“This letter encompasses most of my feelings, however, her loss in my life has been unreal. This has been written as a tribute to my lovely daughter, Patty (Patricia Lynn), with the hope that it may prevent this from happening to another mother’s daughter. The medical profession must learn to recognize this, as we all must. It can be life threatening and life ending. The medical profession has yet to find a conclusive diagnosis, but the lesson is clear. She was a brave woman who never lost the faith in the medical profession or in God. Patty never regained her bodily functions and passed away on Ap(at the age of 44). In March 2002, the muscle tissue was finally, and I emphasize finally, sent to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and Columbia University in New York where it was tentatively determined that Patty was suffering from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, i.e., acid maltase deficiency, a genetic defect, passed from the defective gene of each parent, for which there was no cure. She could no longer breathe and never again spoke another word. Eventually, she was hospitalized and put on life support. As a result of steroid therapy, she developed diabetes. Patty was sent to a nutritionist in January 2002. Regardless of how everything appeared, she remained optimistic. Although the physicians were at a loss, Patty remained confident that all would be fine and that the doctors were doing everything they could.

She barely had the strength of a small child. By the fall of 2001, her symptoms began to worsen. During the entire time she was on steroids, her weight was not monitored by a physician. Steroids were prescribed for weight gain. It took form the spring of 2001 until August 2001 before a tentative diagnosis was made.The conclusion was Polymyositis. During this time, Patty continued to loose considerable weight. By this time, Patty had lost considerable weight, and her motor movement was deteriorating until she could not perform the smallest task, such as climbing stairs. When everything came back negative, the physician ordered a muscle biopsy. Once again, she contacted her primary care physician for help.Īfter an extensive delay, more tests were ordered. It was about 1 1/2 years ago, that Patty noticed subtle changes, such as hearing loss, shaky hands, and a voice change. Each and every year, they found her overall health to be good, and never seemed concerned abut her weight loss. She was very prompt concerning her yearly visits to the doctor. As her overall health started to decline, she continued to loose weight slowly. She experienced slight muscle aches and pains, but overall felt good.

It became noticeable to all of her family and friends. She had a strong faith in God, which prevailed during her illness.Īpproximately six years ago, Patty began losing weight. She was a very positive person, always looking on the bright side of everything. As an adult, she married and had a child of her own. However, she appeared healthy and beautiful. Patty was born a perfectly normal child, but as she grew older, she was rather thin.

Patty, and her family, especially her mother, have paid the price for their lack of interest and incompetence.

There were many symptoms, yet none were detected or taken seriously by the professionals responsible for her care and recovery-in essence, those responsible for her life, that should have known better and known where to seek medical attention that was needed. Her name was Patty.Įveryone, especially the medical profession, should be aware of the potential for this to happen to anyone of us, and to anyone’s daughter. Senselessly, while in the care of an inept medical system, my wonderful daughter passed away. April 6, 2002, was the saddest day of my life.

Negative nancy positive patty