Hello Everyone....I finally made the appointment to go see a new family dr. Now..I dont know how to explain all the problems I have and the new ones that started. I dont want this dr to think I am a baby. I dont want this new dr to treat my like my other one. Just pushes me on the side and gives pills. I want to be able to sit and talk about all of this. I guess this is a petty question but I am really worried about this. I havent changed dr's in years because my dr was ok back then but the past year or so he hasnt been. I think he is overwhelmed with all the patients.
Thanks,
Lisa
I know exactly how you feel. I just tested out a new RD yesterday. I had to just swallow my pride and really tell him why I was looking for a new doctor. I usually am very "brave" and dont complain much...it was hard to let go of that and be honost...that my body is falling apart. He didnt break down and cry or anything, lol, but he was okay about all of it. I go back in 3 weeks and I will decide for sure then if I am going to make a permenant switch.
I guess what I am trying to say is dont be afraid to lay it all out there. If the doc doesnt give you the chance to express what you need to, and is not receptive to your feelings...it is better to find out right away so that you dont waste anymore time with him/her.
Good Luck! I hope it goes well for you!
When I changed docs - I made a list of everything I wanted to address no matter how minor and made a copy for me and one for the doc - we went over things one at a time and I was taking notes and he didn't laugh at me or anything - to this day when I go I take a list and we go through it - he also puts his copy in my file. Remember they can't help if you don't tell them everything and I have finally realized when it comes to this disease nothing is minor. You are not being a baby by having everything addressed, you are being very wise. Good luck. BTW remember he is working for you.make sure you tell your new doctor just what you told us. It puts expectations out front and gives him the chance to say whether he feels he can meet them. Either way I believe it helps to get the relationship off to the right start
I totally agree with the list making! I do it every time I go as well. We go right down the list and that way nothing is forgotten. I also agree its best to just lay it all out and be honest. Tell him why you don't like your old doctor and don't sugar coat anything!The list for me and my Dr. allows me to leave my appts. having covered all of my concerns, symptoms etc. My Dr. usually spends 1 to 1 1/2 hours with me which tells me that I am not just a part of a cattle herd for money.
Good luck.
All of us need a really good 'regular' doc. I got lucky and found one I like, and she is smart too.Forgot to ask when your appointment is - wishing you luck though. Hugs and good vibes.
2manyaches...that is a great idea about making a copy of the list for the doctor..
I am so doing that from now on, every doctor I go to..makes it hard for them to have one hand on the door handle long before you are done saying what you want to say!
Hello everyone...today I am off to the new dr. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the relies!!
Lisa
Changing Dr is always hard, but worth the effort. I changed 10 years ago (we only have two choices were we live!), the first one was a woman into 'experimental drugs' at the 00 a shot. She was making a fortune and who knows who she was helping. My only complaint today is the RA i have has no answering service, no one can contact him when he is gone! He says call your GP, will my GP doesn't even believe in MTX! let alone know what to do with everything else I'm taking. (He could say take more prednisone, I guess!) So, please let us know how it goes. It is the delayed reaction to all these drugs that bothers me. We need more research into 'immediate' relief drugs while we wait for the others to work. Does the Arthritis Foundation help? What kind of funding are we getting from the Federal government?