Re: Hype!!

From: Donna C Boggs (donnacboggs@comcast.net)
Fri Feb 20 09:54:34 2009


Yup! It is difficult to need to put your trust in someone in the medical community and be in pain and have all of your records organized and ready, and be taking supplements and exercising and constantly researching for answers and carry along JAMA published articles and then have that person act like a jerk and ignore you, misdiagnose you, dismiss you. Yuck.

I recently saw a NP and had a comprehensive visit. I had 3 questions. I wanted to know if systemic HRT would re-awaken endometriosis. If HRT would help support my adrenals (adrenal fatigue is common in chronic pain patients). And if not, what could I do to nourish and support my adrenals so that the fatigue wouldn't deteriorate my otherwise good health. I asked that a copy of my record be sent to me. The records reflected NOTHING that I had asked. NOTHING. And the other routine information was, in a large part, WRONG. I faxed corrections to her nurse. Nurse called me and told me that, "Once a patient record is signed by the attending provider that it could not be changed in their electronic system". WHAT!?!?!? But, but, but What if those records are WRONG? I asked if notes could be added - "Not unless you make another appointment and we create a record for that day." Yet, she typed away, in my patient record page, everything we were discussing on the phone. WTF?

I asked for a referral to another physician. I have a new appointment. With a "Pelvic Pain" specialist. We'll see how he does when I "interview" him during my first appointment. I have a healthy amount of hope. Not too much, though, I am a realist.

One of the "games" played here (we have a strong medical community supported by a medical school in our town) is that if a patient does not do exactly what the Doc recommends, then she is noted as a "non-compliant" patient. You can't avoid medical students and residents even if you see a private physician - both hospitals are teaching hospitals. Most attending are affiliated in one way or another to the medical school. God forbid that a Doctor is wrong! Only patients are wrong. If I allow the words "non-compliant" to make their way into my records and I need surgery, again, there is a distinct possibility that my insurance company will deny my request because I have not complied with a Doctor's recommendation, no matter how absurd that recommendation is.

I am married to an attorney. I am a pelvic pain patient. A Doctor's worst nightmare. I have to fight to make sure that my records reflect the actual situation and are not just being written up to protect a Doctor's mal-practice insurance rates. You wouldn't believe some of the crap that has made its way into my records for fear that if I am not "cured" that my hubby will file suit.

Harrumph.

Keep on keeping on. You are doing the best you can. Ask for a referral. Keep seeing Doctors, interviewing Doctors, until you find the one that "fits". There is plenty of hype out there - advertising and marketing is necessary in any profession. Some of those who have successful marketing are actually very good at what they advertise. Some aren't. Doctors included.

You have been Owner/Operator of your body for your whole life. You know best what you need. Forgive these people for their inadequacies. You will find what you need. I just know it.

Best, Donna

-----Original Message----- From: adhesions@adhesions.org [mailto:adhesions@adhesions.org] On Behalf Of jetstamp Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 4:20 PM To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS Subject: Hype!!

I just had my follow-up visit for a new gynecologist. Unfortunately, I am right at this moment kicking myself for once again falling for the hype.

This doctor was listed as a member of the International Pelvic Pain Society. On the clinic's webpage, it said that his special interests were pelvic pain, endometriosis, and menopause. He also was listed as a top women's doctor for the year 2007 in a Minnesota publication.

At my first visit 3 weeks ago, he did seem to listen at length but pretty much dismissed any ideas I had about my condition, which began in 1984 after an on-the-job injury which affected my lower right quadrant and pelvis (the injury was never diagnosed- I still wonder about some type of hernia or prolapse).

I also gave him a 6-page timeline beginning in 1984. Since I've had this for so long, it is just too difficult to remember everything so I have it on my computer and I update/edit it as needed. This helps save me from struggling to remember stuff when preparing for an appointment with a new doctor- of which I've had many because I have never in my 25-year history with this found anyone who took what I said at face value and at least would do what they COULD to help me cope if nothing else, like pain meds [besides the dreaded anti-depressants-ick!] or FMLA papers to protect my job during flare-ups or frequent appointments. I also gave him a copy of a CT scan and an MRI from 5 years ago- the interpreting physician had no problem suggesting possible adhesions. Also 2 physical therapists thought I had adhesions, probably from the injury itself as well as subsequent surgeries. I have not been 'officially' diagnosed with adhesions- just have been given the lame, vague names for some of my symptoms- IBS and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

Anyway, today, I experienced the all-too-familiar 'rushed' appointment. All he did was explain my current hormonal situtation- the beginning of menopause, etc. which was fine. But not one word about pelvic pain or anything relating to my most troublesome issues. I could tell he just wanted to be done with me.

I have fallen for this 'hype-type' of thing before. I had the same kind of experience with a urogynecologist at Mayo whose articles I had read on PubMed. In those articles he came across as having sincere sympathy and interest in pelvic pain and dysfunctions women often endured. He barely gave me the time of day- we barely spoke.

I get so mad at myself for buying into this kind of advertising- 'false' advertising. I'm wondering if I should bother to state my opinion on RateMDs.com- I sure would like to. He has only 7 reviews, all of which were positive alhtough 7 is not very many reviews. I have to be careful though because somewhere in the fine print it says something to the effect that you are held responsible for what you say so don't know how honest I'm allowed to be.

Wish I could be like a woman who posted on the ibsgroup.org website. She has such a low regard for doctors that she said she had not been to one in 27 years- that was when she had her last baby.

http://www.adhesions.org/forums/message.htm


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