topic Re: My Doctors Are Retiring in Wellness

My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:51:49 GMT

In the past few years most of my doctors have retired. It was inevitable as I'm in my 60s, and most of my doctors are older than me. Four of my specialists have retired, and my internist who I saw for almost 40 years retired in December.

I saw my new and very young internist for the first time in March, and he made changes in my health plan. Was my old doctor that incompetent? IMO my previous doctor and I had things under control. I'm not against trying different medicines and practices, but it definitely caused me anxiety when he changed my asthma meds in March just as my worst time of the year for flare ups was beginning.

He asked me to stop taking an asthma medicine that I've been on daily for 20 years, and he prescribed something else. I told him I would try to wean off the old medicine. Three months later I have succeeded, but it was scary.

I see him next week for a 3 month checkup. Wonder what else he will want to change?

Anyone else have stories about new doctors?

Wishing Everyone Good Health!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

Nonametoday — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:16:12 GMT

@wilma wrote:
In the past few years most of my doctors have retired. It was inevitable as I'm in my 60s, and most of my doctors are older than me. Four of my specialists have retired, and my internist who I saw for almost 40 years retired in December.

I saw my new and very young internist for the first time in March, and he made changes in my health plan. Was my old doctor that incompetent? IMO my previous doctor and I had things under control. I'm not against trying different medicines and practices, but it definitely caused me anxiety when he changed my asthma meds in March just as my worst time of the year for flare ups was beginning.

He asked me to stop taking an asthma medicine that I've been on daily for 20 years, and he prescribed something else. I told him I would try to wean off the old medicine. Three months later I have succeeded, but it was scary.
I see him next week for a 3 month checkup. Wonder what else he will want to change?

Anyone else have stories about new doctors?

Wishing Everyone Good Health!

@wilma Just like grocery stores and school teachers, some of the new ones are better than the old ones but the old ones seemed to have a caring heart, and that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I have a new pulmonologist and he has made some wonderful changes for me. I loved my former one but he moved after his wife got a professorship at a nearby university hospital and he got a new practice with a better-paying clientele in that area.

I loved my former internist. He would call me at home, at night, to see how we were doing if there was, what he thought, a problem that perhaps he wanted to explain further than he had time in the office.

His wife had a very serious airplane accident (doctor also) while flying with a patient to a specialty hospital. He retired from his practice at age 57 to care for her and his aging father who had Parkinson's. That made me love him even more. My new internist is nowhere near as caring or as good as the former one and just does not listen.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

SaveTheTurtles — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:11:51 GMT

We recently broke up with our old PCP that we had for 25 years and now have a new one. Best thing we ever did. Sometimes their egos and attitude get too big for their britches.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:22:37 GMT

@wilma wrote:
In the past few years most of my doctors have retired. It was inevitable as I'm in my 60s, and most of my doctors are older than me. Four of my specialists have retired, and my internist who I saw for almost 40 years retired in December.

I saw my new and very young internist for the first time in March, and he made changes in my health plan. Was my old doctor that incompetent? IMO my previous doctor and I had things under control. I'm not against trying different medicines and practices, but it definitely caused me anxiety when he changed my asthma meds in March just as my worst time of the year for flare ups was beginning.

He asked me to stop taking an asthma medicine that I've been on daily for 20 years, and he prescribed something else. I told him I would try to wean off the old medicine. Three months later I have succeeded, but it was scary.
I see him next week for a 3 month checkup. Wonder what else he will want to change?

Anyone else have stories about new doctors?

Wishing Everyone Good Health!

@wilma

Same here .... in the past 10 years I've lost doctors, dentists, hairdressers and all endings were surprises.

(For some strange reason, I thought I'd have all those docs as long as I wanted them. I know ... ridiculous.)

I also lost a doctor due to insurance changes.

From my experience, Wilma, I say please be open to being seen by a fresh pair of eyes. Those younger doctors might have less years of experience than your old doc, but they've also had the benefit of more recent training and might be more on top of various medical advances.

Plus ..... it's entirely possible that the med you've taken for 20 years is no longer the best treatment for you. Sure, it works, but there might now be something better.

My experience ....

Up until about 6 years ago I had what I considered the best Rheumatologist in Los Angeles. Lost her because of insurance changes.

What I have since learned is that the new board certified Rheum I've been seeing is not only as good, but is probably better ... for me.

So ... if you're changing meds, remmber you can always call or schedule follow ups sooner.

Please be open to change .... actually, you don't really have a choice, so go with it.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

Lucias Nonna — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:31:46 GMT

Be aware that if you are on a Controlled Substance prescribed by your former Family Doctor, your new Doctor may not give them to you until he or she evaluates you!!! Not happy about this & even after my former FD wrote in her notes that I need these Drugs. Very upset about this but hoping the new Dr. wll keep prescribing these Meds for me. Hate change but hoping this new Dr. will not keep me waiting 2 hrs to see her everytime I have an Appt.. Makes my BP high to have to wait. The problem today too is that the Hospitals are buying out Private Practices & I have found that this is very disruptive during the takeover & the Office employees are not happy with the change. Good luck everyone!!!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:34:26 GMT

@Nonametoday

I'm glad you like your new pulmonologist. Your feelings about your new internist are similar to mine.

I think internists might be a bit more difficult to replace. Since we see them so frequently we probably develop more of a relationship with them. The fact that my internist was my doctor for so long makes it difficult. My old doctor knew and treated most of my family and was like a friend. I've only had one appointment with my new internist.

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:37:17 GMT

@SaveTheTurtles

Choosing to leave a doctor is a big deal. So glad you like your new doctors, and it worked out for you!

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

We rescue cats — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:38:43 GMT

I've had to find new docs in the past few years, it is so difficult!! Personally and just in general because I am in such a small town. I loved and trusted my Endo with my life, he and his wife were great personal friends and he gave me heck when I needed it but I loved and trusted him, sadly he passed away, my GP picked up the med RXs but she is not an endo and I spiraled out of control after a stay in the hospital (KetoAcidosis) I found a new one 40 miles away, I have total faith in him and with his team. My Rheumatologist is terrific but the local hospital is closing her office, we do not have a replacement. Thankfully she is opening an independent office.
I'm told specialists are few and far between when it comes to Endochronology, Orthopedics and Rheumagology. I wonder why.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:44:08 GMT

@Lucias Nonna wrote:
Be aware that if you are on a Controlled Substance prescribed by your former Family Doctor, your new Doctor may not give them to you until he or she evaluates you!!! Not happy about this & even after my former FD wrote in her notes that I need these Drugs. Very upset about this but hoping the new Dr. wll keep prescribing these Meds for me. Hate change but hoping this new Dr. will not keep me waiting 2 hrs to see her everytime I have an Appt.. Makes my BP high to have to wait. The problem today too is that the Hospitals are buying out Private Practices & I have found that this is very disruptive during the takeover & the Office employees are not happy with the change. Good luck everyone!!!

@Lucias Nonna

I see this is your very first post here .... Welcome!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:47:08 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

Thank you for the advice.

I agree that newer doctors have new ideas due to recent training and knowledge. I am open to new treatments. The fact that my retiring doctor recommended this new doctor gives me some assurance. Things are just different, and it will take some time to adjust.

My new internist explained to me why he wanted me off my existing asthma medicine. I understood, and I did wean off it. I feel ok with the new asthma medicine he prescribed.

I'm glad you like your new rheumatologist.

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

ECBG — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:50:39 GMT

My primary care doctor retired 5 years ago, sadly. I did get a really good doctor in his place. My dentist is close. Well see.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

lgfan — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:06:05 GMT

My previous doctor no longer took my insurance. It was a blessing in disguise because my new doctor is more efficient and caring.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:07:50 GMT

@Lucias Nonna

Thank you for your advice.

I'm not on a controlled substance right now, but I took a few meds like that many years ago. My new internist did a thorough evaluation of my health in our first appointment. We talked about everything.

I'm sorry about the issues you're having getting your medications. Doctors seem to be reluctant to prescribe certain drugs these days for various reasons. I hope you get the medicines you need from your new doctor.

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:16:05 GMT

@We rescue cats

Thank you for sharing your story.

Sounds like you've been through a lot with your health and changes in doctors. So sorry the doctor you loved and trusted passed away. I can understand how living in a small town would impact your choices of doctors. I'm glad you have a new team of specialists that you have faith in.

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:20:05 GMT

@ECBG

I'm happy you got a really good doctor to replace the one that retired.

I know you've been struggling a lot lately. Please know I'm thinking of you and always wishing you the best. 🌈

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

elated — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:21:28 GMT

After I moved from Colorado to Kentucky, I found it difficult to find doctors that I felt were worthwhile. My first PCP would keep me waiting for over an hour, I finally got fed up and told her my opinion. The following day she sent me a registered letter and dropped me. It was no big loss since she spent 5 minutes with me. I am now on my second PCP and she is ok but doesn't spend much time with you. At least, I don't have to wait for her.

Some of the specialist are not that special..It just seems the quality of doctors versus quality in Colorado is not here. The only doctor I have liked was the Gastroenterologist. Just very disappointed in their offerings.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:22:34 GMT

@lgfan wrote:
My previous doctor no longer took my insurance. It was a blessing in disguise because my new doctor is more efficient and caring.

@lgfan

So glad things are working out with your new doctor. It's wonderful you have a caring and efficient doctor to treat you.

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

CelticCrafter — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:40:22 GMT

@We rescue cats wrote:
I've had to find new docs in the past few years, it is so difficult!! Personally and just in general because I am in such a small town. I loved and trusted my Endo with my life, he and his wife were great personal friends and he gave me heck when I needed it but I loved and trusted him, sadly he passed away, my GP picked up the med RXs but she is not an endo and I spiraled out of control after a stay in the hospital (KetoAcidosis) I found a new one 40 miles away, I have total faith in him and with his team. My Rheumatologist is terrific but the local hospital is closing her office, we do not have a replacement. Thankfully she is opening an independent office.
I'm told specialists are few and far between when it comes to Endochronology, Orthopedics and Rheumagology. I wonder why.

@We rescue cats even though everyone will say, oh your PCP can handle your T2 Diabetes, no they can't.

When my husband was diagnosed, she prescribed Metformin and a glucose meter and sent him on his merry way. Didn't show him how to use the meter or when, no information about diet. When the numbers were no better two weeks later she wanted to prescribe one of the very expensive add on drugs.

That was when we made the decision to see an endocrinologist.
All she wants to do is order tests that need to be read by someone else and prescribe pills.
Needless to say, all he sees her for is that stupid annual Medicare Wellness Visit and her recommendations are taken with a grain of salt.

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

wilma — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:03:26 GMT

@elated

Sorry to hear of your struggles with finding new doctors.

Some waiting room times can be very long. I waited over 2 hours once. I notice longer wait times more with specialists. I agree 5 minutes is not very long to discuss things with any doctor. Some doctors are required by insurance to see a certain number of patients each day which means less time with each patient. One of my husband's doctors quit because he didn't think that was "good medicine."

Best Wishes to You!

Re: My Doctors Are Retiring

pdlinda — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:21:45 GMT

@wilma I was just curious whether the new doc gave you a COMPLETE EXPLANATION about WHY he was switching your asthma med?? As for me, I would NEVER change a med that was working for me unless there was a good reason to do so.