Post Op Problems continue

Below is a letter that basically summarizes my continued post op problems. Dr. Nicholas Bertha, DO 147 Columbia Tpk. Florham Park, NJ 07932 Dear Doctor Bertha, I received a phone call on December 1, 2003 in the AM from your office canceling my appointment for December 3, 2003. The message left was basically a "your appointment is cancelled, we will call you to reschedule. I immediately called your office and was told that I could not reschedule that I had to wait for the rescheduling call. I explained to your staff that I was looking forward to the appointment because I am experiencing a problem. I was told that I would receive a return call. It has been 24 hours and no return call. As I explained to you staff, I continue to have a problem with my pouch. I have been complaining for several months to your office of swallowing problems. Just about every swallow hurts. My stoma has an inflamed feeling. When I drink water or any liquid it bothers my stoma as it hits it. When I try to eat small pieces of chicken or beef I get a churning pain that feels like the food is not going done and is rubbing like sand paper inside of me. When I try solids, chewed extremely well, and swallow I will puke it up most of the time. Your office has recommended a Gastro Intestinologist, Dr. Scott Gelman, of Morristown. I have seen him 3x. He did an endoscope with dilation on 11/10/03. He told me that he dilated the point of connection between the stoma and small intestine, and also found an ulcer. He placed me on Carefet and an ... inhibitor. He did make mention of the staples still showing thru at this point. I spoke to him yesterday and he said that he recommends another endoscope. He says that if the scope doesn't work that open surgery to correct will be required. Your web site says "The Program for Life", "Your team for life", I feel abandoned by your office at 13 weeks post op. There is no communication between your office and the gastro intestinologist, to find a joint treatment plan for my ailment. If you need privacy releases ask I will give them to you. I need a solution/explanation to this affliction. Sincerely, Roger Quintana

If I were in your situation, I would go to the emergency room of the hospital that performed your surgery. Tell them you are having a lot of pain. Bet they can get in touch with the dr PRONTO. Another thing is to call doctor's office number after office hours and ask the service to page the doctor. Whatever you do, don't threaten the doctor by mentioning the M word (malpractice). If you do, you will truly be dropped like a hot potato!!! This is a disgrace, and I truly feel for you. PLEASE, please let us know how you make out. irene