Hi Ladies.
As one of my new year's resolutions, I am seriously thinking about changing my primary care doctor - and it's driving me crazy.
I really don't want to, because I wonder if I'm being too impatient, and the other thing is, I also fear that I will run into the same problems with another doctor.
My main complaint is that she cannot deal with more than one symptom at a time. I will go in and complain of 'x' and 'y' and it's like she decides that 'y' is either more important, or something she can handle better, and completely ignores my 'x' symptom. I have had to remind her a few too many times, "but what about 'x'". I've even had to suggest tests to be ordered. I think she's a very good doctor in some ways, I just don't understand the ignoring part. Maybe she wants me to go away because I'm a dreaded "syndrome" patient.
I just don't know..
Anyone here ever dealt with doctors like this? Did you stay with them or did you leave?
I had a similar Dr. I went in for back pain and to discuss my PCOS symptoms and he said he could only address 1 symptom at a time and decided on the back pain. Then he said he is not a "miracle worker" and couldn't do much about my PCOS symptoms. Needless to say, I switched, but I am with and HMO and they ALL have the same beliefs. Get out if you can! Switch to someone else whom you feel comfortable with and will make you feel good and like you are being listened to. You have choices. I have lots of pregnant moms who feel bad about switching at 36 weeks of their pregnancy because all of a sudden, the Dr. doesn't feel comfortable with the way they want to birth (naturally), so they switch. They feel AWFUL about it, but are soooo happy when they find the Dr. that will listen to them and help them on their journey. It's the same thing. Find a new one. Go make yourself feel good!
-Elizabeth - new to soulcysters
PCOS for 14years, diagnosed 9/01
1 child conceived in 5 cycles with
30mg Actos, 150mg Clomid, and on
3rd IUI
TTC #2
Oh doctors who can't see the whole picture or assume I am just fat and depressed usually get the boot in 3 visits or less. There is nothing worse that having PCOS and a doctor that can't see the whole picture. Now that being said, if the doc is listening and determines that there is one thing that is more important to get under control *like weight loss vs. thinning hair* then you need to give them a chance to explain why. Remember they are providing a service. Just because they are doctors doesn't mean you can't get rid of them when they are lacking the ability to take care of you. If you can switch go for it!
eternal - the best thing I ever did was shop around for a new doctor! I struggled against all kinds of bad attitudes from doctors for 20 odd years - until I got mightily fed up with it and started looking around for one that would LISTEN to me - after all, I'm the one paying their fees. It's me that pays the medical insurance premiums and taxes that go to pay for their consultations - and then they slug me with another $20 per visit on top of the $50 they get each time I walk in the door!
The best way to find a great doctor is ask other women if they like the one they go to. That's how I found my lovely Doc Jo - she's not only a great doctor, but she's a lovely person too, and that makes all the difference. The friend that recommended her to me and I have decided not to recommend her anymore - we want to keep her to ourselves!!
Now that being said, if the doc is listening and determines that there is one thing that is more important to get under control *like weight loss vs. thinning hair* then you need to give them a chance to explain why.
You're right canadian, I agree that one symptom can take precedence over another one. I guess the part that bothers me, is that she won't even discuss the other one, unless I remind her. I would have told her my symptoms twice before she actually sees me (when I make the appointment over the phone, and when I tell it to the 'workup' nurse who types it into her notebook for the doctor). Then when she does walk in, she asks again. Sometimes I feel like I'm being interrogated. I have even given her a symptom sheet to make sure she's listening (and to make sure I haven't forgotten anything), and she still ignores some symptoms. I mean, at least acknowledge the problem is there. I really don't mind working on it at another appointment. (ok rant over )
I think I will ask her about this point blank at my next appointment. I have to make sure I'm not upset when I talk to her.
Above all else, with this syndrome you must be your own advocate. Do not let doctors intimidate you. First off, a doctor should be able to address more than one symptom at a time. If not, you need to find another doctor. Secondly, something is amiss if you are afraid to talk to your doctor. This means that you don't feel comfortable. It is important that you feel comfortable with your medical doctors. I always tell new doctors that I'm looking for someone to "partner" in my healthcare. I don't want an authority figure who expects me to sit back and be told what to do.
It doesn't mean you're disloyal if you see another doctor. Heck, just set up an appt. for a second opinion and see how it goes. Take me for example, I'm seeing a new endo. in two weeks. I like my old endo. I just feel that she's not totally there with me during my appts. and, like you, I have to remind her of things and "suggest" bloodwork. I want to see how I interact with another endo. and see my situation through a new set of eyes.
Best of luck and keep shopping until you are totally happy with your doctors.
I like my old endo. I just feel that she's not totally there with me during my appts. and, like you, I have to remind her of things and "suggest" bloodwork.
Thanks, Isabelle.
I feel much better knowing I'm not crazy and this happens more than I realized.
I have to see her again in about a week, so I plan to get everything straight then. I'll know how to proceed based on how she responds.
Agree that you should switch if you don't have good communication with your doctor. Suggest that when you choose a new dr you should make an appointment for a full physical. In my experience, doctors tend to allot more time to a physical, and give more of an opportunity to discuss issues of concern.
if you're not happy with the quality of care and communication you're getting from your docotor, absolutely go "shopping" for a new one. having a doctor that is sincere and willing to take the time to listen to/address your concerns is vital. i agree that with pcos we need to be our own advocates, because a lot of health professionals are kind of confused about "exactly" what it is and all of the things it entails (unless you're dealing with a specialist, in which case i would PRAY that they know their syndromes.)
what part of louisiana are you from? i had some good doctors there.
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Wanting to change doctors.. not sure 
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