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Posted 5/20/2009 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon to everyone. It is so nice to read what you all say. Someone else feels the things that I do. I am not alone. Even though I wish no one had to suffer from this, it is good to know someone else really understands.

I am so frustrated right now with my family doctor. Even Mayo says I might want to get another one, who is more understanding and fexable, but at the same time they are torn becuase she has a lab in her office and can do the bloodwork there that I need every 3 months.

I ran out of meds for my acid reflux, and since I bleed from varacies, it is important to control acid. Well I took my perscription in and the drugs store called and said it was denied by the doctor for refill. So I called the doctor and was told that by no means does she refill without an office visit, she will not call in a perscription. Mind you , I was just there a week prior, so she had her office visit with me, she just wants another office visit fee. I am so fed up with buracracy I could scream.

My husband and I lost our home to this, I lost my job, so half our income is gone. We just went through bankruptcy, and she wants another office visit. As you all know, we can get copaid to death, and then what the insurance doesn't cover.

I am sorry, but being here alone since the move I have absolutely no one to vent to or talk to.I know all of you are suffering the moey crunch just like we are. Thanks for listening. Brenda

Posted 5/20/2009 10:38 PM (GMT 0)

I suppose when you spoke with her you reminded her that you were just there last week?  I know you have a lot on your mind, but you will have to make sure that you check all your meds frequently so that you can keep a list of what is running low or has only one refill left, etc.  I do this once a week.  My PMD is pretty good about calling in anything I need except for my Lortab.  She gives me a written Rx and 2 refills on that, and I have to see her every 3 mos. to get a new Rx, even if that's the only one I need.  I can understand her need to do this on a narcotic.  However, that was just plain ridiculous for your PMD to refuse to call in a new Rx for acid reflux.  You're right...she justs wants another co-pay.  Either that or she doesn't like you very much and wants to see you jump through hoops.  Either way, see if you can find another PMD in your network who also has an in-office lab. 

How often do you go to Mayo?  I normally go only every 3-4 mos. (unless I have another issue and need to see a different specialist than the hepatologist) and always get my blood work done there now.  I understand, however, that you have to travel out of state to go to Mayo.  Just asking how often you go there.  Until I saw your post about your living in TX and going to the Mayo in AZ, I was going to suggest you go to a support group there.  However, you might still try checking out the nearest teaching hospital for the possibility of a liver disease or transplant support group with live meetings. 

Posted 5/20/2009 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your answer.

Mayo believes this doctor is just too big on herself. This is not the first time I have had problems with her. I am looking for another family doctor. She refuses to have anything to do with Mayo, she says I will handle all contact faxing or otherwise concerning my health care it isn't her job, and she is just too busy. Heck she doesn't even know who you are unless your records are in front of her, and then she has to read them to refresh her memory. We were told she was the best here in this small town.

I have looked online, in the phone books, and there isn't much here unless you need a kidney or have cancer. The liver is just not thought about much here. I had yet to find a doctor willing to do my varacies banding. I have been having that done at Mayo once every six months, which is how often I go currently. When I move up on the list, I may have to leave my husband and live with my son. The expense for airfare is just too much.

The closest to me is in Dallas, and that is the east side of the state, I am far west side.  Even the insurance company kept the Mayo Clinic as my transplant clinic cause it is about the same distance, and I have already gone through all the testing.

I can handle this disease easier than the politics of it all.

It is a shame the military refused any responsibility since it was their doctor that caused me to need a transfusion in the first place, which gave me the hepC.

Thanks, you are a great listener, and I do apologize for being so tempermental, I am usually better than this. I know alot of it is losing my support. My husband can only do so much.

Today is his birthday, and I have made a cake to surprise him.

Posted 5/21/2009 4:52 AM (GMT 0)

I'm sure your husband will appreciate the cake!  Happy Birthday to him!

I hope you will be able to find a primary care doctor who is really interested in your well being and will work with you and Mayo.

It's clear that you miss your friends and old support group and are in mourning for them.  Only time will make it a little easier.  Meanwhile, get to know people wherever you can:  Doctor's office, drug store, grocery store, etc.  Get to know the salespeople by name.  Embrace your new community and I'm sure it will do the same to you.  Due to your allergies and health problems, I know you can't get out much, but when you can or have to--make the most of it.  Are you a church-goer?  That is another way to gain a support group, through church family.  My point is that it really is up to you to get to know the people in your community.  Introduce yourself to your neighbors when you get the chance.  All this is from my own experience of moving a total of 14 x in 11 years, within this large city, and (after being in the same place for over 10 yrs.) preparing to move again in a few months--this time just outside the city, where I only know 1 person.  I'll be okay, though.  I look at it as an adventure and I like to try new things.   smilewinkgrin   I just don't like the physical part of moving and getting situated.  Makes me tired just thinking about it.  confused

Posted 5/21/2009 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
I do understand about getting out. It has just been awhile this time between moves. I used to move every 3 years with the military, but have been stationary for 26 years now. I just need to remember how to get back on track.

I think a lot of it is my best friend in Arizona still needs me, and I am not there for her. I feel terrible that I had to move, but ..this is life.  I will be ok. Like I said, I just needed to vent.

My friend  had several strokes and a heart attack in one night while she slept. She is ok mentally, and her physical capabilities are coming back fantastic.  It is her speech, she can't get her brain and mouth to comunicate so she can form words and speak to us. So I just feel like I left her. I know she understands, and that it is me who wishes I could be there to help.

My husband and I went to karaoke last night for his birthday, and I met some people who like to sing. So I invited them to start coming to my house because I used to own a karaoke company and have all the equipment and music. That should get something started.

And I love to sing, it makes me feel good. So, I am trying.

Posted 5/21/2009 7:40 PM (GMT 0)

That is GREAT about the karaoke thing!  I'm sure that will be a great way to meet people.  I miss my best friends.  I'm in FL and my best friend here moved to East TX about 14 yrs. ago.  We e-mail some and I recently called and talked to her for 1 1/2 hours.  My other best friend is in NY.  We've known each other since we were 14 (I'm 66 now) and know everything about each other's lives.  I finally went back to NY last year for a visit and she spent a couple of days with me.  It was like we had never been apart.  Now we talk on the phone at least once a week and I'm going back up there to spend 8 days with her the end of June.  It's not the same as having someone right here, but I do have a long-time b.f. (15 yrs.) who I know is always there for me if I need him, though he lives on the other end of town.  I have a couple of friends here who, due to stroke and Alzheimer's, cannot put two words together.  It's very frustrating to try to talk with them and there's really nothing I can do.  I try to help the Alzheimer's one understand things with her bank and insurance, but she really needs one of her kids to take on her business.

Anyway, great that you are trying to make some contacts.  Sounds like you know how to make friends and have some fun.  It's just a matter of doing it.  If you're like me you are tired all the time.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 5/26/2009 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Areeland, hi and welcome to healing well. I read your post and was apalled at what you PMD said and did. I can honestly tell you that her behavior is very unusual and totally unacceptable. This Dr is uninterested in your health and is only interested in making a buck. To be sure, this is not what you need! I hope that by now you have had an opportunity to look for another PMD. NEVER continue any professional relationship with a physcian that will not be an active participant in your care. I truly believe that a patient or caregiver should be as educated as possible about their particular disease process. Learn everything you can so you and your husband can make informed decisions when necessary. Make a list of your meds and doses so you can keep track of when you will need refills. Most Dr's will write your script s for 3 refills or 3 months supply. If you find that when you get your script in your hand make a habit of making sure you have 3 refills. If not then ask for it. Never hesitate to make a list of questions to take with you to the Dr office. Even though many Dr's will try to rush in and out for the exams YOU have the right to ask all the questions you want and get answers. If you don't understand the answer then stop and ask the Dr to expalin! Remember that you are paying them they are not paying you. Take control of your care. Once the Dr realizes that you are well informed and in control they will treat you with more respect. Being educated is the key for you and your husband. The people in the HealingWell forum are the greatest! They will be your source of kindness and understanding. The moderators, (PinkGrandma and Hep93) are well informed, kind, and generous with their time and knowledge. You have definately come to the right place for help.
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