I have known Janet Lynn Mitchell since I met her about five years ago. We don’t see each other   often, but we recently had the chance to catch up at a women’s writers conference and I remembered just how amazing this woman’s story of medical malpractice is. But just as important is the story she chose to live –with joy–nd then tell us about in her book Taking a Stand . . .which Rest Ministries happens to carry in our bookstore! We are marking it down to a discounted price of $7.99 through 8/6/10.

Just last week a new study came out that revealed that “one-third of doctors who knew of peers who were incompetent or impaired, such as from alcohol or drug use, said they did not turn them in.” [ See Many Doctors Don't Report Incompetent Colleagues] The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, covered a variety of medical specialties, including family practice, anesthesiology, internal medicine, cardiology, psychiatry, general surgery, and pediatrics. 17% said they had direct knowledge of a peer incompetent to practice in their hospital, group, or practice; and of this 17%, 67% 17% reported the colleague to relevant authorities.

While we can recognize that medical malpractice insurance prices and rates can be staggering for physicians, what would you do if you discovered your physician didn’t even have medical malpractice insurance? I asked Janet to share her story with us here at Rest Ministries and we will be featuring it over the next few days. I hope it encourages you. Regardless of medical errors or human mistakes, God is still in control and will lead us down the path where He wants us to make a difference for Him.

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Taking a Stand – Janet Lynn Mitchell Discovers Her Doctors Lied for 15 Years

“It’s time you know . . ..” Dr. Ulild sighed while leaning back against the wall in his examining room.

Know what? That I really did hurt myself when I fell?

Instantly, Dr. Ulild broke eye contact with me. “Janet, what has happened to you is water under the bridge . . .. I was there; I was in on your first surgery. Dr. Allgood cut your bone at the wrong angle, the wrong degree. I tried to stop him, to tell him not to cut there, but Allgood goes too fast. Janet, your ligaments were cut. The rest of your surgeries on your right knee were to try to fix this mistake.”

Horrified, my heart began to pound. I could hear each beat. I thought back to high school when Dr. Ulild had become one of my orthopedic surgeons. He had been my confidant as I faced ten surgeries, all performed within three and a half years of each other.

Noooooooo! He couldn’t have, I screamed through my thoughts. Dr. Ulild and Dr. Allgood had told my parents and me that my poor surgical outcome was, “due to a congenital complication—from the way God made me!” I was familiar with Psalms 139 and knew that God had knitted me together in my mother’s womb. My doctor’s explanation made sense.

Yet, now I knew for fifteen years, my doctor’s had lied. I had lost the use of my legs due to a medical blunder and my doctor’s had had the nerve to blame my God!

I fought tears as Dr. Ulild began his list of instructions. “Janet, go to Dr. Allgood, tell him that you found out. See what he will do for you. I’m certain he’s gotten rid of your medical records.” Then leaning back against the wall, he cleared his throat and glared. “I need to make it clear to you, Janet. You’re not to tell anyone who told you this.”

“But Dr. Ulild, why didn’t anyone ever tell me this before? Why didn’t you tell my parents?”

“Janet, we thought we could fix it.”

“But didn’t I, the patient, have a right to know?” I wondered.

Emotionless, Dr. Ulild then reviewed the options I now had concerning the condition of my right knee. A total knee replacement sounded like the best choice, yet it came with no guarantees due to the amount of nerve damage. The good news was that my MRI showed I hurt my knee when I fell. Unfortunately, I had degenerative arthritis in all compartments of my knee. Dr. Ulild described it best when he said, “Janet, your knee is like that of an eighty-year-old woman!”

Dr. Ulild instructed me to think about my surgical options. Before we said good-bye, he reached for the set of X-rays that I had brought to my appointment. So shaken, I stayed silent.

“I’ll make sure you get these back,” he said. “I want to evaluate them, to compare these films with your others.” Little did I know—these X-rays would somehow disappear!

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Watch for tomorrow’s article as Janet describes her hurt and anger at God for allowing this to happen to her as well as grabbing her medical charts and making a run for it! And yes, we as patients understand that the average medical malpractice insurance rates for our doctors are high, but later on Janet shares what she uncovered about her physician and just how long he had been treating patients without the proper insurance!

Rest Ministries is delighted to have Janet Lynn Mitchell’s book, Taking a Stand, available in our bookstore. When Janet and her parents discovered they had been lied to for years and huge chunks of her medical records had been purged (along with x-rays that mysteriously went missing) what was her answer? Read more in Taking a Stand as this woman makes choices about how to find joy despite the betrayals and also make changes in laws that will protect others. Order Taking a Stand today!

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• USA Today op-ed: Physician burnout harms patients (kevinmd.com)
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• Can deciphering your doctor’s notes improve care? (sfgate.com)

I am 32 years old and was recently diagnosed with diabetes on top of having another chronic condition. I am very frustrated, and I feel like I have always had a gracious spirit and have been patient to discover the Lord’s plans for my life despite the challenges of chronic illnesses. But lately I am more discouraged than ever and if one more person tells me that I should be thankful that it’s not worse, I am going to scream. Any advice? –Jackie

Hi Jackie. I know what it’s like to live with chronic illness. I’ve struggled for several years with an autoimmune form of arthritis that keeps me in a lot of pain. Mornings are the hardest, so I’ve tried to remember to start each day by reading my Bible and praising God. There are days when I have to limp my way to the kitchen table to read my devotional and my Bible. Maybe you can relate! Hard as it might be, (and trust me, I know it’s tough), you really can praise your way through the storms of life.

I’m reminded of the story of Jehosophat, in the Old Testament. When Israel was at war against a mighty enemy, Jehosophat and the other Levites (worshipers) were sent to the front lines of the battle. Why? They led the Israelite warriors toward the enemy with praise on their lips and instruments blaring! And guess what? The battle was won. I sincerely believe that message is for us, today. Our battles are won in praise.

Sound impossible? That’s exactly what the enemy of your soul wants you to believe. He wants you think it’s impossible to thank/praise God in all situations. But it’s not. The strength to praise comes from the inward man, not the outward man. In other words, even if you were lying in a bed completely incapacitated, your inward man could still celebrate. Sure, it’s hard. But making a conscious effort to praise (and giving yourself reminders to do so) will strengthen you from the inside out. There’s a great worship song we sing at my church. The words “From the inside out, Lord, my soul cries out to you” ring true in my ears. When I don’t have the strength on the outside, I must depend on the Spirit’s work from the inside-out. My prayer is that you will discover the joy of inward praise, particularly when the outward circumstances dictate otherwise. By doing so, you will take huge steps toward an emotional and spiritual victory.

Janice Hanna Thompson is the Christian author of over fifty books for the Christian market. She is an empty nest mom who lives with two naughty dachshunds. (Truthfully, the dogs are harder to raise than the kids were.) Janice battles psoriatic arthritis and also uses a CPAP for sleep apnea. In spite of her struggles, she chooses to praise the Lord “in the storm” and hopes to encourage others along the way with her writings. Be sure to visit her website for a wide-variety of books!

He says on his web site, “I was born without arms or legs and given no medical reason for this condition. Faced with countless challenges and obstacles, God has given me the strength to surmount what others might call impossible. Along with that, the Lord has placed within me an unquenchable passion to share this same hope and genuine love that I’ve personally experienced with more than two million people all over the globe.”

Regardless of what one may believe, I can’t fathom how they could watch this man and the joy he has and not want to know more about the God that gives him his strength and ministry. Be sure to visit his web site at Life Without Limbs and watch the inspirational video below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl58qufXfYk

Related articles

• Life without limbs: the inspiring story of Nick Vujicic (medicine.com.my)

Fireproof is an amazing movie that was out in 2008 that set records for any independent film. Starring actor Kirk Cameron, heplays a fire chief and a man who is well-respected by those in his community. But his marriage is nearing the end. It’s not because of an affair with another person, or some dramatic event that takes place; but rather because, day by day, both spouses take one another a little more for granted and move away from each other than toward each other. Both are searching for validation of their emotions and even simple appreciation.

Despite the fact that the movie was at the theaters two years ago the ministry of this movie continues to impact lives and change marriages. They have set up a Fireproof website specifically for Valentine’s Day review can hear the author made some of the love dares that were completed in the film, send a Fireproof e-card, or listen to one of their hit songs from the film and download it–John Waller’s song “While I’m Waiting” from the FIREPROOF Soundtrack CD.

Here are 8 reasons I believe every married couple who copes with chronic illness should see this movie:

1. The dialogue is real, as if the writers were hiding behind the furniture of living rooms around the world and eves-dropping on actual conversations, arguments and threats. Let’s face it… real fights are most often about who has done the dishes. You won’t find the typical Hollywood lingo in this film like, “You had me at hello.”

2. The burden of care-giving is addressed. The “wife” in the relationship has a mother who has recently had a stroke. The expense of the medical equipment she needs, like a wheelchair and a bed, is shown in this film, something nearly always overlooked in your typical movie. Though this situation may be dissimilar to yours, it’s helpful to see illness and its impact on a marriage acknowledged as a stressor in a marriage relationship.

3. It will make you laugh. Just because the emotions run deep enough to bring on many tears in this movie, doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself laughing through those tears at times. Even if your marriage is “perfect” and you think you don’t need a boost, it’s a move night to share with your spouse just for fun. The firehouse crew is and the little things the actors do, where you see yourself, will bring smiles to your face.

4. It tells both sides of the story. Whether you are the spouse who is trying to make your marriage work, or the one who just wants out, you’ll find many of your emotions and fears represented. Though the husband in this film is made out in some cases to have been the one with some “problems” the wife isn’t without room for improvement in how she treats her husband either. A surprise twist at the end will leave you with a reminder that no one is perfect, regardless of how they may appear to be.

5. It’s packed with real life scenarios, including those of a fireman. This isn’t a cheap flick with a strong message, but a strong film that happens to have a solid message. If you love those “edge of your seat” movie scenes when you are eating popcorn as fast as you can get your hand to your mouth, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re a woman, you can rest easy that there is plenty of “guy stuff” in this movie that won’t make your man feel like he’s at a chick flick.

6. Kirk Cameron yells. Okay, maybe not one of the top reasons to see this film, but watching him lose his temper and kick a trash can may just leave the men (or women) in the audience feeling like they aren’t being judged of silly behavior or lost tempers. Most of us have had a situation where we’ve wanted to please our spouse and their response made us want to go kick something, right?

7. It provides a tool to take along. The book “The Love Dare,” which the actor works through to win his wife’s heart back, may seem more like a way for the movie makers to make an extra buck. It’s not. In fact, all actors worked for free. The book is rather a way that you can take something tangible away from the film and literally start applying it to your own marriage. As my mom and I left the theater the guys beside us exchanged words. “I guess I have to go order my wife some flowers now… but it’s going to cost me a fortune!” “Hey, weren’t you listening. It doesn’t matter how much they cost.” The great thing is, if you’re on a budget, expensive flowers aren’t required; it’s the actions.

If I was a Christian counselor I would hand couples the DVD (when available) and tell them to go watch it together before our first appointment.

A nice plus is the “behind the scenes” honor that actor Kirk Cameron gives his wife by keeping his own promises: he vowed to her (despite being an actor) to never kiss another woman. So his wife was flown in for the kiss at the end of the film, where she stood in for the actress. He’s been married seventeen years, is the father of six children, and a strong believer in Christ who is not ashamed to proclaim it. That makes me want to listen up to what he has to say. He made the rounds before the film released, including spots on the Today Show, Dr Phil (9/25/08) and many more and he has done well. Despite some over-eager or even rude (names not mentioned) interviewers, he has represented Christ well. He’s come a long way from the posters on my little sister’s wall!

And on a side note, you may be interested to know he founded a camp over twenty years ago, Camp Firefly, for chronically ill children and their families. (Go, Kirk!)

As the founder of Rest Ministries which serves those who live with chronic illness, I firmly stand behind this movie as being one of the best to impact a marriage. It may be the two best hours you give your marriage since the day of your vows.

Lisa Copen

PS: You may also be interested in this: Focus on the Family is putting together a “special marriage seminar on February 27 that your church can host. The Focus on Marriage simulcast conference is Saturday, February 27.” Stephen Kendrick, author of Fireproof and The Love Dare is one of the guest speakers. You can attend at a church near you that offers this event via satellite. Find a location near you here at FOTF’s web site.

Does your friend have an HMO that requires her primary physician to be a “gate keeper?” In this model, doctors must cut costs by limiting referrals. It may be necessary to contact the HMO administration to demand a second opinion. Read the fine print in the insurance packet before calling. Alternatively, she may request a new primary physician. These two processes will take time.

Unfortunately, your friend may need to spend money out of her own pocket to see the physician of her choice. Try to stick with a doctor covered by her plan because that doctor may end up being her advocate with the insurer. Explain the situation up front.

Many illnesses are difficult to diagnose. One example is a disease called “interstitial cystitis.” Doctors give antibiotics because they mistakenly think the symptoms of pain and frequent urination are due to infection. Another example is acid reflux. Doctors give antibiotics for a sore throat or cough that is not caused by strep bacteria, but by acid bubbling up from the stomach. If you “google” symptoms, you may find some clues.

I am embarrassed by doctors who give patients the brush off and HMOs that gouge. Your friend is blessed to have your concern.

Amy Fogelstrom Chai, MD, MS, is an Internal Medicine specialist with additional training in the area of medical research methods. Her experiences as a patient helped to redirect her priorities to home life and Christian ministry.

A wave, crashing against the shore
Shaking me from my reverie
I was lost in my thoughts once again
Lost within the confines of my pain
An infinite jumble of emotional fears and doubts
I struggled to make some sense
Of my life thus far

In a world tinged in darkness and pain
I know that my heart remains pure
But not untouched by it
My life of pain has left an imprint upon me
The valleys and crevices are emotions pool
Often overflow within me
Drown me in feelings of despair

And now the wave, lapping at my bare toes
Sends it’s icy fingers up my body
Refreshing and terrifying all the same
Reminding me of the coldness I once carried
Reinforcing this need to grasp onto the
only person that has given me Hope.
And claim Him as my own

A rumble, growling behind a curtain of cloud
Lost amid flashes of white against gray
Perpetuates this growing feeling
Disturbs me, but ever so slightly
Reminds me that I am real
I am alive despite the pain
I am living despite this painful reality
I live with every day

Swirling, darkening, tension grows
As a mighty flash of lightning
Licks a fragile web across the sky
And the Heavens split open
Drenching me in its awesome power
Opening up the flood gates that
Hold my emotions in check

As I had screamed into the wind and rain
Scream against the stinging drops
Rage against the injustice of my life
Of emotions, running wild
I Feel this heart with in me beat wildly
So raw! So real!
I realize I am alive despite sorrows of lost dream

Howling winds begins to carry debris
From my past and present
Carry me forward, into His arms
As I surrender myself, peace calms
The raging storm that is with in me.
Calms the sea that stand before me.

As I look towards the calming waters
I see Him walking upon the waters
As He moves towards me His foots
Steps I see in the sand.
He cups my face with His gentle fingers
And I know that despite the pain I
Feel, my life has always been in
His hands…

By Barbara Engle Dec 3 2008

My name is Barbara Engle. I am 54 years old and I have been battling the reality of Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease all my life. As a result of Crohn’s of the stomach I developed Gastroparesis. 12 years ago I was in a car accident the left me battling the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. By the grace of God and His mercy, I have learned to live with my illness and not be defeated by it. The friends that I have made here at Rest Ministries Sunroom have been a real blessing in my life and I love to share with them some of my poems and article of encouragement. Visit her web site here.