A Kirkland, WA Hematologist to avoid

June 2, 2003

I had a most unfortunate experience with a doctor last week and I'd like

to warn you away from her. Her name is Carol VanHaelst and she is a

hematologist (blood doctor) affiliated with Cascade Cancer Center at

12303 NE 130th Lane Suite 120, Kirkland 98034 (Evergreen Hospital),

I was sent to her by my well-respected endocrinologist (Alan Failor with

UW) and she was also recommended by my ND, Ramauro. Both of

them consider me anemic even though my hematocrit and hemoglobin are

borderline low-normal because my ferritin is very low and my iron

binding capacity is very high. Both of these doctors will be learning of

my dissatisfaction with VanHaelst.

Things she did that I didn't like:

1. Knew absolutely nothing about RNY; asked several stupid questions

including " When will you have it reversed? " Um, NEVER. Her nurse, ,

knew more about WLS and was way more positive about it.

2. Recommended ferrous sulfate. Ferrous sulfate is no good for WLS

patients because of GI intolerance -- it will hurt our pouches!

3. Got pissed off at me when I told her that ferrous sulfate is

specifically contraindicated for our population. Told me that I should

ask my PCP for prescription iron if I didn't like what she was telling

me (my PCP had recently also recommended that I see a hematologist

because he was stumped by the persistence of my anemia; he DIDN'T want

to just throw prescription iron at me because he didn't understand WHY I

am having these problems).

4. Told me that Failor and Ramauro are both incorrect and that I'm not

anemic. Told me that a ferritin of 8 is perfectly normal for a

menstruating woman. (Bullpuckey. That's below the level that the lab

lists as normal, for crying out loud, and I know women with ferritin of

100!) Said that the high iron binding capacity (over 500 since December

2002, with high-normal being 400) doesn't mean anything. Right. Then why

bother to test for it!?

This woman had so much attitude about WLS that I wouldn't go see her

again even if I had cancer! Avoid!!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a **WLS-friendly** hematologist in

the Eastside suburbs of Seattle? Thanks!

Ziobro

Founder, EMOSS

Open RNY 09/17/01 Weber

310/130

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