The Thing About Doctors
I have a new doctor. No, I didn’t dump mine and contend for another. As most of you know, mine lost his practice because of lack of funds, and cutting back on Medicare closed the doors. I can say with certainty that he was most likely the best in the west.
A patient never waited more than ten minutes, tops. His nurse was the best. He spent time with you as if you were all that mattered on his list of patients for that day. You knew he cared and could understand first hand what you were dealing with, having a similar physical fight of his own to deal with. He explained things in such a way so that you felt educated when leaving and could understand yourself what was going on inside of you. He was compassionate and so kind. And he’s not there anymore.
So, I have a new doctor. And while he was ‘okay’, the difference between the old and new was blaring. This new doctor (new to me but near retirement) was kind, smiled at the right times and all the rest, but he was not Dr. Anthony Santiago, MD. MDS. VIP. Didn’t even come close.
Today’s doctor wasn’t bad – he just wasn’t Dr. Santiago. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me. I am quite confident that I am not going to enjoy these ‘new’ visits, unlike those I had with Dr. S- who always had a smile, a laugh, a genuine concern for his patients. And, I NEVER had to strip down to my skivvies for an exam. What is up with that?
Survey: How common is that (for PD patient exams)? I’ve been to three other neurologists and have never had to do that. (Leave a comment, please.) Weird.
I came home and cried. I just want Dr. Santiago back but I know I have to face this. Problem is – I don’t want to.
Meanwhile, another reason I want my doctor back is for another situation the doctors are looking at. They’re wondering whether the lupus that they thought was a brain tumor and then MS and then ruled it all out by mere lack of evidence and then thought perhaps it was the PD starting in my early 30’s instead of 2004 – well now they’re back to looking at lupus since my ANA is off the charts. I’m curious, however, to find out what it is and if that’s what’s causing so much of the pain. Time will tell.
Until then, we are promised today only and I am so grateful I know Jesus and the unrelenting fact that we don’t go through anything alone.
Journeying with you -
sherri
16 Responses to “The Thing About Doctors”
Sherri on March 1, 2010
Thanks Jeanette!
Jeanette Hoffman on February 28, 2010
Skivvies. You’ve got to be kidding. I have a neurologist I love. She listens, is very soft spoken, non-alarmist sort. Her philosophy is to let the patient take the lead in how much medication they want to take, enough to completely eliminate symptoms or have some symptoms to keep the amount of meds down. I’m sorry about your experience with your new doctor. I would keep looking.
Hugs, Jeanette
Sherri on February 26, 2010
Thanks Susan for your constant encouragement and support!
Sherri on February 26, 2010
Hi David and welcome to PJ!
Thanks for sharing and hope to see more of you! How’d the DBS check go?
Sherri
Sherri on February 26, 2010
For sure! Thanks so much Cheryl!
Sherri on February 26, 2010
Thanks so much, Elliott!
ELLIOTT FIKE on February 26, 2010
Hoping the best for you. I know you know my feeling to the point i just do not get close with doctors anymore. I now have to see 3 doctors for the pension board. One MD, one Psychiatrist and one vocational rehab. best part, i get to evaluate them on many areas. So hang in there, i know the frustration and i know you know. Still praying for you.
Cheryl Turkett on February 25, 2010
Sherri, I know how you feel about your doctor an his retirement…I have been to three different neuros since I first had problem back in 1995. The first one is the one dx’ed me and began me taking the wonder drug, Sinemet. I enjoyed my visits with that doctor as long as my symptoms weren’t too bad. Unforunately, we all know that PD doesn’t just stop its onslaught of our lives, so I told my doc that I was ready to ake the next step. A new doctor…one who knew lot more about PD and one who was and is interested in the disease and the whys, etc. That was in 2002 (DEC)…I had already decided I was ready for DBS, so, I had found the perfect dr. I had surgery for DBS in March of 2003 and backed up my life at least ten years as far as the PD goes…I got to keep my career about 4 more years and then retired with full benefits (not very much though unfortunately). It’s been three years and I’m in the secod year since my saviour doctor has retired. I hadn’t really been sure until lately but my third doc is turning out to be great also…She genuinely shows concern and seems to be up on te latest. I humblyknow that I have had much to be tha nkful for when I read about others circumstances on line. (As to your question, I have never had to take off anything other than my shoes.) Here’s to better doctors for everyone!
David Walker on February 25, 2010
Sherri,
Very Timely, I am left speechless, Tomorrow I see a doctor to get my DBS checked. I guess I thought my old neurologist was a good Doc, but a few doubts kept creepin up when is physician’s assistant was the one I kept seeing and it seemed that she seemed to have more experience with MS than PD.
I guess the straw that broke the camels back was when I sent an e-mail that I thought the surgeon was more concerned about being sued than reassuring me about my implants being replaced.
The next day, my neurologist called me into his office, and read me the riot act about the surgeon considering to refuse to do the operation. one of my implants was dead, and the surgeon waa the only quailified in my city to perform the operation.
But, what the hell it’s only money to most doctors anyway, and you are just a means to an end.
But, I don’t want to be someone who isn’t grateful, before my surgery for DBS, I used tto live in assisted living, and now for the last few years(almost 5) i live in my own apartment, if you don’t tell my cats that this isn’t their home.
by the way, I am a single adult male, 47 years old and live with this diagnosis for 13 years
Susan Curtis on February 25, 2010
Yes I agree it is hard to lose a doctor that communicates well with their patients.Also I don’t ever remembering having to disrobe for my neurologist,strange situation indeed.
Sherri on February 25, 2010
Elisha – Thanks so much for the encouragement –
We’re all in this journey together… When it’s your turn to cry, you can lean on me.
Sherri on February 25, 2010
Deanne –
Thank you – so much. For the comment and prayers. Your words were salve to my heart. Thank you.
Elisha Millan on February 25, 2010
3 different physicians have examined me and the most I’ve had to undress was to take off my heels. I’m sorry you are having to switch. Since I’m new to PD, I’m not attached to my neurologist, but when my GI for Crohn’s retires I am going to cry, cry, cry. I dread it- I’m sorry you are going through it.
Deanne Wilson on February 25, 2010
Sherri:
So glad that God let you have the tender care of Dr. Santiago for the times when you probably needed him the most. I’m praying for you and trusting that you’ll adjust to the new doc for however long you’ll work with him. (Who knows, this may be only a springboard to another more Dr.-Santiago-like doctor!) Keep writing. Keep staying as strong and lovely as you are. –Deanne
Sherri on February 24, 2010
Thanks Teresa – I’ll take that great advice!
Theresa Plummer on February 24, 2010
Sherri Hi!
Gavin never had to strip down , We looked for a doc after Gavins left for Australia which was a good thing , terrible man , we asked around and spoke to our GP , and found ours , dont just settle , go to someone else if you not happy , and keep going until you find someone you like , maybe try a women , ask on fb , and see if there are any recommendations , I never settled until we found someone he liked , dont settle for second best and dont just take things , ask and if snotty tell him you pay him and dont do any thing you dont want to .Hope things get better for you
love Theresa