Doctors

Doctors - what would we do without them. Its quite possible that were it not for doctors I would no longer be here. I'm glad for medical people who know how to care for us when we need help to remain healthy, and alive.

We are in our fifth year here in Hesston and I have been to many physicians in that short span of time. When I sat down and wrote down the names of the doctors we have seen here I came up with quite a list. These people have all been instrumental in some degree to Clara and I maintaining our physical health. Below is a list of these people and I think I have them all.

Family Practice: We are fortunate to have a fine medical clinic here in Hesston with a very good staff. We began with Dr. Whitley, but after one year or so he moved to another location. We now see Dr. Joseph Aiyenowo, an internist, whom we really like. He is very thorough and persistent in seeking for a diagnosis and treatment. At first we had a bit of difficulty in understanding him with his pronounced African accent, but we do quite well at that now.

Heart: In 2005 I found myself on the way to the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita in an ambulance with severe pain, identified in the Newton Medical Center as heart related. Several days later triple bypass surgery was done there successfully by Dr. Phillip Bongiorno. Dr. Michael Lloyd became my cardiologist at that time. I'm very glad for these people who were able to do this very technical medical procedure.

Surgery: 2005 was a memorable year for me medically as I needed to have gall bladder surgery in December following the heart surgery in September. Actually the gall bladder was diagnosed as being in need of removal at the heart hospital. Dr. Stephen Cranston performed the gall bladder surgery at Newton Medical Center.

Neurology: I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy while we still lived in Illinois, but found this malady to be an increasing problem for me, particularly in my feet. Muscle weakness in my legs began to be a problem when walking or being on my feet for longer periods of time. I was sent to Dr. Sarab Alsoudi, a neurologist at Newton Medical Center. Dr. Alsoudi has given me the unpleasant nerve tests about three times now, always confirming the neuropathy diagnosis, but nothing more at this point.
In April of this year I was sent to see Dr. DiLawer Abbas, a neuro-muscular physican at the Muscular Distrophy Clinic in Wichita for diagnosis. After he had performed a lot of tests Dr. Abbas ordered a muscle biopsy. That out patient surgery was done by Dr. James French in St. Joseph's Hospital in Wichita. The specimen was sent to Mayo Clinic for analysis. I received a call from a nurse with the report of "no diagnostic abnormality." I'm to see Dr. Abbas again for his personal review and possible further testing on June 9.

Endocrinology: As a part of the ongoing testing for some sort of diagnosis of the increasing muscle weakness in my legs, and now also in my arms, I was sent to the Wichita Clinic to see the endocrinologist, Dr. Jan Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman is a nice man who is quite easy to visit with and who leaves me with the impression that he knows what to do with my symptoms. He is now treating me for thyroid and adrenal gland hormone deficiency.

Did I get them all? Oh well, of course there were emergency room doctors, many nurses and other medical people, but the above are the main ones. I could also mention a couple of chiropractors and a physical therapist who have all had a part in the "doctoring" process. A very important part of my "therapy" during this time has been my reliance upon the Great Physician Who remains my constant companion and daily Guide. And through many wondrful CD's I continue to be uplifted daily by the music I enjoy. I even have a CD player in my shop so that I can listen to music while I work. All of these people and things help me remain

Pilgrim on the way