Wellness

[SXMGirl]

I am so angry that I am fairly sure that I will be leaving my family doctor of almost 18 years over a mis-diagnosis.

Last summer, I saw her about what I thought was a yeast infection.  My doctor assured me that I was wrong and that what I had was lichen sclerosus.  Unfortunately, it can spread anywhere there is soft tissue, which mine did on my stomach, and it can turn into cancer in some cases.  It is not curable.

The pain has been unbearable since November, but she assured me that at some point, with the meds, that it would get better.  Since I research everything, I got on every site that I could and also checked meds.  Last week I was in such pain that I sought out a specialist.

Today was my specialist appointment and I do not have lichen sclerosus but I do have a terrible yeast infection that she told me would have to be biopsied if it was not better when I saw her again in two weeks.  Well, after one pill and three difference cream applications, I am already pain free and the infection looks to be almost gone. I am still livid.  

I will be seeing my family doctor again in September when I get my next set of blood work done.  At that point, she and I will be having quite a conversation.  I know that she was unhappy in the practice where she was at for the past 5 years, but that really is no excuse.  As I told the specialist today, I thought that my regular doctor just was not interested.   I really do not know how to even put this nicely to her.  Luckily, I am not seeing her this week.

I really hate to change doctors, but I am not sure if I will ever have confidence in her again.  Anyone think that I am over-reacting to this situation?  I definitely welcome all opinions.  Thanks.

[kaydee50]

Unless you live in a small town where there are a limited number of doctors, I would move on.  You've had "unbearable" pain since November????!!!  I would ask the specialist to recommend a PCP.   You  do not owe here any loyalty.  Do what's best for you.

Good luck!

[Kachina624]

Probably by the time you see her again, you will have cooled off some and can discuss your displeasure more rationally.  You have reason to be upset.  A yeast infection is one of the most common of complaints.  If there was doubt, she should have tested you months ago.  Instead you suffered discomfort for way too long.

It's very difficult to find a good doctor who is accepting new patients.  Find one before quitting your present PCP, if that's what you decide to do.  Only you can make that decision.

[AuntG]

Okay, she made a mistake, but why bother giving her a stern talking to? I'd be more inclined to cancel the appointment and start searching for a new doctor.

[I am still oxox]

My Internist would never diagnosis out of her area, she would send me to a dermatologist for a consult

[Hooty]

@SXMGirl, I guess that is why they always say, if you are not happy with your diagnosis, get a 2nd opinion!  I don't blame you for being upset, but if I were you, I'd find another primary doctor ASAP, and forget the talking to, drop her as your Dr.

[OKPrincess]

If she’s unhappy in her practice then she will probably still be unhappy in September. Only you know if you want to change doctors. 

Do you want to risk another misdiagnosis? If you decide to stay with her, I’d let her know in detail about your condition and visit with the specialist.  Good luck.

[RainyDayGal]

Why, if you were not getting better and the pain was unbearable, did you not follow up with your doctor?!  Or at least get a second opinion right away?

[SXMGirl]

Thanks, everyone, for your input.  It is difficult to start over with a new doctor, but I will be asking the specialist for some referrals for a gp.  We have excellent medical in my area, and I don't think that I will have a problem with a doctor taking new clients.  I will keep the appointment just because I think that she needs to hear what I have to say.  Luckily, it will not be tomorrow and I will be much more professional when I see her. 

@RainyDayGal, actually, I have seen her quite a few times, but I have never had any reason not to trust her.  I did the research and everything that she told me was what I found to be true, if I had LS.

Thanks, again, everyone.

[Annabellethecat66]

I don't blame the OP, I'd be upset too.  She should have given you a referral to a GYN.  The GYN probably would have taken a sample and sent it out to be diagnosed.  In the meantime they'd have given you some kind of cream that would make you more comfortable.

Something kinda similar happened to me.  I have a blood 'problem' when I don't have much immunity (IGG) so when I get something the 'cure' must be way stronger than normal.

I had a yeast infection but my GYN (whom I'd gone to for many years said that it was a specific kind and he'd only seen it one other time).  I told him about the IGG and he gave me some medicine that wiped it out immediately.

I'd tried lots of things on my own but could never get rid of it.  The lesson is don't try to 'fix' things on your own.  You were smart to go to the Drs like you did.

I hope you find another Dr that you like (that's important too).  Remember, you need to like the Dr too.

If I were you, I would not go into a lot of explanation on the phone when making an appointment to see the new Dr.  You should go when you aren't sick and interview the Dr because you might not like the new Dr.

Take all of your papers from the other Dr so much of the blood work, etc doesn't have to be repeated.  You should have copies of it anyway.

People aren't very smart that way.  They go to Drs and the Drs keep all of their records.  You should request copies of everything done to you, always.

Please let us know how you are doing.  Take care and I'm glad you are better.  Yeast infections are unbelievable.  They can be caused by a lot of different things.  

When a person has one you feel like you're going to loose your mind.  Take care.