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Annoying waste of time doctor's visit today

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Posted 8/28/2015 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
So I drive 40 miles to see the GI doctor for the follow up from yesterday's lengthy MR Endography Test. That was the whole point of me going.

After spending 20 minutes with the good doctor, who was only giving me generic advice about constipation (not why I was seeing him), he never mentioned the test. Then he gives me the "we will see you in 4-5 months" speech.

I was angered. I said, what were the results of the test I just spent all those hours doing? What test? I was floored. I said the test you ordered when I saw you a week or so ago, the test I had to do at Greenville Memorial?

He looked confused. I become more angry. Said I had a right to know the results, how can you tell me what's going on inside without the test results. He went away for a few minutes, came back, and said, they called the MRI department, and they do not even have the results yet. Said it was a complicated scan and takes additional time to have it read properly. They may have it back to me early next week.

I then said, what was the point of me even coming here today? No answer. He said, I will be back in a few minutes. 20 minutes of waiting in an icy cold patient room, a NP came in, without any explanation of why the doctor didn't return, and simply told me there was nothing I could do until they get the test results, and that they would call me when they had it, and we could continue the discussion. Needless to say, I left in a huff.

This is the kind of crap I have had to put up with for 7 years now. Nothing ever goes as normal. They could have delayed this appointment and saved me a trip. I still have the same problems, and once again, not a clue, not an answer, no solution. So frustrated.
Posted 8/28/2015 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
that would be my definition of frustrating.

Still praying for you,
Andrew
Posted 8/28/2015 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure "annoying" quite gets at this one. Esp. since with your complex of diseases, a 40 miler is no mere jaunt and beats u up worse than it would others. Hope this is a one-off and they get their act together.

Robert
Posted 8/28/2015 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
I would refuse any co-pay, and I would contact my insurance company and Medicare and ask them also to refuse to pay, since you received no service. In fact, I would be asking the doctor to compensate me for my wasted time and travel expenses. Sorry you have to put up with this nonsense, David.

I will say, though, that I think I would have "phoned first" to make sure the results were ready for a test I had just taken yesterday before driving the 40 miles. Still, there's no excuse for the doctor's ignorance of your status.

Post Edited (clocknut) : 8/28/2015 10:29:59 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/28/2015 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Was told by phone, afternoon before, that they would have test results in hand for sure. I did what I was told, and yes, was forced to pay co-pay before being seen. Only 17 bucks, but still.

Still aggravated by the entire matter, and have to sweat still another long weekend with no answers
Posted 8/28/2015 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry Purg. Was this a VA doctor? You go through too much without these warm-up drills running to the clinic. Why in the world would they tell that you the day before? I don't blame you for being irritated.
Posted 8/29/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
No, private doctor. GI specialist, referred by my long term PCP.
Posted 8/29/2015 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
You've been putting up with shabby tx. by your local doctors for far too long.

With all your assorted issues, I'll repeat my suggestion: get out of Dodge and go to Mayo Clinic or some similar facility.

Mel
Posted 8/29/2015 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
you remain the one person who makes me stay after my 3/4 turned to 3/3 and I realized way too late I should have done AS.
Posted 8/29/2015 8:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi David,

Your local doctors have been so disappointing, the GI guy, the urologist are recent examples but I can remember others who have endlessly tested and got nowhere.

When I think of actual actions that have occurred as a result of these tests I cannot think of any. And if nothing changes, the projectory cannot change. You have been lucky that your extreme weight loss has stabilised as if it had continued on the trajectory from early in 2014 you would be down to 0lb by now.

I agree with others that you have the misfortune of having a very bad set of local doctors. You are kind to give them multiple chances to improve their performance. But it is time to draw a line, take up your bosses offer and go to a national centre of excellence and stay there. You need doctors that can come up with an action plan rather than doctors who have long conversations with you that eventually go nowhere.

I wish you the best David, with your history on the PCa, the recent scare with the sweat gland cancer, your weight loss, your stomach pain, your legs collapsing from under you, your fatigue, your facial radiation damage and your dentures. It has been a tough road and you need the best help you can get.

An
Posted 8/29/2015 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
An, the doctors have never been able to come up with answers nor have they been able to rule out the terrible possibilities that always seem to come up. What happened with the scalp lump that was deemed to be skin cancer but because of the concern about porocarcinoma, further tests were ordered. What happened with the eye growth that everyone was so concerned about? It feels like every time too much attention is focused on one particular problem, another one pops up and everyone gets distracted. This has been happening for years and there is never, ever an answer...the problem just seems to melt away only to be replaced by something else. This is concerning on so many levels.

I find it interesting that there's always so much concern about secondary cancers from all the radiation the patient received yet the first thing the doctors do is ordered tests that add to the radiation exposure. That wouldn't be so bad if the tests allowed the doctors to rule out - or rule in - possible causes, but there's never really any closure. It just keeps going on and on until the next crisis.
Posted 8/29/2015 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
David,
So sorry to hear about that kind of treatment, I agree, you should bill the Dr. for your time, then fire that one!!!
You are in our prayers.Wish i could inject you with a big dose of kindness CONFORT!!
Take care and Keep the Faith!
Dan In so CaL.
Posted 8/29/2015 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
David:

My friend you and I are in the same boat and I totally feel for you. I know that I've not been around a lot, I honestly have been struggling to keep my head above water.

I know that you're facing so many things and you are so complex of a patient just like me. I had a surgeon have the nerve to tell me that I was a "Walking Medical Nightmare", for all them. It seems like you get the same kind of treatment that I get at times. If the Doctor doesn't have a clue then they shuffle us on to the next one.

I'm truly sorry that you traveled 40 miles to hear NOTHING, from the GI Dr. It really bites when we have no energy to start with, then we have to drag ourselves out to see them and then get ZIP from them.

I know that you're feeling really stressed out over these results and you'll now have to wait over a long weekend. Please know that I'm here for you and we can Skype or you can call me if you'd like. Whatever, I can possibly do for you I will.

You and I made a pact a long time ago and I'm not giving up and I hope and pray you're not giving up. Keep fighting David, something has got to give for us really it does.

I've mentioned before how much I think of NIH in Bethesda, MD. I would be happy to get any and all information for you to possibly get in to see them. Your case would be right up their alley, they like to research and treat patients with unique issues. I'd say that you would qualify in that area, just like I did. Please consider it and let me know if you want to try to be seen there. They pay your expenses and provide lodging and airfare I believe. I live in the area and would be more than happy to loan you my car or meet you and your wife, if she came with you with. Whatever you needed I'm sure I can figure out something for you.

Hang in there David, your a strong man and have put up with more than your SHARE of pain and suffering. You're in my prayers daily and I think of you often. I just put an update in the lupus forum on what is happening with me. Facing major surgery soon that I could potentially die from it. However, I have to do something, I'm suffering way to much. So, I get it, if you can have surgery to fix anything, why you'd do it.

Take care and know I'm here if you need me.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 8/29/2015 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
I'm extremely lucky. This hasn't happened to me. However, can't be sure it's just luck or Kristina has caught to soon or ridiculous visits and rescheduled or canceled them. Had a slightly useless visit with the oncologist the other day. To be fair it was one of those 6 month check in types. I'm basically having a remission of sorts so the visit wasn't anything that couldn't have been done by phone or email. Besides a short discussion about possible thing to do when Lupron fails, she just ordered some scans and decided to continue with monthly blood work tests I've been doing all along.

so, even though I think it could of been a phone appointment, it was six months. Maybe she likes that so she actually see's me and can do a visual assessment? It didn't get canceled so maybe Mrs. Kristina Allen RN wanted it face to face incase she had questions.

To me it was a waste of 3 or so hrs. I think Krissy kinda feels the same way. I would loose my $&*! If I went through what you did. The part that would have pissed me off the most would have been the doctor's blank stare's, talking about something unrelated, totally forgetting the visit from only days ago and no clue what test he ordered. Then sending in a P.A. to close out the encounter. That was insulting. I know after an appointment like that, Kristina and I would be seriously looking to find a different doctor and firing that one. We,,,mostly Kristina will not suffer fools or rude and uncaring doctors. We have fired at least 2 doctors. One I know got in some serious hot water for his attitude and actions.

A schedule screw up I can see happening and I'd demand my copay returned. Now it costs you $34.00 for a real follow up. I'd report the doc for what happened and sending in the P.A. so he didn't have to apologize.

good luck and be well. I know you'll be keeping a hawk eye one appt. From now on. Oh, and $17.00 is still money. We have low copay $5 - 15 for visits and meds. Kristina and I charted out the cost. These copay end up costing thousands a year. Then add fuel, missed work, etc. It adds up quick. That's why I'd demand my money back.

Post Edited (palanon) : 8/29/2015 1:41:05 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/1/2015 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Still not a word from the GI's office on that special test I had done last Thursday. Waited all day for the call that never came. No way they couldn't have gotten test results by now. They are all sent by computer almost instantly in most cases. Seen other doctors get them on the spot.

I may go postal tomorrow if I haven't heard anything by noon. Enough is enough. Same issues, same problems, no answers, no solutions, no improvements. Had enough.

This evening, entire throat and mouth filled up with that horrible (assuming this is what it is) bitter bile taste. No, didn't have gas or heartburn, don't really deal with either. Felt like I had swallowed a mouthful of poison. Can still taste it 2 hours later. Something is not right inside me, and starting to get scared that something really bad is going to happen to me.

Suppose to leave on a Bahama cruise for 6 days out of Charleston on September 14th, but almost afraid to be that far out of proper medical help in case of a true emergency. Ship medical facilities are really limited, and when I was at the hospital, they convinced me how life threatening another blockage can be, and just how close I was to a major emergency abdominal surgery that one afternoon. Another few minutes, and I would have been under the knife. Part of me wants to abort the trip, and the other part wants me to go forward. Feel I have a good reason to be concerned.
Posted 9/1/2015 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
You have excellent reasons to be concerned. I am so sorry that you are being treated this way by yet another doctor. Why don't you call the hospital that did the test and get a copy yourself! That HAVE to give it to you. They may charge a small fee (I had to pay $25.00 to get a CD of an enhanced CAT scan I had last August to take with me to my appt. at Duke this Thursday). But then you can take it to ANY doctor you feel like seeing. Then get another QUICK appointment with a NEW gastroenterologist- like next day appointment- tell them it is emergency! If needed, ask the one doc you've liked (can't remember if it is oncologist or another) to get you into someone's office ASAP. Tell them you'll be bringing the test results. Then you can make an informed decision about the cruise. If you do decide to take it , do you have medical evacuation insurance? Some will cover up to or over $500 thousand in costs to get you to a USA treatment facility of your choice. Even if it has to be on a private flight with nurses/docs in attendance.
I continue to pray for you and your wife (I know this is not easy on her either). Please keep me in your prayers as I have been referred BACK to DUKE to see ANOTHER doc about this constant cough asthma- appt. this Thursday.
Posted 9/1/2015 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes "going postal" (in a slightly milder, less murderous manner) is warranted!

I'd be making a few phone calls ASAP, esp. with new symptoms (bile in the mouth).

Good luck!
Posted 9/1/2015 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
So very sorry you've had to go thru that. It is frustrating when doctors appointments go this way I've also had this happen, just last year, pm doctor got my neck mri back and were supposed to order up a bone scan but never did and it ended up with me going to a top neurosurgeon to get the bone scan...it was a horrible time waiting...You have my many Prayers and you get on the phone tomorrow...and ask the doctor point blank how he would feel if this happened to him and how he would feel waiting for results...
Doctors need more time in compassion classess...
Posted 9/3/2015 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Continued prayers and hope your doctor has the results for you...
Posted 9/3/2015 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Always remember you are the consumer. It is really no different than buying a loaf of bread. If the product is unsatisfactory seek another provider. I am currently in the same boat and in the process of changing Oncologist. (Phrase deleted by Moderator) You just have to do your own research and shop around like anything else. Hang in there brother.

Please leave politics out of your responses. Thanks, Jim

Post Edited By Moderator (Tudpock18) : 9/3/2015 10:46:29 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/3/2015 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hate it for you David.

I'm in Greenville, was somewhat already leery of the local folks even before you posted.

Clearly more leery after reading your posts. I believe that some of them are excellent, but too many that are not.

In all honesty, I am somewhat skeptical of the medical profession just in general prior to this.

In recent years, the two local hospitals have bought out most of the physicians practices and I'm not sure that has been such a good thing.

I'm curious, was Springhart one of your guys?

I'm going to Gerald Hull over at Urology Center of Spartanburg for now, and he seems to be really good and was recommended by someone in Gville. Plus, he has done over a thousand robotic prostate surgeries and 500 or more other robotic surgeries. So far, I am just waiting for test results. Will take my time with each step of the way.

Hoping you can get some things sorted out.
Posted 9/14/2015 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
David, have you received the results of the tests yet? Are you going on the cruise? You always have so many decisions to make. Sometimes, I find your posts so difficult to read. I get this big lump in my stomach and hoping the next post will be better.

Take care dear friend...
Posted 9/14/2015 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Purg,
Seems to me it's time to pull the plug on the "local experts" and go to a major treatment center that considers all the issues and comes up with one comprehensive treatment plan. I have had experience at Mayo as well as the Cleveland Clinic with great outcomes. I'm sure others can chime in with other places as well. Fully appreciate the potential monetary cost of doing so but there comes a time when you have to take back control of your health and your quality of life. Just my two cents...
All the best to you as always.

Samster
Posted 9/14/2015 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Samster:

Very well-stated

Mel
Posted 9/14/2015 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have to agree, Samster. I'm all for using local doctors, but there comes a time to seek out the best of the best, and I think Purg has been at that point for quite some time now. I hope he's hanging in there and I hope he will get himself to one of these major treatment centers. We haven't heard from him for a while. Hope he checks in soon.
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