Divorced from Hepatologist also

[Bluegirl52]

After reading Wayne’s article about his Dr divorcing him, I found it interesting because the same happened to me a few months ago. I joined this forum because I wanted to take better care of my liver after my Cirrhosis diagnosis. After much testing at Duke, it was determined that it wasn’t from fatty liver disease but because of my severe tricuspid regurgitation of that heart valve. My heart basically was killing my liver with fluid backing up into the liver from the heart. Anyway, after seeing my Hepatologist for a few years, my Tricuspid valve was replaced a little over a year ago. My Cardiologist said that made my liver very happy. I still have Cirrhosis (Cardiac Cirrhosis) for anyone interested in learning about it but I guess my Dr at Duke had more sick patients, which I totally understand, and passed me off to her PA. I still follow the liver diet I learned on this site just in case any fat was involved in all this. It’s ingrained in my mind, I guess. But I must admit, I was very comfortable with my Dr throughout this journey and was a bit shocked and sad when I was passed off. I still go to Duke every six months for scans,etc. and get my endoscopies every 2-3 years. The PA is very good and I have the assurance that if needed, my Hepatologist is close by. I think there are so many new sicker liver patients and everyone is being spread thin. All the more reason to educate people about liver disease before things get out of hand. Sorry for the long post.

[nash2 Partner]

Dear Blue

Great personal testimony except for the apology at the end. We need the story. The can't be told in the one liners and I value the narrative of your journey. I'm proud that you shared it with us.

Wayne

[Ilovejoe]

Well written from the heart. Good health to you. Thank you for sharing!

[Nibby]

I understand totally. I have a different problem and that’s with Vanderbilt. Who for whatever reason have not believed my cirrhosis diagnosis made in 2007 from U of Pa Hospital (greatest place ever) even though I had been biopsied etc and have consistently pushed me off to PA’s etc. crazy as it sounds they just did a fibro scan and reluctantly told me at F4 it does look like cirrhosis but the test isn’t totally reliable.

[donetrucking]

Duke is a cooperation based on profit . the doctors are employees with production levels to meet .They are directed as to what drugs ,labs and treatment's they can offer . Hence you will be passed off to a"provider". in other words a doctor is to expensive.

There a many great doctors at Duke but they are training residents ,supervising fellows and doing research which is why after waiting months for an appointment you' will see a fellow and they will "inform"" the specialist what they found, then the specialist is making decision on what that trainee tells them. Eventually you will be see a P.A. or N.P.

Those of us who live in NC know how inpaired our "famous" hospitals are now. I don't blame the doctors they are not in charge.

Be Careful surgery/procedures at Duke will be done by residents or fellows. I used to insist on the attending but that is usually no longer an option for most procedures.

The above is true in most of the country now.