(Dated November 12, 2003: Editorial Note: Peter and Lucia are members of our mail group, about 75 members now. If OPS member you can join it there for free. as we address some of these contacts, etc. therapies in this story is available to OPS members.)

The story of Peter the disease begins on January 1, 2002. At that time, Peter is a healthy man of 43 years, since 1999 married to Lucia and stepfather Lara (over 8 years). Peter works in the preventive maintenance of a large manufacturer of micro processors in Nijmegen. On his bike he likes big trips. For hobby he plays bass guitar in a rock and roll band. The appearance of the band that night Peter noted that it is unable to sing, he is hoarse.

The hoarseness persists and leads to a mid-January visit to the GP. They suspect that it is a throat infection and prescribes an antibiotic for treatment. If it does not lead to a reduction in symptoms, following referral to an ENT specialist. Then comes the first experience of hospital care in the Netherlands: waiting lists. He can go in late March. If the hoarseness is not over in mid-February, please contact Peter at another hospital. Conduct shop, as it is called hateful, gentlemen and ladies specialists. But effective, because three days after the call, he can contact the ENT specialist in the Regional Hospital in Tiel. He finds that one of the vocal cords is paralyzed, perhaps caused by inflammation. He writes for a stronger antibiotic.

Recently, the hoarseness is still there, but neither endoscopic examination or a chest x-ray make a statement. For security mid-April a CT scan scheduled.