Everyone needs an advocate

Three years ago I had a TIA (mini-stroke) and pay attention to warning signs.  This week, two days after a "perfect" checkup with a new physician, I stopped at my ophthalmologist's office to check out double vision that was plaguing me for 24 hours.



The ophthalmologist exchanged numbers with his assistant, scheduled a MRI two weeks hence, prescribed blood work then asked to see me in six weeks.  When I asked if he could send his review of our visit to my neurologist, his reply was "What are you seeing her for?"  I shared my TIA earlier which was in his records,   I am 71 years of age.  I would have valued if I were asked, "Did you drive here by yourself today?" "Is there someone you might like us to call?"  Especially when I was told to curtail my driving.


I cannot help but think of others who might not be as active as I am in a new sales position receiving alarming news.  Do they automatically accept their fate?  Do they have someone to share the news with who might accompany them for the MRI?  In a well-equipped office, and with HIPPA regulations, cannot one receive news other than in the hallway?  Everyone needs an advocate, even physicians.