CF Centers/Clinics

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

the compliance factor is huge. I'm a fan of Dr. warwick in Minesota and his methods-but a factor in why their numbers are so great is b/c he will dump patients that aren't compliant. I'm not debating that-thats his right of course. I'd be mad if I was devoting my life to something and the patients didn't give a crap. But you have to consider that when looking at numbers. If he dumps patients that aren' doing the work-of course that will average in the success of his numbers.</end quote></div>

This is an excellent point! I had also heard that about Warwick while growing up and choosing to instead go to a clinic 3 hours away from him. I was extremely compliant... my parents made sure I did every treatment, etc.. growing up, but had heard things about the Minnesota clinic that did concern me. I also had a consult with them at one point as I had friends that DID choose to go there. They were nice enough, but I do think they would have "dropped" me had I not come in for a clean out every year (no matter what), etc. and I personally do not believe in that (no matter what Warwick's stats show).

I couldn't agree more with the fact that if a clinic is willing to treat anyone (even people who don't show up regularly and just come in when they're sick and maybe aren't that compliant to begin with) will in fact have "worse" stats, but it does not make them a worse clinic. If a center is only willing to treat people who are compliant and we all know compliance DOES keep you healthier, it is a no-brainer that their clinic WILL have higher life expectancies, outcomes, etc.

Again, for those reasons, such numbers and averages in the report are obviously open to interpretation.

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

the compliance factor is huge. I'm a fan of Dr. warwick in Minesota and his methods-but a factor in why their numbers are so great is b/c he will dump patients that aren't compliant. I'm not debating that-thats his right of course. I'd be mad if I was devoting my life to something and the patients didn't give a crap. But you have to consider that when looking at numbers. If he dumps patients that aren' doing the work-of course that will average in the success of his numbers.</end quote></div>

This is an excellent point! I had also heard that about Warwick while growing up and choosing to instead go to a clinic 3 hours away from him. I was extremely compliant... my parents made sure I did every treatment, etc.. growing up, but had heard things about the Minnesota clinic that did concern me. I also had a consult with them at one point as I had friends that DID choose to go there. They were nice enough, but I do think they would have "dropped" me had I not come in for a clean out every year (no matter what), etc. and I personally do not believe in that (no matter what Warwick's stats show).

I couldn't agree more with the fact that if a clinic is willing to treat anyone (even people who don't show up regularly and just come in when they're sick and maybe aren't that compliant to begin with) will in fact have "worse" stats, but it does not make them a worse clinic. If a center is only willing to treat people who are compliant and we all know compliance DOES keep you healthier, it is a no-brainer that their clinic WILL have higher life expectancies, outcomes, etc.

Again, for those reasons, such numbers and averages in the report are obviously open to interpretation.

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Scarlett81</b></i>

the compliance factor is huge. I'm a fan of Dr. warwick in Minesota and his methods-but a factor in why their numbers are so great is b/c he will dump patients that aren't compliant. I'm not debating that-thats his right of course. I'd be mad if I was devoting my life to something and the patients didn't give a crap. But you have to consider that when looking at numbers. If he dumps patients that aren' doing the work-of course that will average in the success of his numbers.</end quote></div>

This is an excellent point! I had also heard that about Warwick while growing up and choosing to instead go to a clinic 3 hours away from him. I was extremely compliant... my parents made sure I did every treatment, etc.. growing up, but had heard things about the Minnesota clinic that did concern me. I also had a consult with them at one point as I had friends that DID choose to go there. They were nice enough, but I do think they would have "dropped" me had I not come in for a clean out every year (no matter what), etc. and I personally do not believe in that (no matter what Warwick's stats show).

I couldn't agree more with the fact that if a clinic is willing to treat anyone (even people who don't show up regularly and just come in when they're sick and maybe aren't that compliant to begin with) will in fact have "worse" stats, but it does not make them a worse clinic. If a center is only willing to treat people who are compliant and we all know compliance DOES keep you healthier, it is a no-brainer that their clinic WILL have higher life expectancies, outcomes, etc.

Again, for those reasons, such numbers and averages in the report are obviously open to interpretation.

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

For doctors to do this for the "numbers" is ridiculous. I understand they are busy people and a non-compliant patient is basically wasting their time but I can't see a doctor telling a CF patient, albeit a non-compliant one, that they need to go find another doctor and/or clinic. You can't dump all the bad patients and then yell and point to your good numbers. I would say many (most???) non-compliant patients come to a realization at some point that they need to take care of themselves.

</end quote></div>

I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

For doctors to do this for the "numbers" is ridiculous. I understand they are busy people and a non-compliant patient is basically wasting their time but I can't see a doctor telling a CF patient, albeit a non-compliant one, that they need to go find another doctor and/or clinic. You can't dump all the bad patients and then yell and point to your good numbers. I would say many (most???) non-compliant patients come to a realization at some point that they need to take care of themselves.

</end quote></div>

I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

For doctors to do this for the "numbers" is ridiculous. I understand they are busy people and a non-compliant patient is basically wasting their time but I can't see a doctor telling a CF patient, albeit a non-compliant one, that they need to go find another doctor and/or clinic. You can't dump all the bad patients and then yell and point to your good numbers. I would say many (most???) non-compliant patients come to a realization at some point that they need to take care of themselves.

</end quote></div>

I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)

 

[LouLou]

here's an example albeit it's not for non-compliance but either way our member Michelle was dumped... (hope you don't mind me re-posting boxer13)

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Hi Khristina,

I do not mind answering any of your questions. CF only really effects my lungs, I do not have any pancreatic insuffiency. I do not have a problem with gaining weight and I have never been put on enzymes or anything like that. However it does effect my lungs. The first time I was hospitalized was in December 2005 and it took me a long time to feel good after that. Before I got sick my FEV1 about 65%, while I was in the hospital it went down to 28% and I was able to get it back about 48%... but I felt good.

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) <b>Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month</b> saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.


I do feel really good- I have continued to exercise by walking everyday. I have been sick twice and put on antibiotics while I have been pregnant but recovered pretty quickly. Unfortunately I have no idea what my FEV1 is - probably in mid 40's. I will see a new docotr as soon as I have the baby. I have had a pretty normal pregnancy so far. My OB expects me to make it full term and is looking to induce me around 38 weeks because the baby is a little bit big.

My advice is to make sure you have a good CF doctor. Make sure that they support your decision. I would also suggest a good diet, and a lot of exercise. Just be truthful with yourself on how you feel and do what is best for you. I hope I answered your questions. Please feel free to ask me anything. Good Luck!!</end quote></div>

 

[LouLou]

here's an example albeit it's not for non-compliance but either way our member Michelle was dumped... (hope you don't mind me re-posting boxer13)

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Hi Khristina,

I do not mind answering any of your questions. CF only really effects my lungs, I do not have any pancreatic insuffiency. I do not have a problem with gaining weight and I have never been put on enzymes or anything like that. However it does effect my lungs. The first time I was hospitalized was in December 2005 and it took me a long time to feel good after that. Before I got sick my FEV1 about 65%, while I was in the hospital it went down to 28% and I was able to get it back about 48%... but I felt good.

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) <b>Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month</b> saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.


I do feel really good- I have continued to exercise by walking everyday. I have been sick twice and put on antibiotics while I have been pregnant but recovered pretty quickly. Unfortunately I have no idea what my FEV1 is - probably in mid 40's. I will see a new docotr as soon as I have the baby. I have had a pretty normal pregnancy so far. My OB expects me to make it full term and is looking to induce me around 38 weeks because the baby is a little bit big.

My advice is to make sure you have a good CF doctor. Make sure that they support your decision. I would also suggest a good diet, and a lot of exercise. Just be truthful with yourself on how you feel and do what is best for you. I hope I answered your questions. Please feel free to ask me anything. Good Luck!!</end quote></div>

 

[LouLou]

here's an example albeit it's not for non-compliance but either way our member Michelle was dumped... (hope you don't mind me re-posting boxer13)

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Hi Khristina,

I do not mind answering any of your questions. CF only really effects my lungs, I do not have any pancreatic insuffiency. I do not have a problem with gaining weight and I have never been put on enzymes or anything like that. However it does effect my lungs. The first time I was hospitalized was in December 2005 and it took me a long time to feel good after that. Before I got sick my FEV1 about 65%, while I was in the hospital it went down to 28% and I was able to get it back about 48%... but I felt good.

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) <b>Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month</b> saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.


I do feel really good- I have continued to exercise by walking everyday. I have been sick twice and put on antibiotics while I have been pregnant but recovered pretty quickly. Unfortunately I have no idea what my FEV1 is - probably in mid 40's. I will see a new docotr as soon as I have the baby. I have had a pretty normal pregnancy so far. My OB expects me to make it full term and is looking to induce me around 38 weeks because the baby is a little bit big.

My advice is to make sure you have a good CF doctor. Make sure that they support your decision. I would also suggest a good diet, and a lot of exercise. Just be truthful with yourself on how you feel and do what is best for you. I hope I answered your questions. Please feel free to ask me anything. Good Luck!!</end quote></div>

 

[getahobby]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>





I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>

So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.

 

[getahobby]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>





I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>

So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.

 

[getahobby]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>





I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>

So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.

 

[Scarlett81]

Dr. warwick's clinic is pretty infamous for this, but lets not forget that by no means is his clinic the only one-I've heard of several doing this. So I dont mean to pick on him exclusively and like I said before, I believe in alot of what he preaches. And while I dont think its right, or lets say 'helping anyone' to dump a patient, I don't think its <i>only</i> bc of the rating numbers that they do this. I think they believe in their method solely, and they don't want to waste their time also.
The problem is, there are good doctors that really do care about their patients, and I know the nurses at my clinic have said that they'd rather at least see the non compliant ones every now and then and give them some type of treatment than shoo them away not knowing what will happen to them. They can't go home and police patients.

 

[Scarlett81]

Dr. warwick's clinic is pretty infamous for this, but lets not forget that by no means is his clinic the only one-I've heard of several doing this. So I dont mean to pick on him exclusively and like I said before, I believe in alot of what he preaches. And while I dont think its right, or lets say 'helping anyone' to dump a patient, I don't think its <i>only</i> bc of the rating numbers that they do this. I think they believe in their method solely, and they don't want to waste their time also.
The problem is, there are good doctors that really do care about their patients, and I know the nurses at my clinic have said that they'd rather at least see the non compliant ones every now and then and give them some type of treatment than shoo them away not knowing what will happen to them. They can't go home and police patients.

 

[Scarlett81]

Dr. warwick's clinic is pretty infamous for this, but lets not forget that by no means is his clinic the only one-I've heard of several doing this. So I dont mean to pick on him exclusively and like I said before, I believe in alot of what he preaches. And while I dont think its right, or lets say 'helping anyone' to dump a patient, I don't think its <i>only</i> bc of the rating numbers that they do this. I think they believe in their method solely, and they don't want to waste their time also.
The problem is, there are good doctors that really do care about their patients, and I know the nurses at my clinic have said that they'd rather at least see the non compliant ones every now and then and give them some type of treatment than shoo them away not knowing what will happen to them. They can't go home and police patients.

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>











I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>



So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.</end quote></div>

I have no idea if you didn't use the vest whether Dr. Warwick would still treat you. Perhaps Amy would know this better or someone else who goes to his clinic regularily.

I agree, I'm not trying to pick solely on Dr. Warwick, which is why I mentioned that my clinic prefers to put people in the hospital and keep them there while on IVs (many clinics feel hospitals are a terrible place to be for a clean out and prefer patients at home on them unless absolutely necessary), so when I recently went in lockup, I convinced them to let me go home after one week of hospitalization since it was over the holidays.... HOwever, I don't know if they would have "allowed" me to not go in at all, and had I told them I absolutely would not, would they have "dropped" me? Possibly. It all goes with what the doctor of the clinic believes will make his/her patients healthier. If my doc NEEDS me in the hospital for the first week of treatment to watch levels, responses, make sure I am doing what I should and they're able to run conituous antibiotics (which you cannot do at home), that is what they believe. It is my choice whether I go back to them or look elsewhere for a clinic that practices what "I" believe. So, in a way, you're making a choice and they're dropping you based on your decision as well. If you're choosing not to do the vest and Warwick does in fact require the vest use, he may be dropping you, but it is also because of the choices you're making. Possibly another clinic would applaud your use of the flutter instead and you'd find a better match. This is all hypothetical of course, as I have no idea what Warwick would do. Perhaps Amy will answer this post and shed some light on that for ya. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>











I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>



So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.</end quote></div>

I have no idea if you didn't use the vest whether Dr. Warwick would still treat you. Perhaps Amy would know this better or someone else who goes to his clinic regularily.

I agree, I'm not trying to pick solely on Dr. Warwick, which is why I mentioned that my clinic prefers to put people in the hospital and keep them there while on IVs (many clinics feel hospitals are a terrible place to be for a clean out and prefer patients at home on them unless absolutely necessary), so when I recently went in lockup, I convinced them to let me go home after one week of hospitalization since it was over the holidays.... HOwever, I don't know if they would have "allowed" me to not go in at all, and had I told them I absolutely would not, would they have "dropped" me? Possibly. It all goes with what the doctor of the clinic believes will make his/her patients healthier. If my doc NEEDS me in the hospital for the first week of treatment to watch levels, responses, make sure I am doing what I should and they're able to run conituous antibiotics (which you cannot do at home), that is what they believe. It is my choice whether I go back to them or look elsewhere for a clinic that practices what "I" believe. So, in a way, you're making a choice and they're dropping you based on your decision as well. If you're choosing not to do the vest and Warwick does in fact require the vest use, he may be dropping you, but it is also because of the choices you're making. Possibly another clinic would applaud your use of the flutter instead and you'd find a better match. This is all hypothetical of course, as I have no idea what Warwick would do. Perhaps Amy will answer this post and shed some light on that for ya. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>getahobby</b></i>

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>











I don't know if the doctors specifically do it just to keep their numbers and averages high (this would lead to a serious ethical dilemma), however, they may just believe so strongly in their methods and way of thinking that that is what they choose to do. (For example, there are places that absolutely won't allow patients to go home on IV therapy because they think and strongly believe constant IV meds in a hospital setting is the best way... I have a choice whether I choose to go to this clinic for my care or not based on those methods, but cannot expect them to change their principals and methods of doing things just cause I want it that way. This is how I kind of see Dr. Warwick's clinic... He "subscribes" to a certain way of thought regarding treatment of this disease and if you won't follow what he says you must do to be healthy, you can go elsewhere where they follow what you believe in.)</end quote></div>



So it seems from the literature that Dr. Warwick encourages people to use the vest. Do you think that if I preferred to do the flutter instead of the vest that Dr. Warwick would not care to treat me? I have really no opinion of that man as I don't know him personally at all; just curious. I am not just picking on Dr. Warwick, you could extrapolate this to any doctor and any treatment.</end quote></div>

I have no idea if you didn't use the vest whether Dr. Warwick would still treat you. Perhaps Amy would know this better or someone else who goes to his clinic regularily.

I agree, I'm not trying to pick solely on Dr. Warwick, which is why I mentioned that my clinic prefers to put people in the hospital and keep them there while on IVs (many clinics feel hospitals are a terrible place to be for a clean out and prefer patients at home on them unless absolutely necessary), so when I recently went in lockup, I convinced them to let me go home after one week of hospitalization since it was over the holidays.... HOwever, I don't know if they would have "allowed" me to not go in at all, and had I told them I absolutely would not, would they have "dropped" me? Possibly. It all goes with what the doctor of the clinic believes will make his/her patients healthier. If my doc NEEDS me in the hospital for the first week of treatment to watch levels, responses, make sure I am doing what I should and they're able to run conituous antibiotics (which you cannot do at home), that is what they believe. It is my choice whether I go back to them or look elsewhere for a clinic that practices what "I" believe. So, in a way, you're making a choice and they're dropping you based on your decision as well. If you're choosing not to do the vest and Warwick does in fact require the vest use, he may be dropping you, but it is also because of the choices you're making. Possibly another clinic would applaud your use of the flutter instead and you'd find a better match. This is all hypothetical of course, as I have no idea what Warwick would do. Perhaps Amy will answer this post and shed some light on that for ya. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dbtoo]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>blondelawyer</b></i>
We moved to a new area about 4 years ago and I have some issues with the current clinic. For example, it seems like my husband (the patient) is the one that has to ask the doctors to give him ideas on how to improve his health, etc. I feel like they are doing more "crisis management" than being proactive and having a long term focus. Anyone else experience this?</end quote></div>

I've had the same experience here in Phoenix. There are only two ceritifed clinics (if certification is what they actually achieve?) in AZ. In Phoenix, we have to go to the Children's Hospital. The baby docs don't seem to be able to handle adults with CF. In my experience, they don't like to mess with what has been working, are reluctant to try you on new things, and for that matter, don't really discuss what is new or available. (I had one resident in training who was obviously nervous about the exam. She actually admitted she doesn't like working with adults! I hope she doesn't go into pulminary! ) I've found out more here on this board in 6 months, than I have in 10 years. I take the suggestions to them, and insist on them trying new things or at least telling me what they know (I think it's that they are afraid of showing what they DON'T know. )

 

[dbtoo]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>blondelawyer</b></i>
We moved to a new area about 4 years ago and I have some issues with the current clinic. For example, it seems like my husband (the patient) is the one that has to ask the doctors to give him ideas on how to improve his health, etc. I feel like they are doing more "crisis management" than being proactive and having a long term focus. Anyone else experience this?</end quote></div>

I've had the same experience here in Phoenix. There are only two ceritifed clinics (if certification is what they actually achieve?) in AZ. In Phoenix, we have to go to the Children's Hospital. The baby docs don't seem to be able to handle adults with CF. In my experience, they don't like to mess with what has been working, are reluctant to try you on new things, and for that matter, don't really discuss what is new or available. (I had one resident in training who was obviously nervous about the exam. She actually admitted she doesn't like working with adults! I hope she doesn't go into pulminary! ) I've found out more here on this board in 6 months, than I have in 10 years. I take the suggestions to them, and insist on them trying new things or at least telling me what they know (I think it's that they are afraid of showing what they DON'T know. )