"Exceptional Care by Dr. Ernst Greyvenstein"

After experiencing another gallbladder attack, a biliary drain was inserted as immediate surgery was not possible.  After, I was told that I would have it for 6 to 12 weeks and arrangements were made for homecare visits. The surgeon said that he may refer the surgery to a hepatobiliary surgeon at Foothills hospital.   I was sent home with antibiotics and instructions to follow up with him in 4 weeks.  During that time, I experienced nausea, vomiting, etc.  I had my follow up appointment with the surgeon, who said he would attempt to get the surgery fast-tracked.  I had a CT scan done the day after my follow up appointment and the vomiting, etc. escalated.  I attempted to contact the surgeon for further advice but was unsuccessful.  The vomiting continued for a number of days along with nausea and extreme fatigue.  I couldn't eat or drink without vomiting, was sleeping up to 20 hours per day and had pain in both legs from what I later learned was extreme dehydration.  

On the fifth day I went to emergency.  They rushed me into acute care given my condition.  My blood pressure dangerously low, creatinine level was about 9 times too high, potassium extremely high, sodium very low and was near kidney failure.  They gave me dedicated, urgent care over the next 48 hours and prepared me for kidney dialysis.  I was put back on antibiotics and fortunately, with intervention, my body began to recover and dialysis was determined not necessary.  Although I repeatedly asked what had made me so ill, there was no definitive answer.  I anticipated that the surgery would be scheduled as soon as possible as I believed the issue with the gallbladder was related to the sickness I had subsequently experienced.  I was told that they were likely not related and their only concern at that moment was to ensure my kidneys were functioning.  It was then felt that I was quickly recovering and was discharged.  I was to contact Dr. Ernst Greyvenstein , my family doctor, who was requested to monitor my condition and I received a standing requisition upon discharge for blood tests every 2 to 3 days.  I scheduled the recurring blood tests and made an appointment with Dr. Greyvenstein   for within the week.

Dr. Greyvenstein became my knight in shining armour! Through this ordeal, I felt I was "slipping through the cracks" many times and knowing that Dr. Greyvenstein   was taking over provided me with needed comfort and reassurance, more than I can describe!  He actually said to me: "We've got this!".  I have long felt fortunate to have him as my doctor but this experience felt extraordinary. Any patient of his receives the best care possible. He is extremely knowledgeable, dedicated to his patients' health, and provides reassurance that you are in the best hands possible.

I went for the second blood test but they told me that the original requisition had not been recurring.  They suggested that I go back to the hospital ward where I had been discharged and inquire about another requisition!  (Really?).  I did call them but was told they no longer had any records because I had been discharged.  I then called Dr. Greyvenstein's    office and asked if he could please provide me with a requisition for these tests.  The blood lab then told me that they could not receive a recurring requisition from a family physician so I simply had copies made and took a copy with me for each test.   Dr. Greyvenstein monitored my blood tests and followed up with me after each test, including on weekends and even while he was on vacation!  He also attempted to contact the referring surgeon on my behalf regarding a follow up on the pending surgery.  Unfortunately, he was not able to obtain a response.  One month after the hospital stay, 2 hours after a blood test, Dr. Greyvenstein   had received and reviewed the results and called me because the results were not good.  The creatine was high again and the electrolytes were unstable.  He recommended I return to emergency.  I did as instructed and was admitted back to hospital.  While I was in hospital, an attempt was made by the Nurse Practitioner to follow up with the referring surgeon and the surgeon that my referral was sent to but with no success as it was right before Christmas and the referring surgeon was away.  She said she had spoke to the hepatobiliary surgeon's office but they would not schedule a consultation at that time.  Upon my discharge, she advised me to ask Dr. Greyvenstein   to follow up with the referring surgeon in early January.  Dr. Greyvenstein tried but still did not get a response.  He contacted the hepatobiliary team and was told that they had not received a referral, which I had confirmed was sent to them on November 15th.  He sent documentation to them that stated that the referral had been sent and, finally, I received a call for a consultation.  I have continued to have blood tests once per week since December with Dr. Greyvenstein  following up with me immediately after, advising me to ask his staff to schedule "fit-in" appointments with him after each blood test.  I have had ongoing issues - unexplained dehydration causing low blood pressure, high creatinine, unstable electrolytes and a lot of dizziness. However, with Dr. Greyvenstein   continuous care, I have avoided another trip to the hospital!  It's been more than 4 months and I still have the drain. I have had ongoing issues with it, such as leaking, severe soreness, and discomfort causing difficulty sleeping.  In addition, there has consistently been a high level of bile draining on a daily basis (from 600 mls to 1 litre per day). 

I finally have a surgery date scheduled and my blood pressure, creatinine, etc. have all returned to near-normal.  I feel truly lucky and grateful to be in Dr. Greyvenstein's care!