August 10, 2010 was the first day of a new life for me.
“Embrace each GOOD DAY. They WILL be few and far between, but the memory of the GOOD DAYS will keep you strong as you fight this disease.”
The morning of August 10, 2010, my husband, Vince, and I eagerly packed up our car with the last six years of my medical records and notes. A two-hour, one way road trip, brought about excitement, uncertainty, and spiraling minds full of questions and concerns. We were heading to Waupaca, Wisconsin to meet with my new doctor. We had heard a lot about Dr. ‘H.’ ”He is one of the best when it comes to Lyme Disease.” ”He is one of the smartest doctors we know.” ”He has helped a great deal of people suffering from Lyme Disease and Chronic Lyme Disease.” ”He helped me get my life back.” That is all we needed to hear. We were on our way!
I had been on a waiting list to see him. Luckily, at the time, his waiting list wasn’t nearly as long as it is now. I had made the decision NOT to waste my time, money or energy by visiting with any other doctors who were illiterate to Lyme Disease. I would wait patiently for my scheduled appointment. In the mean time, I would collect all my notes, medical transcripts, and jot down all questions and concerns I had.
As we arrived to the small town of Waupaca, WI., we quickly found his clinic: a small, brick building shared with other town businesses. A simple sign on the front of the building read: “H________ Clinic.” We’re here! A couple of deep breaths as we got out of the car, white notebook in hand. We had no idea this would be the first day of a new life for me….for us.
This is My Notebook. It holds all my medical notes and transcripts from 2004 to present day.
Entering the small building, we followed a short, narrow staircase to the lower level. We walked into what could have been mistaken for a hunting lodge of sorts…. very simple. Stuffed, mounted fish decorated the walls. I asked his assistant behind the desk, “Did he catch all of those?” ”Yep…he sure did!” Pictures of elk, deer and other game animals found their place on the old paneled walls. There was nothing fancy nor extravagant about Dr. ‘H’s’ Clinic. However, what caught my attention were the numerous hand written letters and pictures drawn by children wallpapering the front desk. All of them THANKING Dr. ‘H’ in one way or another.
There were only three wobbly chairs in the tiny waiting room; Vince and I settled down in two of the them. It was a hot, humid day. There wasn’t any air conditioning, nor a fan. They did, however, have the back door open. Looking out, it led to a deck overlooking a beautiful flowing river. Wow. His assistant said, “There are days I would like to throw a line out there and catch some dinner before I head home. Isn’t it beautiful?” Yes, indeed it is.
A door opened behind us. Out walked a man, looking more like a patient than a doctor. His assistant led us to the exam room. A few minutes later, the same man who was out in the lobby walked in dressed in blue jeans, a worn out t-shirt, baseball cap and gold medals hanging around his neck, scruffy face and messy hair… ” So, how can I help you today?” I smiled, “Hi, Dr. ‘H’.”
He thoroughly asked questions. I answered every question that he asked. I had gone into this visit with more knowledge about my health issues than ever before. I needed so desperately to find a doctor who took me seriously. After a long, detailed discussion, all the while Vince keeping notes, he looked at me with deep frustration. ”You, indeed, have Chronic Lyme Disease.” He was upset. At first I thought he was frustrated with me; however, I soon began to realize that was not the case at all. He was frustrated with the medical community who incorrectly treated me all these years. He was frustrated with the insurance companies who refuse to pay for proper treatment for Chronic Lyme Disease. This is not the first case he has seen like mine, nor will it be the last.
Before we discussed treatment, he looked me in the eyes and said, “You need to embrace each and every GOOD DAY as just that….a GOOD DAY. They WILL be few and far between as you go through your treatment. However, by embracing those good days, it will give you the much-needed Strength and Hope to get you through this.” I remind myself of that EVERYDAY.
After discussing my treatment plan, we walked out of his office and breathed a sigh of relief. I looked at Vince and said, “He believes me. There IS Hope.” I sat down in the car, pulled the door shut, and cried.
I was reminded that day of how important the saying is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Here was a man. At first glance, before getting to know him, you might think he had just hiked out of the woods from a week-long hunting trip. A simple man who loves the outdoors. Loves to fish and hunt. His office that might appear to some as ’run down and in desperate need of repair,’ compared to other doctor offices, I now found myself feeling very comfortable in. He knew what was more important. Not the ‘outside’ of things…but the insides of human beings. Here was a man who took the time to gain the knowledge, has the strength and dedication to treat those of us with Chronic Lyme Disease that other doctors turned a blind eye to.
Embrace each Good Day, Deb…. Embrace!
