Their hearts are in it together

Two best buddies from Ocala have put their heads — and hearts — together and figured out a way to relieve the stress and uncertainty associated with visiting the doctor.

Arline Wixon and Barbara Saalfeld became through a ministry at their church. “I was working at the church, and Arline volunteered there,” says Barbara, “I really needed help and she came in and got the office running smoothly. Pretty soon we found out we had a lot in common – a lot of the same interests. Friendship happens that way. You go along and don’t notice, then all of a sudden you think, ‘Wow, I’ve got a good friend.’”

Barbara didn’t hesitate when Arline mentioned that she needed a doctor. “She recommended her M.D. and that was it. We ended up with the same circle of physicians,” Arline recalled.

And Dr. Qamar at ICE is in the center of their circle.

Seeing Dr. Qamar isn’t as stressful as visits to other doctor’s offices, but

Arline and Barbara still like to accompany each other when one has an appointment at ICE.

“We don’t have our appointments at the same time, but when one goes, the other comes along,” Arline says. “As soon as either one makes an appointment, we sync our calendars. I have her appointments in my book and she has mine. Dr. Qamar talks to us both at the same time. We’re on each other’s HIPPA list.”

According to Barbara, “We go together whenever possible. The one who’s not the patient that day takes the notes. Sometimes I can think of questions to ask that she doesn’t and vice versa.”

Arline wouldn’t have it any other way. “When my situation started getting serious, I’d hear one word and just shut down,” she laughs. “I’d come home and tell Barbara and I guess I wasn’t giving her enough information. She said next time, I’m coming with you.”

“We do it because we care about one another,” Barbara said. “It’s so helpful to have that support. To know someone is there looking out for you. Someone who cares and understands exactly what you’re going through because they’ve been there, too.”

When asked about ICE, both ladies have very strong opinions that, like their medical journeys together, they happen to share as well.

Says Barbara, “ICE is a place that really cares about you as a person. The whole person. They really want to look out for your interests and everyone is so competent. They’re caring and compassionate. And Dr. Qamar is a really good listener. If one of us is having a cath procedure, he’ll even come out and talk to the other one afterwards.”

Arline feels the same way. “Dr. Qamar looks at the whole picture, not just your heart and your arteries. He wants to know ever ything about you. He’s compassionate, warm and caring. I don’t know how but he never appears rushed. He’ll sit and talk to you as long as you need him to. I’ve sent so many people to see him, every time I go in I bet I know half the people in his waiting room.”