This one wasn't so bad. It was the second visit with the new Primary. No, I don't have Diabetes. YEAH!!! However, I have anemia (knew that). Have high cholesterol so let's add another to the 17 or so meds I take. Geez, the doctors complain about how many medicines I'm on and then they add another pill. Then, he complains about all the specialists I need to see and decides to add a dermatologist because I have an ulcer from the Vasculitis on my ear. Yes, it is lovely. Not. First they complain that I can't possibly be so sick and then they add to my chart, verifying once again that I am really sick. I thought I was there just to do a followup on the bloodwork. And my SED rate was 40. Not good but we are waiting on the Rheumy which is, of course, not new.
The doc was still very grumpy with me. He doesn't like it that I changed to him. Maybe he's golfing buddies with my previous doc. But his assistant was the sweetest man. He really gave me a good exam. I mean he actually looked at the place on me ear that I had mentioned to my doc on the last visit who hadn't taken the time to look at. He asked lots of questions. And then, he told me he was so sorry that I was so sick. So maybe getting him enough to make it worthwhile to change doctors.
But I sure would like to walk out of a doctor's office without needing another script or another referral to another doctor or having another test scheduled. I would be so perfectly happy to never cross another doctor's threshold again.
Glad the diagnosis for the diabetes was negative
Take care
Deanna, great to know that the diabetes was not!! That's one you can cross off your long list.Deanna,
At least you don't have diabetes and that's good news. Why is it that doctors don't listen? I heard a story on NPR a while ago that most docs decide what is wrong with a patient in the first 18 seconds of the appt! I think they decide what to do when we are talking and don't hear anything. Hope it goes better for you next time.
Laker
My rheumy says I have "inflammation" anemia, not the anemia we normally think can be resolved with iron tablets. I am under the impression that when RA patients are told they have anemia, its "inflammation anemia". I wish they would take the time to explain that to us so we can get our heads around it.
Deanna, I switched doctors ( Internists) last year. I went from Doctor B. to Doctor K. When I had my first visit with Dr. K and he looked over my records and the meds I was taking the first thing out of his mouth was, Well, I wouldn’t have done anything different than Dr. B.
I said, “ I wasn’t looking for anyone to do anything different. It’s just that you’re my husbands doctor and we wanted to have the same family doctor.”
Good news about the diabetes Deanna. And I'm glad to hear about the caring assistant. You'll have to mention to the doctor how much you appreciate him and why, the next time you visit this doctor. Let him know how much better it makes a patient feel, just knowing someone is listening and caring. Maybe in a backhanded way you can get a point across,
Laker the story about the doctor making his judgement in the first 18 seconds - well it just so happens, my hubby was sitting in the exam room at his orthopedic doctor's office when that story came through the piped in radio. When the doctor came in, my hubby asked him if it was true, and he agreed, "Yes, for the most part, that's probably true." So there you have it, straight from a horses' a**, I mean mouth!
WTG Deanna, I am so happy to hear you don't have diabetes!! That most be a load off......
take care
Great news about the diabetes Deanna. Hillhoney's idea about mentioning the assistant is a good one. Hopefully he'll get the hint. Here in Canada (and specifically in my area) we have a severe shortage of doctors. We actually have doctors refusing to take on patients with chronic illnesses because they are too sick!!! Laker's 18 second story is scary but unfortunately not hard to believe. Doctors!
Deanna, I remember that doctor you were going to. He was the worst.
I think people should
doctor shop. There should be an easier way to do it. We have to spend
so much time asking around and doing research as if our time isnt
precious at all.
Woohooo about no diabetes... BOO BOOO *hiss* about the primary dr.
I hope you get straightened out soon, Deanna. I know all those referrals will get you a little closer to getting you better. As for the pills, they all come with the territory... not much to say about those.
Huggs
It could be that we have different types of anemia, but my hemotologist found that I have iron-deficiency anemia, and I have been taking 3 iron pills a day for 4 months. My iron went up my last visit, but he wanted me to stay on it for a full 6 months to build up a little "store" of iron.
I have another small blood problem, too. I seem to remember that you also have one? Perhaps there is something about your blood that they don't want you to have more iron. I know my doctor watches my blood very carefully and when my iron tests (I think there are 3 seperate tests) stayed low for 2 consecutive appointments he was quite insistent that I need the iron pills.
I'm sure your doc knows what is best for you. But just wanted to let you know that they are treating my anemia.
I am so glad you don't have diabetes!!
Be well,
Hugs,
Nini
Deanna,
It makes me so mad when doctors treat people like that. I have a friend who has been battling cancer for years. She has a terrible time getting treatment, rehab etc. because she doesn't have insurance. She gets so depressed because no one will help her until the cancer is really bad again. She went to a university where they were supposed to help her with this recurring cancer and all they did was have the students look at her and sent her home. She says she just feels tiny and insignificant every time it happens and like she should give up. On the other hand, I have 2 insurances now. One will not cover me out of network but often picks up what is not paid by my primary. Doctors love me. I have had every test imaginable and has seen a specialist every 6-8 weeks for the last 8 months. Arrrgggghhh!
Laker
Super news about the Diabetes! You are a go getter and it helps all of us to keep going!