What to do when your doctor is not doing their job?

If you have no time to read...

The issue and question: I'm mid-flare and the GI is not providing me with the BASIC time, attention, and care that I need. But I don't think I have the time to waste to switch doctors when I need to get things figured out now. So what do I do? Attempt to switch docs mid-flare? Bring it up with him without alienating him (and his ego)? Or be direct (not passive aggressive) and advocate for myself strongly?

More background if you have time...

I've been posting a bunch since starting this flare (after years of remission) and having an issue with my GI. I recently switched from the most wonderful doctor who listened and cared and took time for me, to this new doctor at a renowned institution that makes me feel like I'm bothering him.

I caught this flare at the very beginning and he said he didn't think it was a flare but to do tests to be sure. It was, of course, a flare and I feel like I lost a bunch of days to stop it. Was twelve days between when I saw blood and started prednisone. And when trying to contact him, it's been about a 2.5 day turn around. And it's all on messaging and he never answers all my questions/concerns I clearly lay lay out. I feel like there are times that I AM THE ONE coming up with the lab orders, medicines, and prognosis.

How to resolve this? Any thoughts? It's like this stupid problem amidst the actual illness.

Thanks,
David

It will likely take time to get an appt with a new doc so you might want to go ahead and get that scheduled. You can always cancel if you need to.

My doc is always pretty responsive when I send a message via the patient portal and gets back to me within about a day -- usually same day of I send the message early enough. I have also found that they respond quicker when I make a suggestion -- ex: "I am starting to flare, have tried enemas that I had on hand and no relief so I think I need prednisone. Do I need any tests before starting pred? If so could you send the orders to the lab as soon a possible?"

I usually detail the symptoms also.

I recently just switched GIs and before I made the switch that was one of the questions I asked -- will I get a fast response via the patient portal if I need help.

With this disease it's not a good idea to let things drag on too long so I have become very pro-active and am usually the one who requests tests and meds. I don't mind that so much. I only have 1 patient that needs my attention (me), my doc might have hundreds. I also think I stay more up to date with treatment options thaN docs do (thank you Healing Well!)

Good luck!

I had to get a new doctor mid flare and it was not fun. However I really like my “new” doctor and either he or his PA always get back to me the same day, even on weekends. I would push for an emergency appointment or start calling if you don’t hear back in 24 hours for sure and I wouldn’t feel bad about it either.

poopydoop said...
I went through 5 doctors during my last flare.... changed hospitals once... if you're not happy with your current one then start looking for another one immediately. You can keep your current appointments while you sort out an upgrade (is it rude to ask for a second opinion, maybe even at the same hospital?)

I don't know about politeness being a factor, you are dealing with your health. So my family doctor/pcp was also a GI but with my conditions he insisted that I see an IBD specialist and he'd treat me for my primary care stuff and would help out in anyway that he could. He retired last year so he's not on the team anymore. I'm trying to explain things to my new PCP and it's a challenge - like the blood work that she ordered last time didn't include the Sedrate.

Maybe the best thing to do is book the next available appointment and lock him in the room with you until you both come up with a treatment plan that you agree upon. When I have a lot to discuss with my GI, I type out all of my symptoms, questions, and goals. I print them out both the GI and myself; we sit there and go over them together and I take notes.

Oh gosh, I am going thru the same thing.
I tried the speaking nicely face to face in a closed room with notes for both of us... It did not work. It ticked off his whole office and I am scrambling for a new GI....plus they are not responding to me on the message service. So be very very careful with that one.

If I had it to do over, I would research other GIs, make appointments , find someone you like and trust and then switch. In the interim I would very nicely message and call with your symptoms, what you have tried and a direction you would like to go.

Good luck. I hope you find a keeper!

Clo