Dear Dr. Stike?

On February 7, 2008, I terminated a prostrate examination because of the excruciating pain when you probed with your finger and when you inserted the sonic probe. I have had many rectal exams over the years including the prostrate biopsy of last year. Never have I had so much pain.

Apart from my possibly being more sensitive than I once was, there are other possibilities. Have gloves or lubricant changed? Another possibility is your technique. A patient spends approximately an hour in the procedure apart from whatever travel time is required. Could your rapid as possible insertion (one second) ibe culpable? In the scheme of things, a three or four second insertion would not add much to the time invested by the patient but would reduce the pain. Rectal intrusions are not molar extractions where speed is greatly appreciated.

I am very thankful for the VA medical care. This is the first time in which I was not only dissatisfied but refused treatment. While I don't think it was your intention, I do think there are super-patriots in Bush administration who would applaud your decreasing demands from veterans on the VA.

Sincerely,

Bob Barnett