Correspondence with Doctor I'm About to Fire

The only royalty free image I could find of a heartless-looking doctor

ME: (this morning, genuinely happy) Wow! My Calprotectin is 248. That’s half of what it was last summer. So maybe the Mesalamine is working…slowly. Let’s maybe find a time to talk. Thanks.

DR: Yes, improved but still high. Recheck in 2-3 months, if still elevated then should pursue next steps.

ME: Ok.

I just want you to know that I was preparing myself for a Calprotectin of 2000…3000…I didn’t know what to expect. So yes, I know it’s still high— I’m informed. But I’m gonna let myself enjoy this moment and not let anyone rain on my parade. Thanks.

[scene]

PS. A high Calprotectin test is indicative of inflammation in the colon. It’s one of the factor’s used to determine the severity of Ulcerative Colitis and the necessary treatment options.

PPS. Life is short. My physical health is dependent on my mental health. Not every doctor I see has to have a superb bedside manner— I am often starstruck by the scientific mind. But the above correspondence was not the first or second time I felt this doctor was insensitive.

PPPS. You may read this and think that I am oversensitive. You would be right. This is why I require everyone on my medical team to be human beings, even if they are medical geniuses. Those are my rules. Non-human beings need not apply.