Too many doctors here; too few in Haiti

Survived earthquake against all odds.

In disaster, someone found a way of coping.

I don’t remember ever canceling so many doctors’ appointments in one week.  I just didn’t have the energy to go. It seems every time I go to a specialist he or she grows three tails in the form of three more appointments.  Yesterday I mustered up the strength to see a chest specialist. He is very thorough and I appreciate that, but he sprung his three tails, one for a lung function test today at 9.00 and I had to cancel, just not up to it, secondly for a speech therapist for a swallowing test and thirdly for a CT scan  and then, of cause, as always , a follow up.  I also cancelled a liver function test that I didn’t need because I get that with my chemo.  The chest specialist asked me if I had told my thoracic surgeon that I had problems with my speech since his operation.  Of course I had done the ‘follow up’ or had I?   Very quickly after seeing him I was moved on to the throat surgeon who referred me to a speech therapist .  I think I have seen over 25 doctors during my three bouts of cancer and I don’t shop around for opinions. It seems doctors beget doctors  beget practioners beget pills and potions and more pills and potions.

Then there are the ‘other’ doctors or practitioners one would like to see.  I see a cognitive therapist who keeps  my enthusiasm for this blog going and keeps me going.  Even only seeing him every three weeks (and he is around the corner) proved too much this week.

There are the people I might like to see but can’t.  I read on the Mayo Clinic web site that a significant number of people who have ‘tingling of hands and feet’ symptom are helped by acupuncture.  Great idea but when, where and how much?   And massage?  And Rieki?  And nutritionists? And on and on.

Today  I think of Haiti.  I haven’t been there for about 40 years.  My first trip was in 1965 and I remember going up the post office steps to mail a package home and seeing on every step people who needed medical attention. I remember one boy walking towards the steps with his finger severed holding it on.  They weren’t worrying which doctor to see, which tests to have, which alternative practitioners to visit  What has changed for them in almost a half century?  Where are the big hospitals that can withstand hurricanes and earthquakes?  Not in Haiti, I can assure you.  Where is the clean water and the food supply?

‘To be honest, Mr Pat Robertson, I don’t think there are many voodoo doctors left in Haiti, but if I was there right now, in the agony of pain, I would try to get an appointment and my money is on the fact that you would be fighting to make your pact with the devil or anyone else who would offer you some attention and help.

The Olafson Hotel still stands a rickity hotel at best.  Unbelievable. A tribute to survivors.