Nervous going to Dr.

For some reason I am nervous going to the Dr. today. I have only met him twice. I haven't been in a long time. I have so many problems from the brain to my feet. I hope he doesn't think I am crazy when I unload all these problems. I rarely take my husband, but he is going for support I guess. I am going to see what he thinks. I had a red flag pop up with him already. His office didn't reguest old records. I have a extensive medical history. I kind of glad we started fresh, no perceive ideas about me. As a retired nurse I have always see Dr's wanting records on someone they are taking care of. Then I look at it a different angle. They are brand new office, all medicare which probably means hunderds of records for each patient. They probably have no room for them. I just don't want to think I a crazy having all these problems. I want some answers for these symptoms I have been having. I hope to get a reum. referral. I haven't seen one in probably over 12 yrs.

I went to the Dr. and I might be looking around for another one. I was kind of frustrated when I walked out. I told the nurse I had a list I needed to discuss with him. I had so many things going on. She told me that he wont be able to only go over a few of them. I see they were some behind. This is the only third time I have seen him. I had some red flags from him that I wasn't sure if I would keep using him. He almost remindes me of a Dr. in a box. Quick and easy he wants it. I have extensive history, doesn't request any records or care to see them. They opened this medicare clinic up maybe just over a year ago. I just notice an add in the paper for advertising for patients. I thought that was odd because we have a shortage of medicare Dr's in Anchorage. I would think they would be very full by now. Maybe patients are like me, has some red flags also. I just want to find a good Dr. It has been many years since I had an excellent Dr. I use to have Grade A insurance also and had poor Dr's. I am not that picky of a person either. It seem the nurse in the office did all his thinking and doing for him also. I just hate to pay for a first time visit for a new Dr. again. I am glad I went my blood was very thin from the coumadin. I had to go back on seizure meds due to another seizure. I didn't even get to getting a referall for a reum. I am so frustrated with america health care!!!

Post Edited (ak angel) : 3/31/2012 12:08:54 AM (GMT-6)

Sherri- I had all my questions written down and I told the nurse aid who I thought was my nurse at first. Then she leaves and my nurse walks in an I understand that the aid let her know that I had several questions. The nurse says I understand you have some things you need to go over with him. I said yes. She says well we won't be able to go over most of them. We're not set up to do that. I got real quiet. She knew I didn't like that answer. Last time I was there we never got to go over some problems either. The Dr. Came in and spent no more then 15. Min. If I was lucky. I am not asking for a lot. I am not one of those nagging patients. What was funnny today that I read a article in a senior paper saying they can't figure out why they are having trouble getting patients
They opened this up for desperate need for Medicare dr's. I beginning to wonder if it because of the Dr. I forgot to tell you the nurse picked out what we were going to Dicuss. Just seemed odd the way the nurse and Dr. worked.

Angel...this has worked for me...When I meet a doc for the first time, I let him know I'm very proactive and to expect that I will have lots of questions for him, and I always do. All my specialists know that, so when they enter the room, they know they are going to be spending some time with me.

By doing some research on my own...I'm able to ask valid questions concerning meds or my conditions. I really feel as though I'm in a partnership with my docs. They seem to respect that I want to play an active role in my health and give me the time...I don't feel rushed. Never let a doc intimidate you...they are only human. :)

Like Sherrine...I bring a list of questions...I tend to forget something otherwise. Hope you get great care...we all deserve it!!!

Hugs, Robin

I totally agree - not that I'm always on top of things enough to actually do it, but - dang it - as they keep reminding us, we are the "consumers!" They are selling something (their expertise) and we are buying it. It's so hard to remember that, when we so desperately need what they have to offer.

I hear you, Angel, this healthcare system we have in this country today is l-o-u-s-y. There's just got to be a better way. I hope you can find someone else you feel better about, or get this one to behave like a real doctor.

The surgeon who did my spine surgery 3 and a half weeks ago told me, "there's only one boss here - you," and then proceeded to prove that just the opposite was true! Couldn't get anything out of him except (I hope) a successful surgery. Of course, that's most important, but gee - a few of my questions answered would have been nice, too.

Debbie