April 25th, 2024

“Dear Dr. David Junkin,
I don’t think there are enough ways to say, “Thank You” in the English language, or any other. However, I will try my best.

Thank you for saving my life, and positively changing the trajectory of it. I know SLE is not generally life threatening, but the mental aspect of finally having a diagnosis, has saved me, and my sanity.

I have gone to cardiologists, an ophthalmologist, a retina specialist, an immunologist/allergist, a neurologist – all of which told me there is nothing wrong with me. I spent over a year going to a Lyme specialist (spending over $400/mo in treatments and appointments) to try and find answers, and to just “feel better” – and none of it worked. No one could give me answers to why I wasn’t feelin g well, why it would come and go, without rhyme or reason.

I’ve seen at feast a handful of doctors at Seaview – who were able to help me on my individual joint issues, address them, and put me on a path to wellness. But it took one orthopedic surgeon to look at me as a whole person, and say, “something isn’t right”_, and order a blood test, that would give answers to these questions I’ve been seeking. That is you.

Thank you for always taking me seriously, addressing my concerns, not dismissing me (especially because of my age), getting me out of pain, for fixing my shoulders up perfectly each and every time, and for the pain-free cortisone injections I always worry will hurt, but never do.

Thank you for looking at me as a whole person.

I don’t know how much longer I would have suffered, trying to find answers, what other doctor (if any) would have finally ordered the right blood test, but I do now – and will carry the gratitude for the rest of my life -you are the doctor that did that for me. You have changed my life, and not just being able to use my shoulders properly! I can finally go down the right path to seek the correct medical treatment for SLE. And perhaps more than that, I feel the
vindication of a diagnosis that isn’t “it’s all in your head”. The mental toll that pain and these other ailments takes is significant. The mental toll of being dismissed by other doctors is just as damaging.

I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me. If 50% of doctors were like you, the world would be a better place – we might even have world peace. I am sure of it. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I wish there was a way I could repay you. You have gone above and beyond, and helped me in ways I won’t soon forget it. Thank you for your unwavering kindness, patience, professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for a patient’s overall health, who desperately needed it.

So once again: Thank you, for everything. Truly and wholly.

With Gratitude,

Whitney H.