When it comes to health care, bigger isn’t always betterIn the course of the past three weeks, I have had some medical issues that have taken me to many doctors and/or hospitals. A few weeks ago, I started a new medication, prescribed to me by a doctor from Sioux Falls. From the beginning I experienced signs and symptoms that led me to question (on a daily basis) the possibility of the new medication causing my side effects. I was able to speak to my doctor’s nurse each time I called, who in turn talked to my doctor, whose answer was "to give the medicine a chance.".On the Saturday before Easter, I started to have severe symptoms. I knew I needed to be seen and to have something change. I have always been one to feel more comfortable speaking to my own local physician, Dr. Diane Kennedy. She encouraged me to be seen in Sioux Falls, and went above and beyond the call of duty to call to the emergency room to prepare the ER doctor about my symptoms and my case history. By the time I reached the emergency room, my side effects were severe. While there, I was treated poorly. No regular doctor was available to me or to my family. The nurse that was on that particular shift was rude to me, uncaring and even unwilling to LISTEN to what I was telling him about myself. My symptoms subsided, (after approximately four hours) and I was sent home to take the same medications that I was questioning in the first place. The following Sunday, my side effects started again and I realized I needed to be seen — again. So I went back to Sioux Valley and was treated as though I was uncooperative because I was unwilling to just "talk things over" with another staff member. I refused. I just wanted a doctor to find out what was causing my severe symptoms and to "fix" it.When I realized this was not going to happen, I insisted that Sioux Valley contact Dr. Kennedy, which they finally ended up doing. Dr. Kennedy arranged for me to be transferred to the Luverne Hospital. After returning to Luverne, Dr. Tim Ceynowa did extensive research and was able to inform me that evening that he and Dr. Kennedy felt that my side effects were due to the new medication I was taking. They then took a compassionate and professional approach to explain to me and my family what was to be expected in the upcoming week and how I was going to be treated medically. In my case, bigger was not better. Having the ability to get to know your local doctors, and them getting to know you on a more personal level, is the only way to go. Luverne can be proud of the medical treatment that we receive by our "little home town" doctors and nurses. Compassion and respect are vital to a patient’s recovery process. My family and I received that and so much more from our local doctors and nurses. The next time you pass a doctor, a nurse or any medical staff in Luverne, extend a "thank you" to them, for the wonderful job that they all take pride in!Lisa Arndt,Luverne
