How do you know when you have found the "right" doctor?
Here is my story:
Luckily enough, being diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency, I was placed with a good doctor. My situation was above and beyond her expertise, so she referred me to a specialist at Vandy. I have been with that doctor ever since and I love her --- Dr. Utz, in case anyone needs an endocrinologist at Vandy.
However, as time went by, I noticed that I stayed tired all of the time and I hurt everywhere. My GP was no help; did not know what to tell me, other than to talk to my endocrinologist. So, on my next visit with her, I talked about all of my aches and pains. She ran tests on me and found that my growth hormone levels were low and she started me on injections. All that did was make me feel worse, so she told me to stop the injections.
I had my first appointment with a rheumy. I kept thinking, "finally, we are on the right track." This doctor was very nice, she made me feel very comfortable, was very easy to talk to. Well, after her ba-jillion questions, after moving a wrist, some fingers, a foot, she said that I have "soft tissue pain " and told me to manage my depression and to get better sleep. Then she escorted me to the door.
Nothing. I felt like a ball being tossed around from one doctor to another and then, thpppp***** <---- raspberry .... that doctor dropped the ball.
Needless to say, I do not trust doctors. It took questioning my endo that winter, when I saw her again, to find out that I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
So, back to my question, how do you know when you have found the "right " doctor?
Do I need to seek a rheumatologist? Do I need to "fire" my gp? Believe me, I am giving serious thought to replacing him. He just is not much help. And if he isn't sure about something, he tells me to talk to my endo or he blames my hormones; instead of taking time to look into anything for me.
1. Ask friends and family.
Seek out the input of your friends and family when trying to find a new doctor. However, keep in mind that what is perfect for your friend, may not be an ideal match for you.
2. Choose a doctor that is relatively local.
By choosing local doctors, you are more likely to stick to follow up appointments.
3. Check the office staff's phone etiquette.
Call the office to see if they are taking new patients. What you are looking for is a courteous response. It is better to hear that they are full, but thank you for calling than to be told that they are full and they put priority on existing patients. Better still, would be, they are full, but will be happy to take a new patient at "this" time or on "this" day.
4. After an initial visit, trust your gut.
Did you feel at ease with this doctor? Were you able to ask your questions? Did the doctor answer your questions in a way that you were able to understand? If something feels off, trust that feeling and look for another doctor.
Proverbs 1:5 NIV
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Father, thank You so much for always being with me. Please help me to always be someone that seeks out guidance from wise counsel. Thank You for all that You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ease Fibromyalgia Pain
Ways To Avoid Heat Exhaustion
4 Ways To Manage Sensory Overload
How do you know when you have found the "right" doctor?
Did bells and whistles go off to let you know?
Do you have any tips that you can share to help this process go smoothly for others?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.
Photo by: Leslie Reagan Bodin on pexels.com
Here is my story:
Luckily enough, being diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency, I was placed with a good doctor. My situation was above and beyond her expertise, so she referred me to a specialist at Vandy. I have been with that doctor ever since and I love her --- Dr. Utz, in case anyone needs an endocrinologist at Vandy.
However, as time went by, I noticed that I stayed tired all of the time and I hurt everywhere. My GP was no help; did not know what to tell me, other than to talk to my endocrinologist. So, on my next visit with her, I talked about all of my aches and pains. She ran tests on me and found that my growth hormone levels were low and she started me on injections. All that did was make me feel worse, so she told me to stop the injections.
I had my first appointment with a rheumy. I kept thinking, "finally, we are on the right track." This doctor was very nice, she made me feel very comfortable, was very easy to talk to. Well, after her ba-jillion questions, after moving a wrist, some fingers, a foot, she said that I have "soft tissue pain " and told me to manage my depression and to get better sleep. Then she escorted me to the door.
Nothing. I felt like a ball being tossed around from one doctor to another and then, thpppp***** <---- raspberry .... that doctor dropped the ball.
Needless to say, I do not trust doctors. It took questioning my endo that winter, when I saw her again, to find out that I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
So, back to my question, how do you know when you have found the "right " doctor?
Do I need to seek a rheumatologist? Do I need to "fire" my gp? Believe me, I am giving serious thought to replacing him. He just is not much help. And if he isn't sure about something, he tells me to talk to my endo or he blames my hormones; instead of taking time to look into anything for me.
Tips To Help Find A New Doctor
1. Ask friends and family.
Seek out the input of your friends and family when trying to find a new doctor. However, keep in mind that what is perfect for your friend, may not be an ideal match for you.
2. Choose a doctor that is relatively local.
By choosing local doctors, you are more likely to stick to follow up appointments.
3. Check the office staff's phone etiquette.
Call the office to see if they are taking new patients. What you are looking for is a courteous response. It is better to hear that they are full, but thank you for calling than to be told that they are full and they put priority on existing patients. Better still, would be, they are full, but will be happy to take a new patient at "this" time or on "this" day.
4. After an initial visit, trust your gut.
Did you feel at ease with this doctor? Were you able to ask your questions? Did the doctor answer your questions in a way that you were able to understand? If something feels off, trust that feeling and look for another doctor.
Proverbs 1:5 NIV
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Father, thank You so much for always being with me. Please help me to always be someone that seeks out guidance from wise counsel. Thank You for all that You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ease Fibromyalgia Pain
Ways To Avoid Heat Exhaustion
4 Ways To Manage Sensory Overload
How do you know when you have found the "right" doctor?
Did bells and whistles go off to let you know?
Do you have any tips that you can share to help this process go smoothly for others?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.
Photo by: Leslie Reagan Bodin on pexels.com
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