Question about Doctors

[Sandy SHields]

I was just wondering if any of your doctors act as if you are a hypercondriac?
I only go when I think it is absolutely necessary and sometimes he looks at me as if he thinks I enjoy going to the doctor. I used to go to him because my heart was fluttering but he could never catch it doing this so he said that it was fine. Well later on I went into afib.I do understand that they have to catch it doing this,he could have taken me serious though. I went to him because I had pain in my lower left side he told that everything was ok. I later went to his arnp and the next week i was in surgery to have my ovaries removed.I do know that I need to find another doctor but I live in a small town and there is not a lot to choose from.He is the top of the notch here. I go to him if I get an infection because of fear of getting endocarditis. I do have an artificial heart valve. Just wondering what some of you have to say on this.

 

[Cooker]

Sandy,

I would get another doctor if possible. I think that most of us here with heart valves and heart related issues are more aware of the things that go on with our health. I am sure doctors see many folks in the panic mode every day but it sound like he/she might be taking things a little too lightly.

You said he is at the top of the heap...... maybe someone who is trying to bump him off and is trying harder might be in order.

We need them but they still work for us.

Cooker

 

[Ross]

My doctor used to think and act the same way. He's watched me endure numerous things over the last 14 years and no longer questions me when I say something isn't right. Usually, if I'm saying that, it's from a bed in the ICU!

 

[Kate]

Hi Sandy,
I understand entirely what you are going through because I live in a small town too and worry about the lack of good health care all the time. If you don't have a Dr. in town that you can trust, I encourage you to go to the closest city - even if you have to drive several hours. It's worth it! I drive 4 hours one way to go to the Cleveland Clinic and I'm sure my aneurysm wouldn't have been caught if I didn't. Kate

 

[pipersmith]

Follow your instincts - not his

Follow your instincts - not his

In the past, I have often downplayed (even to myself) issues that I should have investigated further because I did not want to seem as though I was over anxious. I think I put off my heart diagnosis for over a year, not speaking up to my doctor, and in turn requiring him to be thorough. I agree with Cooker - you are probably more likely to be more aware of your health and associated changes.

I saw my kids pediatrician just today, for a referral to take one of my four kids to be evaluated for valve issues. I have a valve problem, and recently found out that 3 (maybe 4) close relatives have valve issues thought to be hereditary. My son also takes Adderall. I did my research before just requesting an expensive test for him. The doctor acted like I was crazy. When I quoted articles supporting my position, he actually seemed offended. I am shopping for another doctor now...

Best of luck with your situation - my point to sharing all this is - you should not ignore things or put off having them evalutated because of the attitude of a doctor - in my opinion anyway

 

[geebee]

Yes and I fired them. However, since it sounds like you feel there are not other options, you should let him know your thoughts. Be open and honest. After all, he can't beat you up or anything. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

If after such a discussion, he still treats you this way, go to another city as Kate suggested. He does not deserve your money if he is unable to talk with you.

 

[Sandy SHields]

Thanks everyone for your reply. I can find another Doctor in a bigger town just didn't really want to drive there every month to get my INR done. Maybe they think they are to busy to deal with people who know what they are talking about. You all have a good one.