TGIF
I fired my cardiologist this week.
Ironically, it was because he has no heart.
The occasion that prompted his dismissal was my appointment with him on Monday.
He was to review the latest test results and perhaps set the day for open heart surgery if the results merited such.
I was more than a tad nervous when he walked in the office.
He sat down and using the language of his trade spoke to the papers in front of him for a few minutes.
The only thing I understood was that I was to return in six months and he dismissed me from his presence.
I received my paperwork from the front desk and went to my truck to start home.
I glanced at the paperwork as I started the engine…and was stunned to see a new diagnosis on the front page.
“Aortic aneurysm: not ruptured”.
That’s a good thing…because if it was ruptured I’d be reading about how I died.
He hadn’t mentioned this new problem to me.
He evidently wasn’t concerned enough to do so.
He also was unconcerned that reading that would send a reasonable patient into a panic.
It could give them a heart attack…
It was really bad news with no words about a hope or a cure.
I tell you all that not because it’s important for you to know my medical history, but so you won’t imitate my cardiologist.
Christians have read all the paperwork and become adept at diagnosing the ills of the world and their fellow men.
We proclaim the sins of others and the world like that paper proclaimed my disease.
We declare the bad news without any words of hope or cure.
We pronounce that the end is near and judgment is upon them.
We do so, too often. without any semblance of the heart of God.
We wonder why, for the most part, we’ve been fired.
We speak the language, but not the concern, of our texts.
We see the problems, but have no heart.
Bad news can condemn and terrify, but knowing the bad news can be the first step toward healing.
However, it can only bring healing when accompanied by good news from a Healer.
I’m off to find one of those…I suspect that others who understand their diagnosis are as well.
Make your own application…
Strong message. Thanks for the reminder.
PS- my dad had the same condition and made it to 86. They just regularly monitored its size to make sure the weak spot didn’t get too enlarged.
Good word!
Welcome to my world for the last 6 months.
The only doc that would use real words to explain what was happening to my mom was her oncologist.
He just moved to CA to be closer to his kids…..
Ugh….
Eeks….hope you find a competent physician…and EricL, that is SO great! Thank you for sharing about your dad…. My dad had one too….. lived to 77, died from cancer, not the aneurysm.
I won’t set up my soapbox for a diatribe on my distrust of conventional medicine….there is a place for it… but much of it is a death sentence for profit.
IMO, much of the church ‘treats’ illness with raging legalism, almost guaranteeing the death of the ‘patient’…. However, a steady ‘diet’ of kindness, love, prayer and gentle application of admonition would lead the patient to the Great Physician. Legalism is deadly ‘mal practice”…. killing many.
You are really, really smart to get more eyes on this problem. I have a friend who was the youngest person in the US to have a valve replacement (9 years old) and now in his forties, several cardiologists told him there was no hope. He got to the Mayo clinic and they were able to replace the valve which was failing and give him other treatments.
I work for 96 doctors and most have told me that they would put 2 or 3 doctors on a bad problem and get as much information as they could before they would ever agree to a treatment plan. Find the best you can find, Michael, and you may even want to find a third. Find the best cardiology practice you can within your network and have them look at this.
Michael
Very sorry to hear about your condition and the experience with the doctor.
I am praying for you and will continue to do so.
My family and I have been through a lot the last 8 years with severe health issues so I do empathize with people going through illnesses.
It took me 3 years to find a thoughtful caring and knowledgeable doctor and after 5 years of seeing her I have finally got something of a breakthrough.
I hope you will find a great doctor soon.
May the Lord strengthen you in your trial.
As Eric said already, thanks for the reminder, Michael.
I have had discussions with my children about the various evils they have seen and questioned. And it is far too easy look down with condemnation from my moral higher ground. Then it occurs to me that I don’t want my children to pick that up from me…….I have to remember they need to know the heart of God towards people, not my clouded one.
Praying you find a better cardio, and very sad to hear he was so lacking in compassion. I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm 3 years ago. Mine was repaired fairly quickly, due to it’s size. It was 54mm, and spread from the root to the top of the arch. My symptoms were becoming quite difficult to live with. Mine was actually genetic, caused by a bicuspid aortic valve, which was also replaced. I now have a mechanical.
I don’t know what the standards are in the U.S. (I am in Canada), but here they changed the standard for repairing an aneurysm (changed it the year after my surgery) to 56mm (it had previously been 54mm, I think). So apparently I made it in under the wire. IMO the size shouldn’t be the only determining factor, the symptoms should play a bigger role.
Good word Michael. Compassion for the sick is the heart of Christ. Luke 5:31
Thanks all for the good words and prayers …
You were wise in dumping him, Michael. I sure wouldn’t feel confident with a doctor with his bed side manner. Keeping you in my prayers.
Michael, you are mentioned to God in our daily prayers at our house.
Praying for you, my friend!
Like many others, praying for you. I’ll be making my own application!
Glad you’re getting a new doc…prayers for your health…
Thanks again, all…the prayers keep us afloat.
I spent decades working in healthcare. This is what doctors are like. Our culture worships them and they believe it. Glad you dumped him. Don’t give up. May God bless you and keep you. He is in control.
James 5:14English Standard Version (ESV)
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
While we can’t exactly anoint you with oil we can do with such as we have…
The oil symbolizes God’s presence and favor along with his calling over you with empowerment and it seals you as being one of His whose name is written in the Lambs book of life.
As such we humbly bow before our King and have the honor of making the request that He would bring healing to you as all of us know He is capable of doing.
Dear Jesus our Healer would you heal Michael’s heart of all that needs repair?
We (All of us who read this) ask this of you in your wonderful all inclusive name.
Amen.
Many people wrestle with whether or not it is God’s will for them to be healed.
This stems from people feeling unworthy, religious teachings and bad doctrine based on peoples experiences not on the Word of God.
However we know what the will of God is from his Word and his Word is very clear on healing and miracles.
“Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases”Psalm 103.3.
“by whose stripes ye were healed”1Peter 2:24.
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”Acts 10:38.
Jesus said “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”.
Looking at the life of Jesus he healed everyone that came to him to be healed.
NOT ONCE do we see Jesus telling someone “No, God needs you in heaven, you can’t be healed.”
Jesus healed everyone that came to him.
God is good, he love us and is for us.
Jesus says “I will !”
Even the wicked when they humble themselves and yield to God find favor with Him.
God is for you!
He loves you so much he sent Jesus!!
The one name of God out of His many that we look to today is Jehovah Rapha (Rophi) –
The LORD our Healer.
RUN TO THE STRONG TOWER OF
JEHOVAH RAPHA
THE LORD YOUR HEALER
(The Great Physician)
(Exodus 15)
Genesis 16 – El Roi – God Who Sees All your trials & afflictions.
Genesis 17 – EL Shaddai – God Almighty – All Sufficient & able to complete His good work in you.
Genesis 22 – Jehovah Jireh – God Will See & Provide the sacrificial offering
Exodus 3:14 – Jehovah the great I Am Who is anything & everything I will ever need
Exodus 12 – Passover Lamb – Redeemed by the blood of the lamb
Exodus 15 – Jehovah Rapha- God your healer of all your diseases
Exodus 17 – Jehovah Nissi – Lord Your Banner Who wins the victory
Exodus 31:13, Lv 20:8, 21:8,15,23, 22:9,16,32 – Jehovah Mekeddeshem – Lord Who Sanctifies You & makes you holy unto Himself
Judges 6 – Jehovah Shalom – LORD is your peace even in the midst of tumult & distress
The All Becoming one becomes what we need at ever turn of life!
He has so many names that we can not even begin to fathom them all.
Your in very good hands Michael, fear not and trust in His name above all names.
We stand with you in your hour of need and will all make intercession on your behalf.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Amen to your prayer, Surfer51.
Amen, indeed…thank you,Surfer 51.
Michael, I received the same diagnosis several years ago. I too was not pleased with the cardiologist,I got a second opinion,he told me the “six months” number is pulled out of the air,he recommended to correct it (open heart surgery)right away. He sent me to Vincent Gaudiani ,a renowned surgeon , in Redwood city Ca,, 2900 whipple ave suite 225.It was a surreal experience,excellent care,quick recovery,that gave me a new lease on life.I strongly recommend this route.May the Lord Bless you with His wisdom.
I’m praying for you. Is Kahlua off your menu?
JTK…it’s all that keeps me going… 🙂
Bill,
Thank you…I hope to have a second opinion next week and some resolution.