I got angry with my doctor of ten years last year, because he kept pushing me off on his partner for appointments. The partner would refuse to listen to my thyroid symptoms. He'd run the very basic panel on me which always showed normal in his opinion. When my legs started swelling from thyroid edema he just gave me a water pill and didn't run any tests.
I decided to go for second opinion. I went to another doctor in a different town. I talked about my problems, how I was feeling, and showed him my legs (which looked like they were going to explode that day).
The new doctor was so attentive and ran many tests. He found my Hypothyroidism. I decided to make him my new doctor. I was thrilled.
Now, I'm frustrated again.
The new doctor is so popular I can't get appointments to see him, his two nurses, or his PA.
To make matters worse he doesn't book appointments more than a month ahead. They say it's because of his unpredictable schedule. Should his schedule affect his staff?
I always make my next appointment before I leave the office. My only problem is that if I get sick in between, it's usually the PA, the local doc-in-a-box or the ER. My doctor doesn't seem to reserve any appointments for urgent needs. Doctors in this small town are all full, so it's hard to change without driving a long distance.
I think it's just frustrating to have stuff that makes us see the doctor so often. I had everything stable and was down to twice a year for routine stuff, now I'm back up to quarterly.
My last appointment was in late October. He sent me a letter with the change in my meds and told me to see him in 2 to 3 months. I called in December and they couldn't see me until the last week in December. I couldn't do it because I was recovering from GERD surgery. I tried to call him to set up a new appointment and they were booked for the month. Also they wouldn't make any appointment for Feb because of his "unpredictable" schedule. :<
I see my Dr once a year for check up,otherwise I see the PA & he's a very good one,I go in the early sick call If I need to.....Otherwise If It's bad I see the Dr...I too live in a small town......I have COPD & yes mine is life threatening without oxygen,so I get in......SnowyLynne
Maybe it's because I was a nurse, but I really hate to have to see a PA when I need a diagnosis. I don't mind at all seeing her when I have something routine like a sinus infection, cellulitis, etc. But when I can't breathe, I'd really rather see a doctor. When I just started on a new med and now I have a bad rash all over, I'd rather see a doctor.
As long as I know what's wrong and can tell them what I need, it works okay. I guess if I ever get something I can't figure out, I'll have to go to Vanderbilt.
I couldn't get in to even see his PA. What's so bad is all I need is bloodwork. He won't even leave a message with the lab for me to be tested. I have to see one of his staff first.
