Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
I went to see the regular duc. I told her the story of how I ended up in the ER with a problem in my thoracic spine -- but the ER ordered a lumbar MRI. I was in bed for two weeks nursing the herx plus a wrecked back and I wrote her a couple emails asking her if, since they did the wrong MRI, she could order a correct one so that I could find out whether I had a break, tear or herniation in my thoracic spine.
She wouldn't do it. She said she would only do it if I made an appointment, which I could not at the time since I was in bed with the above complaints.
So now I'm in her office and we end up in this shouting match. She tells me " we don't have a good working relationship" because " I feel like I can just order anything I want."
I'm shouting that this is my body and it's my job to figure this stuff out, and she's shouting that I'm using her to my own ends or something.
Weirdly, I ended up feeling sorry for her. I thought it actually took a lot of guts for her to speak up for herself -- can you believe this?
And found myself writing a short apology telling her I was sorry if I offended her by asking for a thoracic MRI.
I don't know if I'll ever see her again. I guess I probably will because I figure all ducs are the same and thank goodness for my LLMD. I apologized because I felt like I hurt her feelings and since that wasn't my intention I felt a human responsibility to make it right.
But man...they are so touchy. They're like the adolescents of this society, you have to talk to them just the right way or they pitch a fit.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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TNT
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Member # 42349
posted
quote:Originally posted by Jordana: But man...they are so touchy. They're like the adolescents of this society, you have to talk to them just the right way or they pitch a fit.
It's their huge egos....
Posts: 1308 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
Well I think doctors are getting irritated by the influx of new people because of obamacare and the advent of the internet. They don't want educated patients; I should not know the difference between lumbar and thoracic because I am reading above my station apparently.
This duc also suggested to me that I either go to the Mayo clinic or get on with my life by getting less "deconditioned." This kind of reasoning only makes sense to people who are not sick.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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posted
*hugs* *hugs* *hugs* I'm so sorry. I've a hard time with my family doctor too and have decided that I'm not going back.
Posts: 49 | From CO | Registered: May 2016
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Silverwolf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9196
posted
Hi <<<<< Jordana >>>>>,
Sorry to hear how the Duc' is behaving, so far all the Drs. My Non-LLmd sent me to, have figured out some excuse not to keep me as a patient.
The Neurologist wouldn't agree to Medicaid's test prices for Dxing, so he excused me as a patient.
Then the Urologist, said go to an ID Doc' I can't help you, after he prescribed me a med' my doctor had said not to,as I had serious reaction.
And last but not least,after 2wks of ordered ABX, that the ID Doc' ordered,and told me to take, he said I didn't need the ABX, since I didn't have the UTI/Bladder infection.And He knew that infection was gone 3 days after the test he had run.
He just didn't bother to tell me, 'Til I took all the meds' per his instructions. And now, oh gee,golly,gosh I just don't know what I could do to help yout, So now I am excused from there too.
The newest Lyme tests, are in the Doctors report,as is the '06 DX I'm sure, even tho' this new situation was about UTI.
But he said there was no Urinary Analysis's included, other than the basic info' we brought. So he had me do two more...
My Apologies for venting here,on your thread, but I kinda know how you feel. Will continue in prayer for you <<<<< Jordana >>>>>, hugs comin' your way too, gently... .
Jus' Silverwolfi here
-------------------- 2006,May-August2006 Dx w/ Lyme/Bartonella/White Matter Lesion Disease on Brain. [ Clinical Dx w/ two positives and several IND's on the tests from Igenex ], Prior Dx of CFIDS/CEBV 1992, and FMS '93-'94 Diabetes*2 Dx 10/'08 Posts: 3581 | From SE Idaho | Registered: May 2006
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
Ugh, man. I decided to pay out of my savings for obamacare because I was afraid of medicare; I thought I would do better on private insurance. Turns out it doesn't matter. The whole point seems to be to exhaust us until we disappear.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
the biggest fight I had with a doctor was when I asked for diflucan. he asked me why and I said my throat was white, I had white stringy mucous all over my mouth, et etc.
he said it was normal and said he was the dr, I wasnt, and actually threw my file down. he accused me of drug shopping.
I told him if I was drug shopping, doncha think I'd be asking for pain killers instead of blank blank diflucan.
man, he,was po'd but so was I.
I would not have apologized.
yeah, or die..
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
See the thing is you ask for the drug because you know it works and you figure you're saving everybody some time. I asked for flexeril and got the same response because of my back -- the response was that "flexeril won't help with that."
Huh?
You can get anything you want from India as long as it's not a controlled substance. I don't like doing it because those drugs are coming from pretty far away, but I have.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
some people order from canada or go to mexico.
my sister has numerous conditions. she gets meds much cheaper and some are jus sold otc down there.
I don't understand why if you've had the drug before, it worked, its not a controlled substance, why they won't give it to you. I mean, c'mon, diflucan...really???
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
Well we keep saying we don't understand until we understand the guy is just an *******. They pick the most inopportune times to reveal this, too.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
The doctor is telling you that you are using her as a prescription pad and she doesn't like it.
Some doctors don't mind this, and some really do mind this. Those that mind it will not be a good match for you.
Also, many doctors are loathe to order testing outside their speciality. So, for example, a primary may want you to see an orthopedic surgeon who will decide if an MRI of some part of the spine is needed.
A primary may also send the patient to a neurologist rather than order an MRI of the brain himself.
There are likely reasons for this, especially if the doc is in a group practice. So, you may have to see an ortho to get what you want.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Jordana
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Member # 45305
posted
TF, I don't know why you would come on a thread complaining about doctors to defend the doctor by telling me and randibear we're "using the doctor as a prescription pad."
posted
Jordana .. It's true. She's telling you how your doctor may perceive this request. That is all.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
OK, I will not try to help you ever again. I promise!
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
Um no --
The doctor is telling you that you are using her as a prescription pad and she doesn't like it.
That's saying that I am using the doctor as a prescription pad. That first of all had nothing to do with what I was talking about. I was talking about a thoracic MRI at first, randibear was talking about diflucan.
TF thinks that this is "using" a doctor even though the doctor is getting paid while randibear is getting charged.
So in this case it's randibear who's in the wrong because she's using this poor doctor to her own ends. This reading of either one of our experiences has nothing to do with reality.
TF, don't worry, I don't think you're trying to help.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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posted
Folks, try to be kind to one another here - we're all in the same boat.
My two cents - it's night and day re the difference between dealing with doctors who don't know or care and those who are trained to see us and deal with our complexities.
When I found my LLMD, I didn't have to deal anymore with the kinds of responses you're getting, Jordana. And I switched my primary doc as well to someone who would respect me for what I was dealing with.
Jordana, you cannot win with "ducks" - only with Lyme-literate people, so I encourage you to keep finding those kinds of doctors to work with, including by referrals.
Every state has an online state Lyme chatsite, so perhaps you could also get Lyme-literate referrals from your state group. Just an idea.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Let's be nice, but also remember....
Some doctors are really nothing more than a prescription pad with legs.
posted
I'm so sorry everyone is going through difficult times with their non-LLMD doctors. I left one in tears of anger and frustration just yesterday! The third time in just a few months!
Posts: 2 | From WV | Registered: Sep 2016
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randibear
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posted
sorry for causing such a ruckus. I really am. hut my dr is very good and he'd given me diflucan before. he doesnt believe in yeast.
but I still say there is nothing wrong in asking about drugs.
I asked about my high hlood pressure drug because I was having symptoms, he,said no, this one won't work because it interacts with your nightime bp meds.
so I stand. I'm sorry you feel I'm apparently drug shopping too but I feel if there's something that has worked before then why not ask?
and I've refused all painkillers so he knows not to prescribe them.
jordana please dont be so harsh. I am not using this dr. but asking for a drug when you have symptoms to discuss options is not wrong.
questioning a dr also is not wrong. im highly allergic to a lot of things so is that wrong too?
each case is different but lord knows, I am not using my dr.
please jus give me a break.
sad to say but comments like this and assumptions, are what causes people to leave boards. and I really dont want to leave.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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I am not using this dr. but asking for a drug when you have symptoms to discuss options is not wrong.
questioning a dr also is not wrong. im highly allergic to a lot of things so is that wrong too?
Like I said, no one is wrong here, until we attack each other.
asking for an MRI is not wrong either
We all have to realize that some doctors are NOT OK with our questions. If they are NOT, then we move on to someone who will take better care of us.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
you are right. I've been going to him for 30 years and we often go back and forth. but he's always been ok. others have not.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
In my opinion, if a doctor isn't okay with questions from a patient, they are not a doctor. A researcher or medical person, or a person with a medical degree, maybe, but not a doctor.
Every time we go into those offices we are paying really enormous amounts of money whether it's on insurance or not, and that doesn't include the rest of the money we're spending on another whole doctor and another set of private tests. That's time and cash we are spending while the doctor sits there and collects for their tantrums and specific preferences about how they do and do not like to be talked to. Most of the time these people don't even examine me, they sit on their little stools on their computers and have these conversations that end in; I don't know what's wrong with you.
Thousands of dollars spent that way; we're being impoverished while they are being enriched because it *is* their job to care for us, not the other way around.
I try to be civil and considerate when I talk to everyone but it's not the job of the patient to pander to the needs of the doctor. That truly makes no sense.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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randibear
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posted
my office visit cost 175 for about less than 10 minutes. that's pretty good money.
but he doesnt have a computer jus my file which looks like war and peace.....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
Ha ha, randi! I know my LLMD's office has Volumes I and II.
My GP has a pretty thick one for my only being with him the past 11 years.
I work at my doctor/patient relationship. I need him and I think he knows if I ask a lot of questions, I'm just looking to improve my situation. I love mutual respect. I think I'll keep him!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
UGH, giant super UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
doctors FORGET that they are PRACTICING!!!!!!!!!!
practicing means to learn as you go. I really hate the whole dr thing ..
the more I meet mediaclly the more I find that most are arrogant and need a mommy to tell them how great they are.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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randibear
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Member # 11290
posted
hey how about they pay us if we wait more than 30 minutes, if they spend less than 10 minutes with us, and if they don't have the right records or if we have to come back for bloodwork.
that would be a change.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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LisaK
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posted
haha, I like that Randibear!!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
Re: about asking for rx meds.
With all the commercials for drugs on tv you'd think they'd be expecting and accepting that their patients will ask for them.
So what was that md taught in med school about white stringy stuff in back of throat???
Posts: 1302 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
he said it was morning drainage...ha
so with red fingers and toes, itchy skin and privates, and on and on, I know the symptoms of yeast. we all do.
but if a patient says I've been on abx three times now, I have symptoms, couldn't we at least try, then thats what I dont understand.
it's not a controlled substance,not a morphine, demoral, oxycontin, type drug.
just give one pill or three, which they have done. he gave me five pills of diflucan once and I felt wonderful.
I don't understand their thinking.
but dr shopping or pill shopping implies you're running around from dr to dr getting all these prescriptions. I only go to one dr.
but he's a grumpy kitty fer sure.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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