Tribute to Dr. Bedros

I am now forty-one years old. From ages nine to forty, I had a wonderful man a part of my life. For thirty-one years, this man helped keep me alive and helped me feel safe. For thirty-one years he was my security blanket in life and medicine.

I began seeing Dr. Bedros at age nine after I had a massive cerebral hemorrhage which left me in a medically induced coma for twenty-two days. When I came out of it, he suggested--what was at that time--a new form of treatment for Sickle Cell patients; monthly blood transfusions. 

One doctor told my parents this treatment wouldn't work to prevent future strokes; that they should take me home and wait for a second stroke to happen. Dr. Bedros, however, had confidence this therapy would work to prevent future strokes. Trusting his judgement, my parents agreed to the treatment. Thankfully, thirty-two years later, I've not yet had any additional strokes.

Due to some cultural differences, when I was a boy I at times had a hard time feeling an emotional connection to Dr. Bedros. But as I grew older and as life changed him, a very strong emotional connection formed between us. With time, I came to trust his professional judgement above all others. If he said I needed a treatment, I knew he had done the research to learn that it was best for me. Dr. Bedros knew my body inside and out. He knew what worked for me and what didn't.

Though Dr. Bedros was a pediatrician, he continued to see me well into adulthood. As the years waned on, Dr. Bedros became more than my doctor, he was my friend too. A friend who I trusted absolutely and completely. The trust I had for him was unparalleled to any other person on this planet.

I often told Dr. Bedros, "There are two reasons why I am still alive today; God, and you." I long feared the day when this man of faith and science opted to retire from medicine. Nearly a year ago, that day came.

For the past twelve months or so, I held out hope that perhaps he would change his mind. Sadly, I no longer have that hope. My friend and doctor of thirty-one years is no longer a part of my life.

When I first received this news, my heart fell through the earth and tears welled in my eyes. I never got a chance to tell him thank you one final time. I never got a chance to tell him how safe he always made me feel; how a weight was always lifted off my shoulders when I saw him walk into my hospital room. I never got a chance to give him one final hug and tell him how much I loved him.

Though I have a vague idea, I don't truly know what personal sacrifices Dr. Bedros made in his life to be the doctor he was. I don't know what relationships he gave up so he could help me, and others, live far longer than we ever thought possible. There are many things about Dr. Bedros I do not know. But I do know that his effect upon my life was profound.

Wherever you are Dr. Bedros, please know that whatever sacrifices you made to be the doctor you were, are sacrifices I'm thankful for. Know our relationship can never be replaced. Know our friendship is one I sorely miss. And most importantly, know I love you and miss having you in my life.

Thank you doesn't come close to expressing all I feel for you, but it's the best I can do. Thank you Dr. Bedros for giving me life. Whatever journey God and life has in store for you, I wish you all the best. I pray peace of mind and harmony of spirit permeate your life. Be well Dr. Bedros. I love you.

Red Light Update: Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers

It's been two weeks and three days since I bought my red light. Here are some experiences since my last post.

Yesterday I had my blood drawn from my hand; the only place left to get blood. It hurt. I put the red light on the puncture point for about a minute, and the pain was gone.

Last week I cut myself pretty deeply on a piece of glass. After cleaning it, I used my red light on it. After treating it, the pain was gone. For the days following, the only pain from the cut I felt was if I pushed on it or banged it. It quickly scabbed over and healed.

In regards to my foot ulcer, my pain is still drastically reduced. When it does hurt, I use my red light and the pain is reduced by a lot, if not gone entirely.

My 72 year old mother was playing with Buster, our Lab/Shepard mix who is one year old, when his claw punctured her skin. Being the age she is, typically she'd have a lot of pain, tenderness, and the wound would take a long time to scab over. This time, however, she immediately used the red light on it. The wound promptly sealed closed and scabbed over. Using the red light on the wound twice daily, she has experienced little to no pain. A wound like this would tend to break open again and again. But as she continues to treat it with the red light, the wound is progressing towards healing at an accelerated rate. She is thrilled and amazed.

I am very grateful I found this technology. It's really helping me in a variety of ways.