by benforred | Nov 21, 2017 | Advocacy, Cancer, Colon Cancer, Family, Medical Providers, Research, Support
The University of Michigan sponsored a Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Family Day this November in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This wasn’t the first year for the family day, but it was my first year to attend. I asked my mother, who also has Familial Polyposis (FAP), to...
by benforred | Nov 2, 2017 | Adhesions, Health, Intestinal Blockages, Medical Providers, Pain, Symptoms
My health abruptly changed in 2015. Until that dreadful day in May 2015, my health had been stable since 2007, when I had an unexpected hospitalization due to my hemoglobin inexplicitly plummeting to 4. In 2015, I was suffering from loss of appetite as a side effect...
by benforred | Apr 7, 2016 | Medical Providers, Medication, Symptoms
I was directed to a door to the treatment area. I quickly surveyed the large room as I slowly, nervously walked to the nurse’s station to check in. I was by myself this time. I was determined to chip away at my PTSD. I must have picked a good time,...
by benforred | Feb 19, 2016 | Advocacy, Medical Providers, Symptoms
Last year my pediatric GI doctor of over 20 years decided to push me out of the nest and transition me to an adult GI doctor. During my hospitalization last year I faired well with the change in doctors as my new doctor and I started the song and dance of a newly...
by benforred | Dec 27, 2015 | Health, Medical Providers
Everyday we touch the lives of others, whether it’s an encounter that’s so brief we merely notice it or an ongoing relationship through the years. No encounter is too small. For good or bad, our interactions can be very impactful upon another. Encounters...
by benforred | Apr 29, 2015 | Health, Medical Providers, Mental Health, PTSD
My doctor is one of my primary foundations in life. She is the only GI doctor I have ever had and she has kept me alive during the hardest times of my life. She has stood by me even in hate filled years when I blamed her and others for my...
