Ashley Brown
1/5
I have spent years considering doing this and I am not hitting submit lightly. I want to share my story incase someone ever comes across the same problem. Also, my therapist told me it may give me closure on some of the hardest years of my life. I have no doubt Dr. Sanchez is a wonderful doctor and has saved many lives. My purpose is to do your research for your particular illness. I was referred to Dr. Sanchez by my PCP for possible fistula. I had a series of surgeries completed by Dr. Sanchez. The last one he completed resulted in a major infection and weeks of antibiotics. Prior to diagnosed infection, I reached out to his office and sent pictures to which they said everything looked fine. Weeks went by and I reached out again, knowing things weren’t right in my body. The following, I feel, happened because they would not get me in to be seen. If you have a major fistula surgery, the follow up appointment should be 1-2 weeks, not 4. At the appointment, Dr. Sanchez said he had never seen anything like my infection. I sought after a second opinion here in town. At some point the two doctors discussed my case (I don’t remember signing a release form to discuss my medical health – and I don’t think I ever did). I was then questioned (quite sternly it felt) by Dr. Sanchez regarding me getting a second opinion at an infection follow up appointment (I had not shared I was seeking a second opinion). It very much felt like I had done something wrong when in reality, I was just trying to help myself and find answers. Apparently the doctors (from different practices) had crossed paths and discussed me. After the infection healed he gave me two options. Keeping my current situation or trying the surgery that had caused infection again. I told him I was not going to pursue the surgery and he told me just to give everything a rest for a year or so. Upon opinions from others, I sought the help from a doctor at Cleveland clinic. After 3 visits and two surgeries in Cleveland, I am healed. People, it takes courage but advocate for yourself. I know doctors intentions are never typically ill willed – such as my case but that does not mean you should give up. If a doctor gives up on you, keep pushing and find someone who won't. That doesn’t mean a surgery every other month but rather a plan. There is a doctor out there that will listen. Just because you don’t have cancer does not diminish the fact that you are not okay and need help. You just may not find it here.
