topic Re: Who Should I Go See First in Wellness

Who Should I Go See First

luvdoodles — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:51:18 GMT

I have had a sore throat for about two months now, I did have a cold and just figured it was that. Cold is long gone but still have a sore throat on one side and swollen glands. Finally took a look at my throat with a flashlight and I can see a red sore. I am a smoker and now worried about oral or throat cancer. I really want to see a professional about this now. Do I begin with my PCP or my dentist. Our insurance is lousy and don't want to waste money on seeing the wrong kind of doctor. Who would you see first.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

lynnzzz — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:54:56 GMT

While it is true a dentist is trained to detect oral cancer, I would go to a physician. An ENT, ear nose and throat, would be ideal. Good luck!

Re: Who Should I Go See First

Perkup — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:56:23 GMT

I would see an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist immediately. You can never be too careful! There is nothing to be gained by waiting, so don't wait! Do it today!

Re: Who Should I Go See First

Lacey1 — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:59:54 GMT

You may need a referral to see a specialist-plus it may take a while to get an appt. with one. Go to see your PCP at once. Often times, they can get you in faster, if you need a specialist.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

adelle38 — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:02:21 GMT

See your PCP.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

chrystaltree — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:06:18 GMT

See your Pcp first, you might need a referral for a visit with a specialist.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

OLLIE1 — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:07:15 GMT

See your pcp first and if needed he will refer yoou to an EN. I am an RN

Re: Who Should I Go See First

wagirl — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:12:26 GMT

YES< YES< YES---please go to an ENT as fast as you can!!!!!! I have a good friend who had a raw open sore in his mouth near a former tonsil and it ended up being squamous cell carcinoma and he is now on his 2nd day of radiation and will start chemo this week too. He had surgery to remove the tumor as well. Please don't wait. My friend got right on this and I'm glad to say that his outcome and survival is excellent. I'm sorry if this sounds scary but I am a 2 year survivor of breast cancer and went thro all the above in 2012.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

HonnyBrown — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:19:45 GMT

Remember, it's allergy season! Even if you don't normally suffer from allergies, you can be affected.

Every smoker thinks "cancer" this time of year. I felt like I was swallowing glass until it rained.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

hckynut — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:29:38 GMT

I would start with my GP.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

deb5555 — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:31:04 GMT

Gargle with salt water, hope you feel better!

Re: Who Should I Go See First

goodstuff — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:35:29 GMT

Start with your primary care doctor. He will assess your condition and advise what specialist if any you should be referred to.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:37:00 GMT

On 6/11/2014 lacey1 said:
You may need a referral to see a specialist-plus it may take a while to get an appt. with one. Go to see your PCP at once. Often times, they can get you in faster, if you need a specialist.

I agree. Even if your insurance doesn't require a referral, some specialists are so busy that it can take a long time for a new patient to get seen. A PCP can help with that if he/she suspects you should be seen urgently.

Luvpoos, hope it turns out to be nothing, but I also hope that it's a wake up call to quit smoking immediately, no matter what the results are.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

Perkup — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 16:05:30 GMT

I'm sure some plans may require you to see a PCP first, but if not, I would go to a specialist immediately. A sore throat that has lasted two months isn't a typical complaint. Unless you have an obvious strep infection or . . . . your PCP is going to send you to a specialist anyway. Save yourself a step. Almost all specialists save a spot or two on their daily schedule for what they would consider an emergency. You should be able to get in quickly.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

beckyb1012 — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 16:09:22 GMT

Doctor MD.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

luvdoodles — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 17:17:40 GMT

Thanks for all your recommendations, I am going to see my PCP first and get a referral to an ENT. My daughter sees this ENT, he's good, just hope he is in our plan. With our plan I need a referral I think. I am so limited as to who we can see.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

forrestwolf — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 01:16:26 GMT

An ENT exam is best, if you can go there first.......but there may be a delay in an appointment........ If that is the issue, go to GP first for a quicker referral.....In the mean time.........gargle with apple cider vinegar, or apple cider vinegar with honey(which is natural healer in and of it's self, as well as having NATURAL antibiotic properties.......As a nurse, I will tell you that most sore throats and sinus infections are not being treated with antibiotics, and the cause is generally viral....... Just please, do not let this go......

Re: Who Should I Go See First

gazelle77 — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 01:21:37 GMT

Is this scare going to help you quit smoking? I hope so. I am an ex smoker, over 25 years now smoke free, so I understand the addiction. But it is time now for you to quit.

Re: Who Should I Go See First

sfnative — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 05:16:24 GMT

I know you've receive a number of like answers, but will add mine: pick up your phone and make an appointment with an ENT doc ASAP. You need to have a biopsy done as soon as they can get you on calendar!

God Bless - R

Re: Who Should I Go See First

wagirl — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:53:19 GMT

luvpoos--yes please stop smoking!! My friend who has squamous cell carcinoma and is now going thru chemo and radiation, was a heavy smoker for many years as well as abused alcohol. He will be 65 next month and all the drs told him this was caused by his bad habits. He stopped smoking years ago but the damage was done. He caught this fairly early and outcome looks good but.........things will never be the same. There is a cancer survivors board here that you should check out. Lots of support and good info.