FIRST STORY:
I sought advice from Dr. Scarbrough regarding my Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. During this process he advised and answered my questions about the DNR, the Living Will, the Transportable Physician Orders, plus my own document about my personal preferences for end-of-life care. I used his information to modify these documents, and they were then witnessed and notarized.
The information he gave me was wise, knowledgeable, highly appropriate, very valuable to me. This is a difficult subject, as it deals deals with the many ways in which one can die, and how those scenarios can best be handled.
As a result of his kind advice, I felt an enormous relief. I gave a copy of the finalized document to my grand-daughter, who is my primary health-care designee, and she too was very relieved. He had helped both of us with a complex, daunting, and important task.
SECOND STORY:
During one of my appointments with Dr. Scarbrough, I asked about a subject that was pressing and important to me. This dealt with a major life change, and it involved the question of where, at the age of 84, do I spend what remains of my life?
One option for me is to stay where I live now and have lived for a long time, which has many advantages. My other option is to move to a small town in faraway Oregon, where my remaining family lives. I was seeking information from him specifically regarding if the medical facilities there were appropriate for dealing with my own medical needs, which include two chronic, debilitating conditions.
His response was to investigate the medical resources that could help me in this Oregon town. He was able to find appropriate information about the resources there. This was a big relief to me, and was important in my making a decision.
Not only did he answer this important question, but he also told me about a couple he knew who also lived here but spent part of the year in the same Oregon area. I met with this couple and we have become friends, and we shared Thanksgiving dinner together. How delightful.
The main problem with his assistance on my decision-making is that if I move there, I will no longer have access to this amazing physician and, also, his remarkable staff!
THIRD STORY:
At my last annual appointment with Dr. Scarbrough, I felt I needed to ask how, with his medical expertise, he thought I might die? (I think I used the verb "croak.") I had devised my own list, which included a chronic blood disorder, plus some other items.
He discussed the probability of these options thoroughly and optimistically with me. Then, he brought up a more likely scenario that, in his opinion, could occur. At my age and condition, a severe fall was a threat. This could lead to skeletal and other damage that resulted in a loss of mobility and strength, from which recovery could be difficult. He emphasized the importance of my being as strong as possible, and recommended practices like aerobics, strength training, help with balance, and tai chi. He gave me a set of exercises, and encouraged me to strengthen my legs. My favorite exercise was his suggestion that, when standing up from the toilet seat, repeat the sit-down-stand-up maneuver ten times.
Well, the Doc knows his stuff, and he nailed it. Six weeks later, I tripped over a heavy hose I was hauling around in my yard, and I fell down very hard on one hand. This resulted in a badly broken left arm, with the distil end of the radius "fragmented." The break was very limiting, restrictive, and discouraging for me..
I also had to make a quick decision regarding whether, or not, to have surgery to try to repair the damaged bone. The surgery had advantages (for a better recovery) and risks (for the surgery itself). This was a difficult decision, and I didn't think I had the knowledge to decide. I consulted with Dr. Scarbrough about this decision. and he gave me the precise information that I needed. This help was a great relief.
It is important to say that during the earlier discussion about potential causes of death with him, and also during my consultation regarding whether or not to have surgery, as well as our other appointments, he has been remarkably kind, supportive, and caring. He is a good listener, being focused and attentive. He is patient and doesn't rush dialogue. He answers questions specifically and knowledgeably. He thinks outside the box. I feel very fortunate that he is my physician.
As a result of his advice, I am getting physical therapy to strengthen my core and balance, and I am walking and exercising more. I feel inspired. I want to be independent, and to make the most of the time I have remaining.
Notably, every time that I stand up from the toilet, I sit down and get up, ten times more, and I chuckle.
