How I See It: Reflections on spirituality, technology, and the art of everyday life

Letter Requesting Medical Assistance My most recent attempts to contact my doctor here in Portland have gone unanswered, so I am expanding my search. I have located two doctors—one in Houston and one in Kansas City—who have experience treating Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy, and I am writing to them for help. Salutations, I am writing to see if you might possibly be able to help me. In January 2006, I began developing various neurological symptoms, including facial paralysis, right-sided weakness, numbness, gait problems, and others. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The cancer is being treated, but the neurological symptoms have continued and are getting worse. After being told twice that I had brain cancer, and undergoing multiple MRIs, CAT scans, and other tests (including four spinal taps—three in one month), it was decided to begin treating me for Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy. The treatment involved three days of Methylprednisone at 1g per day. I need...

A Letter to My Doctor I’ve been having trouble reaching you to discuss my treatment plan and next steps. I’m not sure if you’ve been receiving my messages. I’ve called your office and left voicemails but haven’t heard back. I understand you’re very busy and caring for many patients, but please let me know how I should proceed. On February 9th, I had the last steroid treatment covered by my current prescription. The next round should be a three-day course on March 9th, 10th, and 11th. I’ll need a new prescription for that and future treatments. I’m not certain who will be issuing these going forward. I saw Dr. XXXXXXX last month. He doesn’t believe any additional treatment for the thyroid cancer is needed right now, though we’ll do more studies in September. He did recommend that I see a new neurologist. I’d like to know if you can suggest someone or refer me to the MS Clinic at OHSU to see a neuroimmunologist—or should I try to make those arrangements myself? How Things Have B...