In my journey to become healed since a hack dentist drilled into my skull then jammed my jaw open to close the hole he made, I have dealt with numerous symptoms and a complex diagnostic experience. I have seen a number of doctors and found that although each did exert effort in diagnoses, the level of skill and effort varied.
For instance the hack dentist, who made the mistake, denied all symptoms and instead falsified records. Luckily my primary care physician was involved providing me a sound medical opinion who had the goal of healing not trying to avert a lawsuit like the hack. Still being a PCP and not a specialist, her advice was well meaning but sometimes lead me off course of a solution.
At the same time some of the doctors whom could not find the problem causing the symptoms at least took the time to share their knowledge enabling me to make better future decisions. This learning showed me how to ask questions and how to find the people to ask the questions of. Being forced to accept this slow progress and dribble of information I took the opportunity to learn more about anything that could be helpful, meaning alternative therapies or methods of chronic pain relief. Showing that Biofeedback is a better long term plan that a narcotic.
When the first crown the hack put on broke in nine days and I was forced to return to him under Delta Dentals threat of paying the full amount for a replacement, I learned later that my rights were violated. As at no time should any patient have to be treated by a butcher whom had already drilled a hole into my skull. Once the second crown did not fit, an acquaintance of mine was so concerned he took me to his dentist. Luckily the new dentist has enough of a heart and a great amount of skill to speak honestly in his second opinion. With the second opinion I sought away from the hack dentist it was proven to me that I am the only person who can get myself properly treated.
In solving the jaw alignment issues I was again left to seek out a proper medical professional that could instead of giving me pain medication could provide me with solution. With months of searching and even leaving the state for opinions of a doctor not scared my the Massachusetts unwritten medical rule of never admitting malpractice, one day at the physical therapist’s office finally was pointed in the correct direction. Living in Boston I am privileged to have a number of research facilities and medical schools, which after sorting through the ‘For Sale’ degrees at Harvard landed me at the Tufts Craniofacial Pain Center. Finally I found a physicians who was qualified to treat me and experienced with fixing the mistakes of hack dentists, I began to get proper treatment. As a result my pain has decreased by half and general quality of life has doubled as I not being accused of inventing the pain or having fibromaylasia.
Most importantly I have learned the responsibility I have to myself to ensure my quality medical care. Although I can in no way diagnose myself or prescribe medication, I can research ailments and doctors qualifications. This takes me into knowledge I can use to not only understand why I am in pain but whom can help me solve the reasons I am in pain.
Since ofcourse my case is being reviewed by insurance companies, one of their favorite issues are the number of doctors I was seen by. For the insurance companies it is an excuse to refuse their responsibility just as an addiction to narcotics would be. However this article and many others, prove that again and again persons who explore their illness and research all their medical options are the persons whom get the best medical care.
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