UpToDate gives Michael the unbiased perspective to
make difficult medical decisions
Michael, a 68-year-old engineer from Bonita Springs, Florida
has a rare condition called
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined
significance (MGUS). MGUS is a condition that does generally not
cause any symptoms and does not require treatment. However, patients
with MGUS have an increased risk of developing cancer, so it is
important to have regular cancer screening testing. Screening
generally includes an annual medical history, physical examination,
and blood tests. In addition, Michael must be aware of the early
signs or symptoms of cancer in the 12 months
between his screenings.
“I found information in UpToDate that
I couldn't find elsewhere on the Internet. With UpToDate you
don't have to figure out what all the data means. It gives you perspective
you don't find elsewhere.”
Michael and his physician believe in shared decision making
Michael's physician introduced him to UpToDate two years ago
when he was first diagnosed with MGUS. He now subscribes to the
service every year before going in to see his doctor.
"Some doctors
say you have to do this or that. My doctor wants me to be as
knowledgeable as I can about my condition, so I can participate in
the decisions about my treatment," explains Michael.
Michael uses UpToDate to determine his risk of developing cancer and
to determine how quickly the disease might advance, based upon
certain characteristics of his blood tests. In addition, he
uses UpToDate to see if there are any new studies or data on the
condition. "I want to know what my risks are going forward," says
Michael.
He says, "I found information in UpToDate that I couldn't
find elsewhere on the Internet. With UpToDate you don't have to
figure out what all the data means. It gives you perspective you
don't find elsewhere."
UpToDate assists Michael's son in making a treatment decision
Michael also used UpToDate to find information
for his son who was recently diagnosed with an
acoustic neuroma, a
benign tissue growth that appears on the eighth cranial nerve
leading from the brain to the inner ear. People with acoustic
neuroma generally have three treatment options: surgery, radiation
therapy, and observation. He and his son used UpToDate to help them
decide which treatment option to pursue.
Michael explains, "If you
go to a brain surgeon they will recommend the surgery, but tell you
to talk to a radiologist. If you go to a radiologist they will
recommend radiation but tell you to speak with the surgeon. The
surgery is a cure, whereas the radiation will control it. My son is
46; based upon his age we decided to pursue surgery. UpToDate helped
give us the perspective to make that decision. That kind of
perspective is so important."
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Patient Stories
