This is Don and I have decided my wife needs a different approach for her medical care. She has multi infarct dementia which seems to have been caused by Lupus and micro blood clots. It seems she also has chronic renal failure from the clots. I had been using our local doctors but when we got this rheumatologist I realized he had no idea of how to treat someone with dementia. We went for an appointment and discovered her leg was swollen twice the size below the knee. Trying to keep a person on "couch rest" with her foot above her head is a real trip. When the swelling went down and I looked at the leg - I started asking her if she had fallen or tripped or bumped her leg into something. "Oh, I got dizzy in the shower" I guess I forgot to tell you. Oh yes the doctor had told me they have a "busy practice" and can only treat problems related to the Lupus. WRONG ANSWER.
It did not take me long to realize she has become too complex medically for these doctors. I have taken steps to have her cared for by the Cleveland Clinic. I may go bankrupt paying for what Medicare does not cover but she is worth it. I took her to their ER yesterday and they xrayed her leg. She will see her new internist May 2nd.
Nothing was broken Thank God. I don't think I could handle 6 weeks with her in a cast. It is so tough to keep an eye on a person with dementia. I know that I am doing the best job that I can. Thanks for letting me unload. Don

It is amazing how these doctors dimiss what thier patients symptoms suggest.I have learned you cannot, always take their word as law.I am thrilled you both have chosen to chose another doctor.


I was , recently told my husband was close to dying as the result of late stage Parkinsons.I knew right away they had to put a lable on something as they did not try hard and long enough to find answers.Another is the insurance companies that make medical decisions about hospital stays with out knowing any thing about medicine.I was advised, by his doctor, to place him on hospice.I did so but made it clear that I was holding on to hope.I was given the song about denial ,etcHe went under hospice care last monday.This is because this doctor said there was nothing they could do for him.Well Today he sat up in bed, ate on his own, talked to me, at first he was very combative until I reminded him I will leave the room if he continues to talk to me with little respect He excercised his legs and then he picked up a 3 lb weight in one arm and a 6 pound in the other and was doing excercise to strengthed his arms.I took pictures to share with family and friends so they could see for them selves..If I had listened to his doctor, I would have him in a care facility, under hospice and under the care of people who would see him and hopeless and would allow him to wither away.I did not handle him with kid gloves at any time.I did encourage him when he felt he was dying.The one demand that I made of all that help me was to care for him with hope in mind.The only dementia I see is what he had before his illness.He still sees me as the cause of all his ills , but I know different so that is no biggy.I am sending copies of his pictures to his doctor.I want them to see how they make such hasty decisuions because they are not eager to take the time to find answers.They like their text book answers and refuse to step out side the box.I never liked this doctor but hubby refused to change as he saw it as my controlling him.This is the second time they have made an error in judgement for my husband.The first cause him to go into a vegetative state and be out of the home for 3 months.The third could be the one that would bring us to hell and back if I am unable to change to my doctor.So do not take a doctors word for everything if you feel his diagnosis is not right.I learn more and more with each event .You have got to keep informed of all aspects of your loved ones treatment.

Hi Don,I'm Lynne.I also have AD.I too just got a new Internist,via my Neurologist.My primary Dr.dismissed my complaints of a rotor cuff tear,sayng it was tendonitis,so after 18 mos.of pain,griping,my Neurologist got me the help I needed,I had surgery last Aug.I'm fine now.
It was so upset one night last week I was calling my primary every name in the book(at home,not in the office).
The next Day my Neuro.saw how upset I still was,I just flat out told him "I need another Dr."I will see him on the 27th.
No wonder people have hissy fits over incompetent Drs..........

Dear Don,

You are a wonderful husband and advocate for your wife! If I should ever have the same situation as your dear wife, I could only pray for the same care that you are giving.

God bless you, Don.