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Louise says:
“Having Amy attend appointments with me helped me get all my questions answered and speak up about my fears, allowing my doctors to acknowledge all of me, not just my disease.”
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Fearing Pain, a Patient Calls Heed for Listening, Reassurance and Continuous Support
Louise was experiencing pain in her lower left leg when she walked more than a block. It was the middle of the Christmas holidays and she was reluctant to call attention to herself, but her husband knew of the pain she was having and called Heed.
After discussing the situation with Louise, Heed understood that not only was Louise reluctant to disturb her family’s holidays, but she was also reluctant to return to the doctor who had been very insensitive toward Louise during their meeting. He had given her a presumptive diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease in response to her description of her symptoms. This doctor, a newly acquired GP, after her GP of 30 years retired, and his nurse had been dismissive to Louise in regards to her fears of surgery.
Heed Takes the First Steps
After hearing from Louise about her experience and about her determination never to return to that GP, Heed began a search for a new GP for Louise, and for a Vascular Surgeon who could make a final diagnosis and develop a care plan. By the time the first of the year rolled around, Louise had appointments with two new care providers and was accompanied on these visits by her Heed advocate.
Both Louise and her husband really appreciated the way the new GP spoke to them and listened to them, making lots of notes and referring directly to his own life experience with growing older. They both transferred their care to this very experienced gerontologist. The vascular surgeon was also a good fit and Louise felt her fears were acknowledged and listened to. Because of this she scheduled a surgery for February, and she ultimately needed two follow-up procedures later in the year, but she was able to face both of those with more peace-of-mind. Heed followed-up each appointment or consultation with an email to Louise’s concerned children and family members.
Care For The Whole Person
Heed’s care and support of Louise was centered around her true needs of being listened to, having her fears acknowledged and held by caring professionals. Heed’s presence and close listening to Louise and her family continue, to ensure continuing attention when needed.
Resolution
Louise did receive a diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease, but after the final surgery she is now walking pain-free and going about her daily activities without any discomfort.
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