For those of us with a chronic condition finding a new doctor feels like a decision that will impact the length of our very life. Laura shares.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are able to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace'”‘” (Numbers 6:22-26).
I said goodbye to my primary care doctor. He is moving south to operate a satellite office of a major hospital. It was an opportunity too good to pass. I am genuinely happy for him; but with this change comes apprehension for me.
People dealing with chronic conditions know that when we find a competent, caring doctor we hold on tightly to them.
I have known this doctor for twenty-one years, fresh out of medical school. I saw several physicians in the practice at that time, but on December 30, 2010 he became my primary doctor. It was my 12th wedding anniversary. I had suffered with migraines and dizziness all of December and ended up with this doctor on my second sick visit in four days.
After determining I was severely dehydrated he pumped two bags of fluids into me and remarkably I felt better. This was my first of many experiences with intravenous therapy.
The appointment was pivotal as he put me on a three-week sick leave. We did not know then that my autonomic nervous system was misfiring. In the subsequent months, as my health spiraled downward, this doctor never lost hope of helping me. In fact, he apologized early on for not knowing what was wrong; how to treat me.
We persevered together. Since that day, I have had 56 office visits. Of that number 48 were with him.
He stuck with me from the beginning– he learned more about dysautonomia than he ever probably wanted to. He listened. He reassured when I was fearful and encouraged me to get a pacemaker. And we talked about God.
I am leery about finding a new doctor, but I will do two things to hopefully gain another amazing primary care physician. I will meet several doctors and see how they operate. And I will trust God to lead me to the proper provider. Just like He did so many years ago.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember to trust in You and know that You guide us in our decisions. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband of 27 years and three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who currently runs a HopeKeepers group at her church. She has dysautonomia, the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls such invisible functions as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature regulation.
How do you handle change?
Hi Laura,
I have been reading Rest Ministries for a few years now now but as of lately, been quite a long while actually, Enough that I have no idea how to post as all changed and I don’t do Facebook, Twitter, etc. I am also in the process of finding a new doc and yes it is daunting. Too long to go into but a lot of hard work and much prayer. But really wanted to ask u about your HK group as I too have one at my church but am down now to 3 gals and myself. Getting discouraged as i know there are people who could use our group. If u have any tips, would appreciate it.
Right now, I have been in a horrific fibro flare going on 3 months and praying God will give me enough energy to keep on with my activities. I have had to give up almost everything I like, as u and all of us have had to do and am just not going to let this group go unless God decrees it!
God has blessed me with a Prayer Shawl Ministry that is blessing me and humbling me like nothing else in my life! It’s unbelievable how people respond to the shawls, the note, the box,etc. What a gift he has given a sick old gal about to turn 72 years on this earth. The response has just been mind blowing!!
PS, Some of the gals who have been on site for long time might remember me.
Thanks much.
Blessings,
Patty D.
Patty
Thanks for this, Laura.
Praying Abba to bless you with a doctor, who is more than you could ask or hope for!
love, Lesetta
What a blessing to have had such a wonderful Dr, who was willing to learn as he walked alongside you, Laura! 🙂
Very sad to see him leave, but I pray that God would lead another excellent Dr into your life. God bless you as you trust Him to lead you in this. LOTSoluv Kerryn