By Donald
In 1984, after a routine examination to determine levels of a medication I
was taking for another life threatening condition, I was notified that the results
reflected increased liver function values. The doctor recommended that I have a liver
biopsy and I refused as I had been told by other doctors that the increased levels were
due to the Dilantin that I had to take for seizure control. I have lifted weights since
age ten years, swam on a daily basis and eat a diet high in protein and amino acids. I
felt well and was active playing basketball regularly, but occasionally when having
bloodwork done the results would report low blood sugar levels.
In November of 1997 after more blood tests, the doctor reported that I had
hepatitis C and since my insurance had changed he could not treat me because the
cost was prohibitive. To my astonishment he recommended that I find another doctor for
treatment. I was left feeling angry, and depressed, not so much that I had the condition,
but because I have two other fatal conditions, and because I could not get treatment.
My insurance company, NYLCARE was no help at all. Their representatives
were short with me and made inappropriate referrals, such as the time I was referred to an
oncologist who knew nothing about hepatitis C and did not treat liver conditions. Then
there is the liver specialist, Dr. Galleeb who became angry because I requested that
office visits be limited to situations that could not be addressed over the phone because
of the way that I work. She became angry and though she was willing to perform the biopsy
for money and made sarcastic comments while doing so, she did not bother to call and give me
the results. She took two weeks vacation after the procedure and never
offered any treatment.
When I began seeing this doctor I was asymptomatic and
now after not receiving treatment I fall asleep everywhere, suffer
fatigue, have swollen ankles, knees and shoulders, and suffer sleep
disturbance and frequent stomach upset.
I visited another doctor and he allowed me to wait in the examination room
for a period that even his nurse thought was excessive. When he finally entered and I told
him of my condition, his comment was that "hepatitis C has no symptoms and there is
no rush". After I informed him of some of the information I had attained from this
site regarding hepatitis treatment, this doctor decided that he didn't treat hepatitis C.
I saw another doctor, a colleague of Galleb, Dr Gallati who almost
immediately demonstrated his ineptitude by not showing up at the hospital emergency room
he directed me to when I had severe abdominal pain requiring hospitalization. Following my
release from the hospital after an emergency procedure, I was terminated by the medical
branch of The University of Texas where I worked and all medical benefits have been
terminated. During the last
thirty days when my medical benefits were still in effect, Dr. Gallati cancelled all my
appointments. When I appealed the work termination, an individual in
administration contacted my attorney and did not even appear for the
hearing, leaving me without representation. So I am now unemployed,
without medical services and the symptoms of my hepatitis C have returned.
It's a great managed care world. I am watching my
stomach and ankle swell, have sleepless nights, am sick to the stomach and
have little appetite. The search continues for a doctor who understands
what "therapeutic relationship" means, as I continue to adjust my diet
using information attained from this site.
To: Dr Gallatti, Texas Liver Clinic
From: Donald Lee
Date: 03/25/99
Re: Displeasure with Level of Treatment
I am extremely displeased with the treatment I am receiving under your direction, and I am
further offended by the conversation I had with you on 03.24.99 regarding my treatment.
Your casual attitude toward treatment of potentially fatal condition is astonishing and
flies in the face of all recent literature that repeatedly states that early aggressive
treatment reduces liver damage and produces better outcomes.This is the second disruption
in my treatment protocol and I have had no positive response. After being taken off all
medication, for the second time since treatment began, and not being examined for a week
after reporting to your nurse that I was experiencing physical difficulty that is
affecting my ability to work effectively, you have put me off for another week. Your utter
disregard for the suffering that I am experiencing is incredible. I called to report that
I am not sleeping which is affecting my vocation and my continued employment, and you
suggest that I’m seeking sleeping pills. I am deeply insulted by your insinuation.
What I am seeking is reduction of symptoms to a level that permits a reasonable level of
functioning and effectiveness at work. My caseload in the work place has been reduced
because my condition has worsened and I am not, in my opinion receiving adequate medical
attention.
In February, I reported to your nurse an emergency situation and was told that you were at
Herman hospital and that I was to meet you at he emergency room. I followed instructions,
but did not see you until two days later, after much suffering and after I insisted that
the nursing staff contact you.
It appears that you are continuing the same pattern of unnecessary delay
and lack of treatment while collecting fees that your colleague Dr. Ghaleeb engaged in. I
am deeply offended and intend to take whatever course of action necessary to make this a
public, known fact and to use whatever resources are available to see that this form of
treatment of insured, paying patients does not continue.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS WHILE EMPLOYED
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
7/97
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Employed by UT. |
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7/97
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Did not receive
orientation as per policy. |
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9/97
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Examined by Dr Russel
of Diagnostic of Houston. |
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10/97
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Referred to Dr Robin
by Dr Russel examined. |
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12/97
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Received results of
examination by Robin and notified positive for Hep C, informed that insurance was improper
for treatment. Told by Robin to find another doctor to treat me. |
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12/97
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Notified NYLCare of
situation and was referred to oncologist. |
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1/98
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Told by oncologist
that he did not treat liver disease, Notified NYLCare and solicited help in finding
physician. Referred to Dr. Giufrida, who performed redundant examination and referred to
Dr Ghaleeb of Texas Liver Clinic. |
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2/98
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Ghaleeb performed
testing to determine condition, would not accept findings from Dr Robin. |
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2/98
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Called into office,
told that I had Hep C ,but that more test needed to be performed. Became symptomatic with
fatigue, daily nausea, weight loss, dark urine, swollen ankle. Received no treatment. |
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3/98
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Biopsy performed with
300.00 dollar out of pocketcost when insurance was supposed to cover entire cost. Ghaleeb
made petty comments during procedure. In late April results were in, but received no
notification from Dr Ghaleeb, When contact attempted, told she was on vacation. |
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4/98
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Finally notified that
results were positive, but that she wanted evaluation from psychiatrist. Missing work do
to illness, receiving no treatment. |
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5/98
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Evaluated by Dr
Collura and results forwarded to Ghaleeb, still no treatment and Ghaleeb refusing to
perform treatment. Ghaleeb not responding to telephone contact. Dr Guifrida enlisted to
find new doctor and contact Ghaleeb concerning treatment without success. |
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9/98
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Made new appointment
at diagnostic of Houston. During appointment visit, kept waiting an exorbitant period and
finally told when seen that there was no rush to treat the condition and that hepatitis c
had no symptoms. After contacting administration, the doctor called by phone and notified
me that he did not treat hepatitis c, although he is the only gastrointerologist at
Diagnostic of Houston. Diagnostic referred me to Dr Gallatti who could not see me until
12/98. |
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12/98
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Appointment with
Gallatti delayed until January ’99. |
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1/99
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Gallati visit
interrupted when he took a phone call. Blood for testing taken and repeat of previous
testing engaged, no treatment received although Gallatti is a colleague of Ghaleeb and had
access to previous records. |
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2/99
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Interferon A began
with extreme side affects when ribivirin added. Gallati notified and treatment interrupted
for two weeks. |
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3/99
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Treatment restarted
but with severe stomach pains and on 3/15/99 had severe reaction with loss of
consciousness. Contacted Gallati’s office and referred to Herman Hospital where
Gallati was to meet me. Although I was told Gallati was at the hospital I did not see him
until two days later, after admission as inpatient. Abdominal scan taken and anomaly noted
in stomach area. No meds administered for pain, only offered aspirin. After objection by
me, Gallati contacted and pain meds administered with minimal relief. Procedure scheduled
and performed on Saturday and discharged from hospital on Sunday although outcome of
operation unsure. Sunday evening discomfort returned. On Monday returned to work and the
next week I was notified by clinical director that I was missing more work than the
previous year. On 3/26 attacked by staff member and I was put on administrative leave
pending outcome of investigation. No investigation of incident conducted or outcome
determined. |
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4/6/99
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Based on innuendo and
rumor I was terminated by The University of Texas Medical. |
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4/8/99
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Gallati’s office
contacted my parents and notified them that my appointments were cancelled, even though I
had 30 days remaining on my medical benefits. No referrals or instructions were given. |
I was fired the
week before Christmas from Intracare North Hospital after three weeks on the job without
receiving notice or counseling and with the only reason being that it wasn't working out.
Three days before I was fired I was told by my superior that I had excellent skills and
that the patients thought that I was a great counselor and that they related to me and
felt that they were making progress not previously achieved in prior treatment
experiences. I am a licensed therapist and have a certification to work with dually
diagnosed clients and have twenty plus years experience in the counseling field with both
adolescent and adult patients. I am presently unemployed, not receiving treatment and
experiencing the symptoms of advancing Hepatitis C with sleep disturbance, loss of
appetite and weight, memory and concentration difficulties. My family can't believe that I
can't get help. Neither can I.
