Clinicians Who Care

My debilitating GI symptoms were written off as “anxiety” or IBS for over 15 years without any tests whatosever, until I almost died of sepsis and severe malnutrition. I was so scared by the time I got to the office that I couldn’t even speak and had to write down my answers, but Dr. Sanford was extremely patient. She has kind of a stern bedside manner but is actually really caring and gentle. She instantly guessed what was truly wrong with me and ordered a few painless tests that quickly diagnosed me and ended my symptoms and restored my health within weeks. She also did my upper endoscopy. I was so scared after a life-threatening prior experience that I was sobbing hysterically on the table, just trying to tough it out until they did the anesthesia. Dr. Sanford paused everything, turned on soft music, and she rubbed my arm and spoke really kindly to me: “I’m going to be here now until you wake up in a few minutes, and I won’t let ANYONE hurt you while you’re asleep.” I felt amazing when I woke up, and sure enough she was right there saying good morning to me! I have been much less afraid of doctors since Dr. Sanford took such good care of me, and my symptoms have almost entirely disappeared, including my chronic severe malnutrition. She saved my life AND my mental health when everyone else wrote me off until I almost died.