A PERSONAL NOTE

.

Thank you for being a physician. I know first hand the miracles you can perform.

In May 1997 I was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. My diagnosis was portal vein thrombosis, splenic vein thrombosis and thromboses of the major mesenteric system. My physicians explained how rare this condition was, that no one knew to treat it and that every other patient with this diagnosis had died.

But they were determined to save me. The physicians all did something they had never done before, whether it was a procedure or new combinations of medications. I was a very complicated case because I turned out to be allergic to almost every medicine. The doctors always kept me informed of their treatment plans, even when I was at my worst and they were not sure I could comprehend what they were saying. They always held my hand or a toe. My clearest memory is their kindness.

I was the most interesting case in the hospital for five weeks, a dubious honor. It took 100 physicians, 29 transfusions and almost all the facilities in the medical center to make me the medical miracle I am today. My health is restored.

I am forever grateful.