It was my pleasure to review "MAYDAY!" written by Dr. Allan Lohaus. It is a moving, sometimes humorous, account of a physician who finds himself on the other side of the hospital bed rails. But, it wasn't enough for me to just review this book. I wanted to know more about this man who found the courage to share his most personal days as he dealt with his serious illness.

I sent my questions to Dr. Lohaus through his publicist, Amanda Sammons, Senior Publicist for BookPros/ Phenix & Phenix. You could not work with anyone nicer than this woman. She was very accommodating and made this interview almost effortless.

Dr. Lohaus responded with his answers the very next day and is scheduled for a live interview with me on www.highway2health.net, 9PM EST on July 13, 2006.

What was your malady and how did it come to be?

During medical school I began having symptoms of acid indigestion and acid reflux, now called GERD: Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Since I was an M.D., I chose to treat myself for nearly 30 years until 1998 when I saw a GI specialist. Precancerous growths in the small intestine were found and their removal required abdominal surgery. On the third day after surgery I developed pancreatitis, intestinal perforation and pneumonia. I was transferred from a rural NH hospital to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and hospitalized more than 100 days.

What was the one most difficult part of your hospital stay?

Walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Knowing I had a life threatening illness and that I might die.

How important was family and friends' support?

Extremely important to me and to my wife. My wife was in the hospital with me almost daily for more than 100 days. Many times she needed support more than I did.

Do you believe that most people are aware that a mental health professional is available in the hospital setting?

No, most people including many physicians are unaware of in-hospital mental heath and psychiatric liaison services.

Why did you keep a journal? Is this something you normally do?

Since my mid-twenties, I have journaled, particularly during crisis times.

Why did you write the book, "Mayday! A Physician as Patient"?

I wrote MAYDAY! to unburden myself and as a resource for patients, families and helping professionals. The unburdening was a part of my healing.

Are you still practicing medicine?

No. When I was fully recovered two years after the illness, I decided to retire and enjoy the life that was given back to me.

Is there any additional training that physicians and nurses should be required to take to make hospital stays better?

Nurses and doctors know what is needed but often cannot provide optimal care in the present system that overtaxes their efforts. Hospital administrators and trustees need additional awareness of patients needs in their profit driven institutions. Perhaps being hospitalized for a day would be a way to start.

Why did you become a physician? And, is it everything you expected?

I became a physician to prevent and treat illnesses and preserve peoples health. My career was more fulfilling than I imagined it would be.

What is your experience with Habitat for Humanity?

During the last 15 years, Habitat house building has given me a deep sense of gladness and fulfillment.

What spiritual journey do you attribute to the Quakers teachings?

I have been guided on a life journey of service that requires a healthy body, well trained mind and high ideals, while seeking a greater understanding of love, God and the life of Jesus.

Many patients suffer and make their way back, what makes your story any different?

My story is unique because I am a physician  being a patient and I share my spirituality as well.

I have always heard that physicians make difficult patients. Do you believe that this is true? 

Beyond the myth that "doctors are the worst patients" are the realities of how physicians experience personal illness. Most physicians are "helpers" or "peacemakers" according to the Enneagram; an ancient Sufi wisdom of personality types. This leads to cooperative and people-pleasing behaviors as a patient. However, the loss of  ones professional role as an emotionally detached authority figure was  intensely stressful for me as it is for other M.D's. Having medical knowledge and clinical skills, I may have been a challenging patient to care for, no matter how polite I attempted to be. MAYDAY! reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly on both sides of the bed rails.

Do you believe that you received special treatment because you were a physician?

Yes, I did. I begged for fluids when I should have had nothing by mouth.  I was given cranberry juice and that was not necessarily good for me.

Do you have any encouraging words for patients who are not physicians?

Attempt to live in the present when ill and know that nothing will take away the best times in your life. 

Laughter is good medicine, have some daily.

God's love is greater than any human pain including yours.

What would you tell other physicians that may help them understand what their patients suffer/worry about?

Illness can be a life crisis affecting the body, mind and spirit.  Patients fear the 3 D's: Dependency, Disability and Dying.  Be their "attending physician" and attend to their life crisis and their fears.

Any instructions for friends and/or family members that have someone
close to them in the hospital?

Be present and listen. It's about them not you.  Support them in the ways they wish for, not by doing what you think they need. Ensure their safety by being an advocate or sharing this responsibility with others. Visit often and bring fresh flowers. Patients seeing flowers may sense   new life in themselves.

How important is "faith" in your life?

Since childhood I have trusted a loving spirit. I called the spirit Father in Heaven and God. Now I say: Mother, Father Creating God.  About a year before the surgery my prayer life changed from prayers of petition " God be with me" to prayers of affirmation: "God you are with me." When the illness separated me from my life goals and roles, all that was left was my spiritual life; prayer, conversations with God and faith. , For me, faith is not a feeling but a trustful way of living. Faith is my life essence, as important as my heart, lungs and other vital organs are important to my body.

You dedicated your book to your mother who "taught you courage." Please tell me more about her.

The glimpses of my mother in MAYDAY! reveal the basis for the dedication. 

(Note: read the book and get this firsthand. Some things are better read and interrupted for yourself)

Do you have siblings? Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?

My siblings and childhood are described briefly in the MAYDAY! memoir.

How long have you and Martha been married? Children? Grandchildren?

We have been married 27 years, have 3 adult children and one grandchild.

Are there any plans to write another book? If so, what is the topic?

Yes, the working title is The Adventures of Crisco a coming of age novel about my life as a first generation American.

Does your wife, Martha, have any plans to write a book about this experience as seen through her eyes?

No, she declined my offer to write alternate chapters of MAYDAY!

When did you take up recreational sailing? Why?

I began at age 35 to learn to sail, a skill that Martha had, so we could enjoy sailing together.  

Have any of your photographs been published? If so, where?}

No, I sell them as prints and cards.

Among your colleagues, what has the response been with regard to your book?

Please visit the endorsement and review pages of MAYDAYBOOK.COM to get the breadth and depth of responses. 

Well, I did just that and here's what I found:

"I read Mayday! during a recent trip to Arizona. Very moving, very humbling and also very well written. I could not put it down. I kept asking myself while reading it if I would have the strength and a faith in God deep enough to help me endure this hellish ordeal. It is recommended reading not only to medical students but to longtime practitioners." --Fritz Apollon, MD

In your opinion, will the book help other healthcare professionals? If so, how?

Yes, and the website MAYDAYBOOK.COM tells how. 

What are your thoughts on a) life; b) marriage; c) parenthood; d) careers; e) death?

Lets discuss these topics during a live or taped interview. 

Thank you for the opportunity to be email interviewed for BOOKPLEASURES.COM.

I suppose that everyone must tune in on July 13th in order to hear the answer to this last question and more!