I am writing a book called "surviving the American Medical System." This is my introduction. Please let me know what you think.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Gary Smith and I have a type of Cancer known as Carcinoid. I learned I had this disease when doctor mentioned the name, yet no one mentioned to me the fact it was a type of Cancer. I did not learn this until returning home to research the disease on the Internet.
The reason I decided to write this book is when I was first diagnosed I thought the American Medical system would open up it's arms and enfold me in care and make sure I survived as long as possible. I thought Doctors and others would know and understand what I had, and just like in the movies I’d soon be well and on my way.
What I actually discovered is the American Medical system is a harsh place and if you do not learn about it and how to manage it, your outcome for your particular situation will likely not be good. Have no doubt about it, the medical system is a business proposition, and this is the underlying theme in our American system of medicine. Doctors are making a living, Hospitals are trying to return value to their stakeholders, and the Pharmaceutical companies are trying to get new drugs into the market before their “cash cows” are forced to become generic.
I lucked out when first diagnosed. I had no idea as to what I was doing so I started to study my disease as much as I could. Luck was on my side as I worked for a publishing company and there was a lot of information about my particular kind of Cancer. Fortunate for me my first surgeon was experienced in my disease and since his operation I've just had a few treatments and am very stable.
The ifollowing pages contain information that I've gathered through years of experiencing doctors, hospitals, treatments, operations, medications, insurance companies, disability and all of the other things which go along with having a disease such as this.
This book will walk you through your first diagnosis, and everything from that point to where you (hopefully) end up managing your disease. I participate in informational Internet based groups, and one thing I've noticed is that those who manage their care and follow a plan are those who survive the longest. Those who put their trust into individuals who are not experts in their field and allow their treatments to be determined for them are, in my opinion, the ones who don't survive as long. Your disease may be different, and this is why talking with others who have your disease is going to be imperative to you and your family.
For you to survive the system, you are going to have to become empowered with a thirst for knowledge, develop an ability to seek out and apply the best treatments possible, and finally firmly communicate with your care givers in order to survive the longest.
A good friend of mine during dinner once told me his mother-in-law said something to the effect that those "who have a disease and manage it actually live longer." I have found this adage to be true and hope you find it helpful.
I would like to thank all of the caregivers as well as the people who have helped me along the way. Waking up one day and looking into a mirror and seeing your own mortality is very difficult, however, if you have good company on the way the journey can be almost enjoyable.
Finally, my wife Karen. My wife is my inspiration and my rock. She is my role model and the person that I love more than anyone in the world. She has been my support and my caregiver for so many years and as I went up and down in health and activity, she continued to love me and our family and is the firm foundation of our faith and hope in the end. She is my eternal companion and I'm so lucky to have met her for the short time I'm on the earth.
