Dr. Alvin Reiter was a successful facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California until he retired in 2000 to care for his wife, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her oncologist said her prognosis was good unlike her husband's who was diagnosed in 1994 with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphoma is a form of blood cancer, and he was only given a 30% to 40% chance of surviving 6 years. In a twist of fate, his wife died from her "curable" breast cancer and Dr. Reiter has outlived his prognosis by 11 years.
Dr. Reiter's book discusses his trials and tribulations in being a patient and a caregiver. In an interview with American Health and Beauty, Dr. Reiter stresses that, "When you see the doctor, be prepared. Know what you're complaining about, when it started, what your symptoms are and write it down so you're not grasping for words. It is important to write your questions down and ask because you only have a 5 minute appointment with the doctor." Dr. Reiter also stresses getting multiple opinions.
To summarize his book, Reiter emphasizes "You have to be informed and save your own life! I've given people a journal of my own life's journey as a doctor, as a caregiver and as a patient."
Dr. Alvin Reiter's 10 Things You Need to Know about Living with Disease
- Doctors are not gods, they are humans
- Medical opinions will vary, 2nd and even 3rd opinions can be life saving
- It's your life, don't be afraid to ask questions and second guess others' opinions
- Don't ignore your instincts, no matter how insignificant they may seem
- Look for physicians and experts who treat the patient, and not the disease, everyone is different and so are you!
- Research, research, research! We're in the age of Google, take advantage!
- Most hospitals have supplementary care programs for pain and support; ask your doctor and/or the practice office staff.
- Read your bill carefully, questionable billing practices in medicine are rampant.
- Look for additional resources, organizations, and support groups are there to give you the empowering knowledge you need! http://www.evendoctorscry.com/resources.html
- Surround yourself with love, beauty and life; don't under estimate the power of pets, gardens, sunsets and the support of loved ones.
Dr. Alvin Reiter
About the Book Even Doctor's Cry
As the debate continues over health care in America, prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Alvin Reiter, presents this timely, thought-provoking, and urgent wake-up call. In Even Doctors Cry: Love, Death, Scandal and a Terribly Flawed Medical System (Langdon Street Press, May 2010) Dr. Reiter recounts his own traumatic ordeal with a system that he, as a doctor, had once trusted implicitly, and presents a shocking insider's look into the world of medicine through the tragic true story of one of its most unlikely victims. Even Doctors Cry tells a riveting story of love, death, scandal and a terribly flawed medical system. With a cast of unforgettable characters, a compulsively readable writing style, and its important message, Even Doctors Cry is a powerful book
Watch Dr. Alvin Reiter speak about his new book, Even Doctors Cry: Love, Death, Scandal and a Terribly Flawed Medical System:
