What would you do?

[catnapper]

I had a meeting with a new gyno this morning. I switched because I was sooo tired of never seeing an actual doctor at my old gyno... always just saw a Physician's Assistant. Anyway, I was diagnosed with a disorder last fall and the meds just never worked for me - the side effects were so bad that I was completely miserable and stopped taking them. The only other treatment is the pill, so I tried SEVERAL versions of it, all with the same disasterous outcome. I went back to my gyno (or should say her assistant) and told her that nothing was working and I wanted to see what else can be done ot treat it. She told me that was all and sent me packing to my family doctor. He actually took time to explain WHY neither the first med or the pill worked for me. My family doctor! Why couldn't the gyno do that? anyway.... thats the background on why I switched.

So today was the first appointment with the gyno my family doctor highly recommended. I explained the whole thing from diagnosis last October to today and he was attentive -- to a point -- he cut me off when he felt he understood what I was describing. I told him I never experienced pain or cramps, and he repeatedly said to me "so you have pain and cramps", to which I repeatedly described what I felt... I guess in his mind my descriptions were considered pain and crampiness?

Anyway, he told me that he wanted me to get an ultrasound... I told him I had one last October that I'm STILL paying for. He looked at my cahrt and said that my insurance was a good one and there sholdn't be any big fees. Next thing you know, I'm actually GETTING AN ULTRASOUND in the office! It all happened so fast that I had no idea what to say... I just went along like a little sheep. I am never quiet. I stand up for myself. So why did I agree to this ultrasound? Intimidation? Fear of uknown? He figured last year's diagnosis was wrong, hence the ultrasound to see for himself... why couldn't he get the films from LAST YEAR'S ultrasound?

He confirmed that my diagnosis WAS correct, but now thinks its only HALF the problem and wants to do exploratory surgery. He gave me a checklist to take to the hospoital for another round of bloodtests...... all the while my head is spinning -- if I do get diagnosed, what good is a diagnosis if there's no treatment my body agrees with? and my head was spinning from the knowledge that this is gonna cost a small fortune. Today's bill came to $460. I have a $350 deductible and a $20 copay, so insurance only pays $90 of that bill and I STILL am behind on the car payments, STILL paying for LAST YEAR'S ultrasound, and now we have the expense of a baby in the house. I want to cry.

I can't tell if I've been treated by a jerk who has a God complex or if he is just really good at what he does that he is a no-nonsense lets-get-her-healthy kind of guy. I dread telling hubby about the appointment when he gets home from work. He already thought me going to the doctor this morning was a waste of time. What would you do? Call your insurance and check to make sure the exploraoty surgery is covered and at least see if he's right? Call yet ANOTHER gyno and go through the whole process all over again? I'm so confused.

[Queen of Poop]

Perhaps you should go back to your doctor who recommended this gyno and let him know what happened and what the prognosis is and get his opinion. Exploratory surgery sounds really scary and is it really necessary. Hugs to you, health issues are never easy.

[Craftlady]

In defence of the doctor (gyn), they have to be pretty sure of what is going on before they go forth with further treatments. He has more than likely run across his share of miss-diagnosed cases, relaying on someone elses test that are going on 10 months old (your last ultra sound in October this is now August), thank goodness is not this gyn's protocol. I would not want some one to relay on test results that were more than 1-2 months tops old, allot can change.

You've been seeing a "physician assistant" their not doctors. I'm NOT a fan of them and wont go to someone who uses them exclusively, one of these PS persons about killed my mom. Dont like them, wont have one touch me. I'd stick with this new gyn and see what he can do for you. He seems to have more of a plan of action. I'd give this guy a chance to see what can be done.

Good Luck

[Vela]

In defence of the doctor (gyn), they have to be pretty sure of what is going on before they go forth with further treatments. He has more than likely run across his share of miss-diagnosed cases, relaying on someone elses test that are going on 10 months old (your last ultra sound in October this is now August), thank goodness is not this gyn's protocol. I would not want some one to relay on test results that were more than 1-2 months tops old, allot can change.
Good Luck

I agree. I really don't think he would do it unless he had a valid reason. Most physicians won't necessarily trust anther doctor's study and even if they see the old one, many things could have changed that you can't see without looking again. Also, if you agreed to do it that isn't his fault. You have to stand up for yourself with doctors as much as with anyone else. You are paying THEM to do a job for you, not the other way around. If you don't like it or don't agree with their idea, don't do it. They don't know everything and it sounds like he truly wants to find out what is going on and help resolve it. I had an ex lap done and it's wasnt that bad. Couple days of minor pain, only used tylenol. Also if you have it done this year, your deductible will already be met so it would be prudent. Also, many PAs are very competent, it's all individual, just like doctors. Some are good some are not. Hopefuly you found a better doctor this time.

[sparks19]

I would rather have a DR that may seem a little over the top than my old DR who basically told me everytime that I was imagining things (one of these times I ended up going to the hospital because I had mono that she wouldn't diagnose) Or when I went for my knee and she told me there was nothing wrong with it and I went to a specialist and turns out I had three minor tears in my knee.

I really think you should go for the surgery. I know it is expensive but this could mean the difference in your health. If you are concerned that he is just in it for the money then seek another opinion but definately see someone about this.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Kim, after my experience with my thyroid doctor, my impression is that this doctor knows EXACTLY what he is doing! My thyroid doctor does his own ultrasounds, his own blood tests AND his own biopsies. I had all three of these done before I went to him (in a hospital) and he insisted on doing all three again right there in his office. At first I was skeptical like you, but now I've been going to him for several years, have had 75% of my thyroid removed by him, have heard nothing but glowing reviews from EVERYONE at the hospital and ahave had NO ill effects from the surgery, I am totally convinced that somehow I lucked upon THE best thyroid doctor in the state of Illinois!

I believe that the health profession is similar to any other profession. You get those who really care about their jobs and do the best job humanly possible, but then you get the people who just come to work everyday but really have their minds on something else....in other words, they really don't care. I think this doctor is just making sure that he has all the most accurate information by obtaining it himself. This way he gets the information he needs in the format he prefers so he can make the best diagnosis possible, which can only benefit you in the long run.

I had been warned by my family doctor that the thyroid doctor "might come off as God, or seem kind of arrogant, but trust me, he knows what he's doing." So I trusted and I couldn't be happier. Hopefully the same will be true for you.

[moosmom]

Kim,

First of all, don't worry about what Grant says. Your health comes first and he should know better.

I do know how you feel. I went to a medical practice in search of help for my depression (didn't feel my meds were working as well as they had). The doctor (or P.A. rather) refilled my script for Paxil. He sent me for blood tests (most of this was covered by insurance through the temp agency I was working for). After 3 weeks (my temp assignment ended = no insurance), I called him back and said that I was qualified for free medicine through the pharmaceutical company and needed him to fill out the paperwork. He wouldn't do it unless I came in for an office visit!!! I was furious. I explained that I didn't have insurance and couldn't pay for the office visit, and that nothing had changed in 3 weeks to warrant another visit. He refused, saying he wouldn't complete the paperwork unless I came in. To add insult to injury, he kept my application for the program!!! I have not been back to this jerk (no even an M.D.!!!) since. My friend told me I should report him to the State, as that is unethical.

I don't know what to tell you. I have always liked female doctors as they know exactly what we go through every month. If you feel that this guy is only interested in the money, and you think that there IS a solution to the problem, find another doctor.

((((((HUGS))))))))) girlfriend.

[catnapper]

I don't think he cares about the money he would get from all these procedures. In fact I think he really is doing it to get me a diagnosis and once we know exactly whats going on we can formulate a plan for proper treatment. I think though that since he's a doctor that he has no concept of the financial concerns related to the tests and such. I think he has no concept of what its like living paycheck to paycheck.

As for exploratory surgery, the only way to figure out if I do have the problem he thinks I have is to actually go in lathroscopically and look. Sigh.

When will things finally go on an upswing? It seems I've been in this bad luck black cloud for long enough now... can I please see some silver lining? please?