Stay with surgeon for follow-ups?

I'm starting to believe that there is a secret test for a Urology residency requiring that all new prospective residents take an "arrogant jerk" exam, and only those that score very high are accepted. Mine had to be in the top 1%. Just before the biopsy in the staging area he totally ignored me, sitting across the room reading the morning paper. He walked into the OR and I asked him is a lighhearted manner if he had slept well. With a voice dripping with sarcasm he said no, I was out partying until very late. The day he gave me the news that I had cancer I wanted to discuss a little with him about options and he blew me off saying I had had enough information for one day. He scheduled me for a CAT exam (with a machine owned by his group), a test that my surgeon said was unnecessary. When I went back to get the results and talk about treatment options he wasn't there and I was seen by one of his associates. The associate was angry that he had to talk to me about this issue, saying it was Dr. X's responsibility. I got the absolute minimum info and then he just got up without a word and left. I went up to Tampa for the surgery because the surgeon there did the DaVinci procedure and has done about a zillion prostatectomies over the past 25 years. A few weeks ago I went back to see him, the original urologist that is, (shame on me. I must be a glutton for punishment) to discuss my ED and incontinence issues. He seemed to be in a big hurry, would absolutely not answer any incontinence questions saying he "didn't know since I didn't do the surgery," but said now at 5 months I had no hope of ever getting dry. I got a script for Trimix. Well, if anyone has a good urologist in the Bradenton-Sarasota area looks like I could use one now. My e-mail is in my bio.

Steve

One other story....there was an article in all the local newspapers recently about a Urologist, in a town in the Fl panhandle I don't remember, who posted a message on his door advising all patients who had voted for a certain candidate in a certain political party that they were no longer welcome in his practice and should go elsewhere for urology treatment.

Steve

If your main concern now is ED rehab, then an on the ball GP can serve just as well, if they are willing. ED rehab is really only pump, pills and prick (VED, Viagra and etc., and penile injections) you can self teach yourself, with our help here in helping to educate yourself and guide your GP, if he is willing to be guided, that is... The biggest thing any doctor can do is write a correct prescription. The pump is easy to get, without a prescription, easy to learn and easy to use, the pills the same, you can learn quickly what you want to try, and unless you have other health issues, can get them from the GP. Hint: the worse well kept secret here is you can buy the generic equiv. of the big 3 ED pills from Alldaychemist without a prescription. The injections do require a legal prescription , are also easy to learn and do. I was self-taught, and have guided by URO , and soon, my FP in what I wanted to try. Maybe talk with your GP about the ED issue, if you want some action now. Also, check the area for ED specialists who may be willing to take on new patients. Check for clinics and out patient programs that deal in these issues. As you can see from others posts, the surgeons role will be limited- long term- and your normal GP or soon to be selected new Uro will be much more active in your future path.

Also, maybe it would help if you contacted your old URO and see if you can get him to discuss the issue, since the refusal was more of a procedural nature than a punishment issue. He might be willing to resume care for you, if you discuss it with him and explain your difficulties with the surgeon. Worth a try, if you do like the guy and his service.

James, thanks for the tips. In fact, I have made a purchase from the place you mentioned, and we actually tried a pill last weekend because we wanted to give an accurate report to the surgeon, whom unfortunately postponned the appointment. Hey, at least it was fun trying! lol Without getting graphic, it 'almost' worked, let's leave it at that. I have no idea about pricks and pumps yet. However, I'm getting more and more interested. I will definitely think about some of the suggestions you made. Thanks again to all who gave their input in this thread.

peace,

john

Steve,
They won't be off "by miles". The equipment is (or should be) regularly calibrated using especially prepared and known testing agents. The same equipment is used for many different pathology tests not just PSA.
Bill

Nothing surprises me with some docs, and been writting such for many years on forums, don't be afraid to walk out or change docs you still have options under the current medical system...which is subject to great change....no comments on the future, will reserve myself to point out flaws in the current system which is huge to begin with.

I don't think its always wise advice to keep burning bridges with doctors. If one lives in a real remote or rural area, you don't have a lot of choices of whom you can see on a practical basis. And if you are on health insurance that narrows down the list of doctors that they will pay the maximun benefits to, that can make it hard.

Of course, if you are rich, and have the times and logistics to see whom you please, that is another matter.

Not saying one should stay with a bad doctor, but if you are not careful in some areas of the country, you will find yourself without a doctor to help you.

I have only dismissed two in my entire adult life. A bad neurologist that thought he was some kind of game show host, acted way too immature for my liking, and one radiation oncologist, not that he wasn't smart, he had a bad attitude the entire times I met with him, and knew that wouldn't cut it with me.

Most us, myself included first, are not smarter than our doctors, so I would hesitiate to tell someone just to blow off their doctor, not unless it was strongly warranted.

David in SC

Philly,
Which uro do you go to for followups? The initial one or the one that did your surgery?

Thanks,

john