The Oregon Clinic Center for Advanced Surgery - East

Lo

My first surgery I had toward the end of 2020 went okay as far as I know, but ended up causing more problems with my stomach than helping it. I definitely regret that surgery, but at the time trusted that doctors knew what to tell me to do. I wasn’t educated about how serious my condition is and now that my body is dying I feel even more upset that I was basically laughed at when asking if that was a possibility for the future. I also had no one really follow up with me after surgery and couldn’t get any questions answered. What is most upsetting though is that Christy M. Dunst, MD cancelled my appointments and stopped seeing me as a patient over a year ago (and didn’t send me to anyone else for help) after I got my autism diagnosis… which leads me to wonder a lot about how she views disabilities. I was told I was going to be scheduled to get a surgical feeding tube among other testing and was waiting for calls, but then after my autism diagnosis the doctor had her assistant call to cancel things. From what I remember, the assistant said the doctor did not believe I could handle the surgery as an autistic individual with my anxiety. Autism isn’t a valid reason to stop seeing a patient when they really want help so bad. Things have only gotten worse and so for me by her making that choice FOR me. The longer I think about it the more discriminatory it feels. Now I’m so sick and not “nutritionally optimal” to survive the surgery according to my OHSU surgeon. I now just feel terrified and like I will die, but maybe if I had a surgeon at the Oregon clinic who didn’t discriminate against autistics then I would have had this surgery so long ago and not be struggling to survive each day. It’s incredibly frustrating and I have no life now… but it could have been so different if this was a more accepting doctor. I am too upset to keep this in any longer and am bawling my eyes out because I’m so physically sick and miserable and wish they would have actually helped me. I don’t recommend any autistic patients see this doctor.

Debbie Hoadley

I have suffered for years with gerd heartburn issues to the point I was sleeping in a recliner chair most nights. I knew about Dr Demeester and his excellent skills as a surgeon and hoped and prayed I could have him as my surgeon. Dr Demeester became my surgeon told me to loose some weight suggested calorie counting, I lost the weight and surgery was scheduled. I cannot express enough what a wonderful job he did on me! I’m feeling wonderful and great full!!! Dr Demeesters staff went out of their way to help this surgery happen so many thanks to them as well. I highly recommend Dr Demeester as he’s definetly awesome!!!

Marilyn Hart

When it comes to your health it's each individuals responsibility to make the right decisions and paramount to this are the doctor or doctors you turn to and making sure they are the right ones for whatever situation you find yourself up against. I am very grateful for the expertise and commitment that Dr. DeMeester has in the area of esophageal cancer. I am very fortunate to have had a Vagal Sparing esophagectomy over 19 years ago and have enjoyed a very good quality of life given my circumstance. Without any doubt had I gone to most any other doctor than Dr. DeMeester my outcome would be a complete opposite story. Many thank yous, to the DeMeester family and all the supporting professionals and heath care workers supporting their critical work. Simply put, I'm blessed to had our paths cross

Bonnie Vandercook

I was a pt. of Dr. Orr's. She explained all of my options for the removal of a small tumor. She was very thorough, and extremely kind. She made sure I was comfortable with the decision to have her do the surgery. She also made sure I felt the least amount of pain during the procedure. She took her time and did an excellent job. Her nurse was also very kind and patient. I would definitely recommend Dr. Orr. She and her staff at Providence are wonderful.