primary doctor frustrations

Deb 45 · Post by **Deb 45** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:05 pm

Hi all,

I'm a bit frustrated with my healthcare. I need some feedback. Over the last couple of months I've been experiencing this miserable post nasal 'goo' that makes it feel like I can't swallow it, nor cough it up. I went to the doctor, who said it was allergies, and gave me nasal spray and claritin. I get so intimidated, and feel rushed...I was embarassed to say that I knew it wasn't allergies, because I've been tested and am negative. So I went home and worried. I didn't want to take the meds. I finally did try them, and the nasal spray gave me headaches, burned my throat, and then I developed a fear of swallowing.

I tried the meds for several days, with little improvement in my symptoms. I didn't want to work out because of the feeling of congestion in the back of my throat, and I couldn't sleep well. I saw a different doctor, who said I might have gastric reflux. I've had problems with that before, but never with these symptoms. He put me on prilosec once a day. At this point I'm only eating pudding and cottage cheese. And that night, I was refluxing really bad. When I called back to ask for something to help more, he had his nurse call with the message..."patient needs to give medication more time". I took matters into my own hands and went to an ear/nose/throat doc. He confirmed the congestion in the back of my throat, and gave me the option of an esophagram. I was reassured, and was able to eat much better after talking to him. He told me I should take the prilosec twice a day for two months.
After two weeks on meds, I got the esophagram, and it was normal. I'm glad, and also wish it had proven I have gastric reflux. If they don't see it, it doesn't mean you don't have it. So there's still no proof either way.
Today I called my primary doc to ask if she was ok with prescribing the twice a day dosing. Her nurse called and asked if it was working before she'll do it. She left a message and I haven't called back yet.

I guess I need to set priorities. I feel like my primary doc doesn't get panic disorder. But I think I'll be looking for a long time if I want a doc that does. So, I can either get angry because she doesn't get it, or I can try to get her to prescribe the meds and call it good.

At least I know that if I have a real concern I can refer myself in for care. I insist on having my concerns addressed. Would you stick with a doc that you didn't like or keep looking? Does anyone really have a doc they like? How did you find them?

I am hoping not to see another doctor for at least a year!

Thanks for listening to my vent,

Deb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:30 pm

deb,

i completely understand your issue.

i, too, have walked this line of doubt and uncertainty with the medical community. i have felt rushed. although diagnosed right, i have felt at times like there is something that is being missed.

i suffer from mild hypothyroidism. i have been taking medication for the past 2 years since being diagnosed and everything has been better since the medication.

when my panic started, that was the 1st thing that i thought that it was. "oh my god!!! something is wrong with my thyroid!!"

i ended up going to several different doctors, different blood work, and explaining at length my syptoms.

we did lower the dose, and i have felt better since then (50 mcg to the smallest dose, 25 mcg). but there were so many other things at work in my life that led to the panic disorder.

i do get the feeling of being rushed. you did the right thing seeing a specialist. no, i do not believe that you should stick with a doctor that you do not like.

however, it took me some time to realize this...but do not downplay the role that your anxiety is playing in all of this. it took me until recently (and my most recent blood work) to finally accept (for myself) that thyroid was not causing the problem.

is it possible, that the acid reflux or nasal 'goo' is in any way driven by anxiety?

i just look to help you focus based on my same journey thus far through anxiety.

i know that the medical community could use a facelift. i think that drugs are too readily prescribed, like some assembly line of humanity. "Next...". trust the knowledge of doctors up to a point...that point being what is really happening based on tests. see a specialist. keep searching until you are happy. it is, your health, after all.

and finally, i think it was mom of 6 who had a brief post...pray that God will direct your next doctor into your life who will fulfill your needs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:32 pm

and just to add...the hardest part for me to accept in all of this...is that searching for a doctor takes time...and during that time I am suffering!

doctors need to be more understanding of that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:08 pm

You absolutely deserve a primary care provider who will help you. Sometimes the doctors aren't necessarily the best docs. If your healthcare service has nurse practitioners, I vote you try a nurse practitioner. They can provide you pretty much the same as your doc, plus they write rx's. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:16 pm

Deb:
I feel you should find a doctor that you are comfortable with.
Someone that you trust.
It doesn't hurt to change doctors. After all, a doctor is really working for you.
In this town it seems that doctors are so busy that they don't care if you change.
yes, it causes a small amount of anxiety to change doctors. But it is worth it.

However. no matter who you go to they won't get the diagnoses right all the time. But they hardly ever will admit they made a mistake.

I'd just look for a new doctor.
I hope you get to feeling better.

Best of everything!
Mary Jane

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:18 pm

P.S.
I agree with Pecos.
MJ