Re: Changes in training doctors?

Jacie · ‎01-09-2011

I have what I consider some of the best doctors ever. They listen, understand and are not dismissive of me, But then I am a good patient as well.

When my long time physician retired, I was referred to another in the same office and it was quickly apparent we were not going to do well together, we didn't click. I then "consulted" with the intake area and addressed my needs, they referred me to someone they thought would work well with me. They were right.

I am not rude to deal with, I listen to them, am participative in my care and the decisions that are made. I am on time, don't routinely cancel, follow directions and if needed, take medication as I am supposed to.

Once, my doctor was running late, which was unusual for her. She apologized profusely. I told her I was fine with it, someone needed her care a bit longer that day and I hope someday she'd do the same for me if I needed it.

She respects me and I her. It is a two-way street. If you are not happy sometimes the onus is on you to get it changed.

"Cats are poetry in motion. Dogs are gibberish in neutral." -Garfield

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@excpa wrote:
On medication, my bp dropped to 80/40 and the doctors thought this was wonderful. I kept passing out, so I stopped it. It is now 120-130/80-85. There are a remarkable number of lawyers making fortunes from meds. I think the real silent killer is RAGE. Why are people so willing to follow? I am not depressed, I'm angry. No one really listens but everyone judges. I feel silly for having posted anything on thuis board. i should have known better... and I do.

Well, if the "real killer" is rage, and you are angry, then the simple solution is to chill, because by your own words, you are doing yourself a grave disservice by being angry.

terriebear · ‎09-26-2010

@excpa wrote:
Am I just unlucky or have there been some serious changes in the way doctors are trained? It's bad enough that they don't look at me (too busy typing away at their electronic data gathering devices) but they don't even hear what I say. In the last 2 or 3 years I have been asked: why do I think I'm going to die? (she seemed startled when I said everyone dies... an ex-medical provider); to reconsider and vacate my advanced directive (some people give up too soon and they need to let the doctor decide on all things, another ex-medical provider) and, when trying to get treatment for an injury to my finger, the attending physician only wanted to talk about my blood pressure (Direct Quote: " I have to cover my ass". The more she talked about my blood pressure, the higher it went.) I have heard about malpractice insurance, the needs of my medical insurance provider (not from them but from the physician) and have been prescribed an anti-depressant based on "some of my patients benefit from taking this". I stopped all medication about 3 years ago and don't notice much difference in my condition. I'm 77 years old, a condition some doctors seem to think is curable. I have decided that getting bad medical care is much worse than getting none at all. What's going on?

I honestly do not think you are unlucky. I do think you need to find a new doctor. One that will at least give you eye contact. But... you will find that almost all doctors today are going paperless, and your records are on computers. It sounds like you do need to address your high blood pressure. Your finger injury sounded minor to your b/p, but if sounds like you refuse to see this. It also sounds like you are indeed in need of an antidepressent. It has been recommended, but you refuse. You have admited you asked doctors about dying and admit they are "startled", and you have been asked to vacate your advanced directive. And yes, I think it is early to have one, when women now live to the average age of 87. You also have dropped all your meds. And it sounds like this was not a wise thing to do. You say it has made not difference, but your post says otherwise. These are all classic signs of depression. I truely hope you can find a doctor that you are comfortable with and let him/her help you.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

You might want to ask around to see if anyone can recommend a good doctor, and then drop the one you have now. If your doctor does something you don't appreciate, say so.

I went to a couple of appointments with my husband and it was obvious to me he didn't have a good doctor. Luckily he was willing to transfer to mine.

I have a team of doctors and I really like them all so much. I had an appointment a few days ago with my asthma guy. The others wanted to see if allergies were a problem for me. He spent an HOUR with me, asking a lot of questions and letting me respond to them for as long as I needed. He explained every variable in depth and also made me feel better about it all. And he took a heck of a lot of blood tests which are giving us all valuable information.

My doctors correspond with each other by email, and they email me, too.

ps The best part of the appt. was when he told me I didn't have to get rid of my cats. I hate it when allergy MDs make that rule for you when they don't even know what you are allergic to, if anything.

Ms X · ‎09-13-2012

@excpa wrote:
On medication, my bp dropped to 80/40 and the doctors thought this was wonderful. I kept passing out, so I stopped it. It is now 120-130/80-85. There are a remarkable number of lawyers making fortunes from meds. I think the real silent killer is RAGE. Why are people so willing to follow? I am not depressed, I'm angry. No one really listens but everyone judges. I feel silly for having posted anything on thuis board. i should have known better... and I do.

Maybe a medical person can comment, but I don't think any competent doctor would find a BP of 80/40 good. It is dangerously low and puts an older person in danger of falling, it seems to me.

I really like my primary care doctor. She's a colleague of my sister, so I've used my sister as a go-between at times. My sister is very sensible and respectable and there have been times when I've wondered whether the other doctors there think of me as her crazy sister, but I don't think they think of me at all beyond the fleeting times when I'm there. Plus, I don't care what they think as long as I get what I want.

It is easier when one has a doctor in the family to smooth the way. Try to find someone who listens to you or try to get your present doctor(s) to listen. It's important to have a doctor who works well with onself, so try to get your point across and make your concerns known.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

It's been said, by a couple of docs that we know, that 'sometimes' with senior people it's better to have blood pressure a bit higher (in other words, not too-too low). Prevents fainting spells, etc.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

Zita · ‎05-24-2011

@chrystaltree What an unnecessarily rude and unsympathetic response! Whatever happened to civility and good manners? We don't need you to tell us what's wrong with us,that's for sure.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

I've been to different drs over the years, some I clicked with, some not so much. Whenever possible, I try to go to the ones who make me feel like they care.

The exception to this was when I found a lump while doing a self-exam, I went to the specialist who is highly lauded in my area. The guy was rude but it was more important to me to have his knowledge and I didn't care that his bedside manner was lacking. (Funny thing is that since that appt years ago, my DH struck up a friendship with the guy at the local golf course. A few weeks ago he saw that dr at a crowded restaurant from across the room. DH asked if I wanted to meet his golf buddy. I declined, all the while thinking, I've already met him and have no interest in seeing him again. haha)

Anyway, you have choices most of the time. Maybe try to find a different dr, one with whom you feel comfortable.

DiAnne · ‎09-22-2010

@hckynut

We had a group discussion about the word elderly at a foodbank with several of the volunteers. The general consensus was at age 70 you were officially elderly.

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

@hoosieroriginal wrote:
I know my doctor's nurse told me once that doctors don't care about the elderly anymore. I think she's right. They don't take us seriously.

I would immediately change my doctor. If he/she doesn't care about the elderly, it's time for them to get out of practicing medicine.