Unfortunately, though I appreciate the extra chance to redo my Rectal Swab portion of exam, my…read moreexperience was poor with Dr. Cahill. While I sensed he had some compassion and definitely a passion for what he does/one of few who practice parasitology as a medical examiner, I received about 5 minutes of brief talk with him, was told my feelings of "crawling" (which are actual Ascaris Lumb large roundworms moving/migrating in my body) were not objective and he only dealt with "the objective" and was quickly ushered into another room to dress in paper gown, bottom half everything off for rectal swab exam, while he cycled in another patient in the "talk" room and I waited 7-10 minutes for the brief 5-8 minute rectal swab and blood test he did himself. So in short, I spent about 15 minutes at most with him for a flat $500 fee.
Now I realize, this includes the time it takes him to examine the results later (not sure how much he devotes to each patient). I was disappointed that while I realized some stool out-of pocket paid tests online advised abstaining from anti-parasitic medicine prior to tests, it was not clear this was the case for his rectal swab exam. I was given no pre-protocol to abstain from anti-parasites prior to the exam and the day I had the exam, I expressed concern about this (had been fighting infection for a long while) through 2 emails and a phone call about this possibility and did I need to, and would I be allowed to redo the exam since I was not told in advance to not take these and if they would affect test/exam results?
I never received an answer when I called for this or blood test/rectal exam results that Thursday January 29th after appointment the 27th of January 2020, so I just showed up Monday, February 3rd for answers. Dr. Cahill, ushered me in to side in his office and with door open, in a soft but clearly angry voice, chastised me and tried to shame me stating something to the tune of "it is never the doctors fault, it is the patient's fault or responsibility to know"- this he repeated 3 times at least, but since he inserted just prior he would redo the test because I had travelled all the way from Washington state for this and spent $500, I didn't say anything back.
I was not pointing fingers or blaming anyone -- just looking for compassion, understanding, apology, and offer to redo. Professionally, I feel the office ought to have notified me the week prior so I had time to take the 4 days off without any anti-parasitic medicines, but I was only told this Monday, February 3rd, the day before my flight out after spending eight days there for the main purpose to see this doctor and remaining time for possible follow up.
Then Dr. suggested I delay my flight and stay longer as it was medical. I wish I could but $ is now even shorter, I didn't have funds to spend for airline change fee, additional hotel fee, etc. and I have a move scheduled that I need to be back in town for. So I was offered to redo it albeit with one day's time to be off anti-parasite medication and take the rectal exam again (showed up 7 am for 5-10 minute exam). No promised answer when I followed up later that day prior to flight out. Called two days later and received call back - another FALSE NEGATIVE -same as first. $500 spent for that. More wasted money although I realize there is a reason for everything.
I was diagnosed already with Ascaris Lumb large round worm back in September, 2019 by Dr. D'Angelo of ParaWellness, but was looking for further diagnosis for help with access to further human anti parasite medicine (other doctors would not provide) and to increase awareness of the plight we sufferers of chronic complex parasite infections are experiencing concerning lack of treatment, mistreatment, and medical gaslighting from most doctors (and no help, only abuse, and mislabeling/judging delusional) as well as justice involving monetary compensation (through further benefits, lawsuits for doctors who medically gaslighted me in past, etc.). I feel I deserve my $500 fee as a refund for these issues.
