.
Having a doctor you can feel comfortable with is so important. Many years ago the doctor I went to most of my life finally retired and I needed to select a new one. I had not done so yet when I needed an appointment. The clinic booked me with a new doctor for the appointment and I went thinking I was going to actually select a female doctor this time. In walks Dr. M. he was at least 6'6" and a larger frame (not overweight). By the end of that appointment I selected him as my doctor as I felt so comfortable whith him within minutes. He eventually left the clinic for Sutter and I changed to Sutter as well to keep him as my doctor. I had him for about 18 years total before he desided to leave Sutter and went to Lodi. Rumor was unhappy with the other locations because he was always getting in trouble for spending too much time with his patients.
ReplyDeleteI now have a female doctor that I really like but if I had the oppertunity to return to Dr M. I would.
As far as the TV doctors, Dr Kildare was my favorite even though I was kid back then. I thought he was so handsome.
A few years ago I registered at a healthcare clinic, just in case Doctor B retired. I wasn’t impressed at all. In the Bay Area when I had my kids, we were on Kaiser. I was used to that type of medical care but once up here, I really liked the personal attention and time spent with the patient - something Kaiser couldn’t provide.
DeleteKildare is the one I watched the most, but with our family and a tiny black and white tv I let my sons and their dad have the TV and I read books.
ReplyDeletethis doctor is amazing and I am glad you have him. I finally got a doctor that is similar to him, but female and there are 9 doctors in the building, all under Max Health. they have signs all over the walls in all the rooms saying Call us before you go to ER. the first time ever I have seen that. and I have called and avoided the ER. My doctor listens to understand and leans towards holistic healing, not always handing out drugs.
so glad you have your doctor, having been through this now for 5 years, but the last 1 really bad... It took me more than a year to get where I am, and learn which foods trigger and which I can and cannot eat... After my colonoscopy a few months ago, he warned me to stop eating sunflower nuts, he said they are tiny and hard to chew and could get caught in the really bad spot of diverticuli on my left side and rot there, and cause an ER visit. I am like you, something I love and a source of protein. I just two weeks ago changed to Brown Rice Pure Protein and and testing ways to consume it. I had been using peanut butter powdered and its full of protein, but then the doc said eating it several times a day can cause constipation because it doesn't digest well..
now I am down to once a day peanut butter on my breakfast toasted french bread.
let us know if you find protein that works. I struggle to get enough and my protein in on the low side of safe
That’s good that we don’t have to go to ER if it’s a weekend. I needed to know the perimeters on how to proceed when having a flare up. Since Ive only had two big ones but now know after my colonoscopy, no doubt more are in my future - until we decide something surgical. I’d prefer to handle it by changing my eating.
DeleteYour doctor is a rarity in this day and age, Debby, and he sounds like a gem of a person and a practitioner! My husband's cardiologist for over 25 years just retired, and Danny feels like he's lost a best friend. May Dr. B. be around for a good long time. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteA good cardiologist can be like that. My dad had a good one in San Francisco that he still kept and drove the 3 hours to see after moving here. That’s too bad Danny’s cardiologist retired. I hope he has one now that he likes.
DeleteDr Kildare for me. I was 10 when the show started and loved him. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have such a doctor.
It’s hard to find a Doctor these days.
DeleteDr. Welby for me! You are lucky and blessed to have a doctor like that. My doctor after 20 years of being with her - is retiring this year. I'm so sad.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine. I hope you find another good one!
DeleteWhoa ... what a blessing your very own Marcus Welby! I'd probably been pinching myself. I once had an ob/gyn who pretty much embodied him (MW), but not to the level you witnessed. Thank you for telling us about your experience.
ReplyDeleteDr. Kildare was my first celebrity crush.
I think he was quite the heart throb back in the day!
DeleteYou are so lucky to have a dr. like that, smiles. I think I can remember back to Joe Cannon and Welby. Wishing you a beautiful weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a relaxing weekend
DeleteI was a faithful watcher of Dr. Welby. Wish there were more feel good stories.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a doctor like him.
I do like my doctor. She really listens to me.
That is an amazing doctor you have Debby. Hang on to him. Hope your flare ups will be under control
(((hugs)))
Sue
No sadly they are a thing if the past because no longer do they work for themselves but the insurance companies. Doctor B always tells me this. He’s the last hold out.
DeleteHe sounds like a gem! Too bad younger doctors aren't more old school!
ReplyDeleteThe medical field has become big business.
DeleteThat was really nice of your doctor to tell you that you can call him. He definitely sounds like a lovely man. Sorry about the heart issue you had back in 2009. Yes, I hope he doesn't retire, he sounds excellent and I couldn't imagine you finding someone like him again. Sorry about the nuts. I really liked Doogie Howser and definitely Marcus Welby. (having trouble posting comments today. You may get this twice)
ReplyDeleteIt wasn’t my heart but my low blood pressure.
DeleteI may find a good doctor but I doubt they would go above and beyond like Dr. B does. He’s a dying breed.
I'm not really familiar with the tv doctors (or my memory might just be off today!) but I am definitely not familiar or used to doctors that like Dr. B! Wow. You are very blessed and he is certainly not your "typical" doctor!!
ReplyDelete