Condescending Doctors!

[Jade59]

I was dx'd with two duodenal ulcers in Nov 07.  I've been on Prilosec 2xday for 6mos.   I called in a refill and the GI doctor only ok'd once a day.  I called the office and spoke to the nurse who confirmed this was not a mistake.  I told the nurse my stomach still hurts and I have an appt for an Endoscopy on June 4th so please tell the doctor I would like to continue on Prilosec twice a day until I have my test.  

The nurse calls me back and says the doctor doesn't think I should still be in that much pain and the answer is No!   I am in shock!  My doctor doesn't THINK I should be in so much pain, therefore I'm not?  What a ridiculous thing to say.  I'm livid!

My doctor has been unsympathetic and condescending since the first day I met her in the hospital and I can't stand her.  Her attitude is bizarre

I just needed to vent and get this thought out of my head.  I try so hard to stay calm so as to keep my anxiety under control, but it's stuff like this.....

[JSGeare]

I am INSPIRED! Here's what I'm going to do, I swear it. I'm going to write up a little pamphlet for all patients to take to their doctors. Here's what it will say:

Dear Doctor (Name):

Like you, I am a human being, and I accordingly expect to be treated as such, with dignity certainly, and, if you are capable of it, compassion. I do not have a medical degree but that fact does not certify me as terminally stupid. And I may not understand everything you say. I shall happily stiplute to ignorance, in fact. Aside from whatever medical benefit there may be to such treatments, medication and advice as you shall dispense, there is also a substantial impact arising from the way you interact with me. I hold out to you that, in fact, the effiacy of your medical treatments may either be greatly enhanced or terribly corrupted by your conduct. In point of fact, your personal affect is every bit as essential to my healing and comfort as are the procedures you deploy; so much so that you may justifiably be accused of malpractice if you fail me in that regard and on top of that may be justly accused of gross negligence if you do so knowingly.

Should I, therefore, have any reason to suspect that you rate my intelligence and sensitivity at par with non-living matter, I shall make my next appearance in your waiting room where I will distribute material to your patients and staff which loudly proclaims your indifference and, by dint of the same, your incompetency in the practice of the healing arts. I shall then file a complaint with the local medical board and such other organizations as have a say in your employment and reputation as a physician, followed by as many messages as I can issue on the internet. And all of that to be followed by an inquiry from a thin-lipped and hungry attorney whose lust for money is greater, even, than yours.

Do we understand each other?

Have a nice day.

[zephir]

Have you been tested for H-Pylori?  I did not see that in your statement.  I had H-Pylori which is Bacterial and you need to take a 2 week medication kit which is powerful.  It was not easy for me but it did kill the bacteria.  I was treated twice, the second time was in error by my own primary care doctor.  After being treated for H-Pylori it will still show in your blood.  There is a test using just your breath into a prepared small bag  then your given some kind of liquid to drink which is very acidic and breath into the second paper bag.  This test after 24 hours tells if there is any H-Pylori still alive.  Your test to see if you even have H-Pylori is a simple blood test.  I was also on Protonix for acid a few months ago and that stuff does help you heal but has side affects like pain in the stomach.  First may sure you do not have H-Pylori

[Jade59]

Thanks for your comment.  I too have worked in the medical field and agree with you 100% about too many patients being crammed into 15mins which makes the doc feel hurried, but that is certainly no excuse.  

I'm sorry something like this happened to you too.  It's just infuriating to be spoken to like that, especially when it's just a relayed message from the nurse on the phone and you can't defend yourself.  Just a helpless feeling!  

[hitman60]

These doctors are so odd.  I hear you!
I told my doctor I thought I needed to get off the Klonopin .5mg, and he said just to cut back, split the pill in half for 2 weeks and then I should be fine.
I freaked and said that benzos need to be tapered more slowly. His answer to me was that "I was a big boy" and I should not be so histrionic.
Man, was I pissed. This is a guy who I barely see except for a yearly physical, have made no demands on, and he is condescending. I am in Health Care myself and he treats me this way!
This is a doctor who I had to suggest that I get a colonscopy because I was that age, and suggested that perhaps a shingles vaccine would be good since there is a family history.
The problem is because of Managed Care, these docs are seeing too many patients and have lost not only manners but insight.

[Jade59]

Hi, and that's exactly what I thought.  Since the endo is scheduled, who cares if I stay on the Prilosec twice a day.  She's acting like I'm begging for pain killers or something.  Who would want to stay on Prilosec anymore than they had to?  Oh, and yes, they're 20mg pills.  

I'll tell you, I felt this womens ego and control issues immediatly.  She talked with me like I was a moron who wouldn't listen the first time I met her in her office.  She never even gave me intructions on diet or anything.  I'm thinking that maybe she is more interested in surgery and playing with the machines than dealing with patients in her office.  I have met a lot of doctors who should not be allowed to talk with the patients because their ego gets in the way.  

I think my doc and I might feed off each other because I disliked her from the get go.  I tried not to show my irritation, but I think it came through anyway.  I just HATE when doctors act like I'm beneath them.  Not all doctors act this way though, that's for sure.  I have a very nice P-doc that I've seen for 12yrs.  

Thanks again for your support, nursegirl.  I'm sure with you being a nurse and all, you've seen your share of situations.

Take care ♥

[nursegirl6572]

If you hadn'd had the endo scheduled, I could say MAYBE the doc being reluctant to continue on that dose..... but you are still actively having symptoms...and the twice a day dose (20 mg pills?) is keeping you comfortable...so what the heck huh?

Good for you in making the decision to switch...and if you find a doc in the same practice that is a bit more caring...then that's great, because like you said...you've already developed a rapport with the nurses and other staff.  You can just shoot her eyeball darts if you pass her in the hall.  (Kidding!)

Let us know how everything turns out.  Everyone deserves a caring and kind doctor who doesn't make you feel like you are just a bid old pain in the a$$.  Even when we ARE a big pain in the a$$.  ;0)

[Jade59]

Lonewolf.........I couldn't agree with you more!  

nursegirl.........Thanks for your input.  Yeah, I know my records can be transfered anywhere, but it doesn't bother me to continue going to the same office.  The REAL test will be with another doc in that office.  If someone else is just as bad, then off I go to another office entirely.  You know, this doc wanted me to COME IN to see her about the Prilosec.  I told the nurse that was a waste of my time.  I have chronic pain and my stomach problem is not my only issue.  Not by far.  Getting ready for an office visit is stressful.  Then all the waiting causes anxiety and more pain and I'm not willing to put myself through all that for something we could speak on the phone about.  The only person benefiting from my visit is the doctor with her $250 fee for a 5min office visit.  

I have the OTC Prilosec on hand in case my phone call on Monday fails to yield the results I'm hoping for which is an rx continuing the Prilosec twice a day.

nervous..........Yes, I agree, this forum is the BEST!!!!  

Thanks again everyone, for all your support ♥  

[nervous15]

Thanks for your support on my upcoming surgery.  I have met absolutely hands down the greatest people on this forum.

You are going in the right direction, hun.  It is YOUR choice as to whom you let take care of you...be choosey your worth it.

Nervous

[nursegirl6572]

Amen to what everyone said!

The only part of you this doc should see again is your rear leaving the office!

If you are comfy staying in the same practice, that is fine...but just so you know....they will transfer all of your hosp records to a new doctor if you go that route.

And, yes, definitely follow up with a physician review, or letter to the hospital she is affiliated with.  There is simply NO excuse for a pt. to be treated that way.  I'm sorry you were.

I agree also with continuing your Prilosec twice a day, even if it means you have to buy the OTC stuff.  Your Endo is coming up soon....and if that dose is working for you for now...then it is.

Good luck...

[lonewolf07]

My daughter works in a large vet clinic - open 24 hrs.  There are quite a few vets there.  After watching them and talking to them and hearing what they are going to do to the animal(s), I think they treat their "clients" with more respect than human drs do.

wolf

[Jade59]

You make an excellent point about vets.  I LOVE our vet.

[Jade59]

Thanks for your input you guys.  I WILL change doctors on Monday.  There are two other docs in that office so I'll ask to see someone else.  Don't want to leave that office since my hospital records are there.  Fortunately, I'm in good with my doctors nurse.  The nurse even implied, in not so many words, how dumb this docs statement was.  I have worked in the medical field myself and it's ALWAYS a good thing to be friends with the nurses and front desk.  

I am going to look my doc up on the Internet to see what kind of rating she has.  I may also take your advice Scott, and write a letter.  I've seen so many doctors in my life and this gal certainly is not the first one to display an unsympathetic attitude, however, she is at the top of my list of "Condescending Doctors."    

I was conscious for my first endoscopy in 1996.  I was full of Demerol and a little loopy.  Suddenly, the doc is sticking the tube down my throat without saying "Ok, we're going to start now".  This made me panic which led to an orderly holding me down.  It was a nightmare to say the least.  But, directly after that, I had a colonoscopy and like you Scott, was able to see my insides, which was kinda cool.  Now they give you Versed so you don't remember anything, thank God!

My job today is to calm down.  Anger isn't good for ulcers, or anxiety for that matter.  It hurts no one but myself.  

Ok, I'm calm : )

[JSGeare]

I would not only change doctors, I would write a stiff letter to the one I'm leaving behind, or to the head of the medical group of which she is a member (probably some health "system," God forbid) and maybe even to the local medical society and CERTAINLY to an internet site that accumulates patient experiences with doctors. Just Google for "doctor reviews" and sample from the large buffet of choices which you'll see. That leter, by the way, is not just a "blowing off steam: kind of thing. Document with dates and times who said what and when and to whom so it tells the story, copies to everyone who matters or should know.

And yes, the endoscopy is a wonderful thing, these days. I actually stayed conscious through the whole thing I got to see myself from the inside out. Doctor said, "See you in ten years," and I said, "How about next week?" I don't know what's in the joy juice but I'd sure like to take it home with me.

Yes, NEW doctor. Soonest.

[lonewolf07]

Changing drs, IMHO, is a good thing.  Who needs a dr who is condescending, rude and dismissive. Mine is like that too.  No matter what I go to see her about, she always sends me for intrusive tests  Nervous15 sounds like she has a good dr who explains things to her and is compassionate.   Yours sounds like mine.  I honestly don't think some of these drs think of us as human,we're all just walking diseases who will do anything to get more drugs.

Unfortunately, we have a shortage of drs here and its difficult to find a new one.  I would try to shop around for a dr, ask questions of some of his/her patients, talk to the dr himself/herself. I have a "book" - it's really small -  but it states what patients rights are, what questions to ask the dr, etc.  I don't know if that applies in the USA or whatever state you are in.  I think I got the book from the College of Physicians and Surgeons.  They are the organization that handles everything from helping to find a new dr to disciplining drs who act inappropriate with their clients.  Do you have such an organization in your state?

Also, women's organizations sometimes have a record of what drs their members went to and who was good and who was just rotten.

Asking other people about their drs to find out if they like him/her is helpful.

Often I think I'd rather go to a vet than a "real" dr.  Our vet treats our cats and dogs much better than most people get treated.

Hugs ....

wolf

[Jade59]

Yep, first thing I'm doing Monday is switching doctors.  I've had enough of this gal.  She's been rude from the start.  I saw her 4days out of the hospital and she never explained the kind of ulcer I had or anything about it.  I had to look it up on the Internet.  I have never had ulcers before and she acted annoyed with my questions.  And that was after I waited an hour and a half in her waiting room!

You're right, an endoscopy isn't bad.  I had one when I was in the hospital.  You don't remember a thing and they DO give you good drugs!  

The Prilosec works pretty well.  I take it twice a day, but am still having pain which is why I'll be having my second endoscopy in June.  That was the earliest I could get in.  Lots of people with GI problems apparently.  Oh, and thanks for reminding me about OTC Prilosec.    

Thanks so much for your comment, nervous.  In fact, that's a bit what it's like being put to sleep for surgery.  Before you know it, you're waking up and it's all over. : )

[nervous15]

Get a new Doctor thats the first suggestion.  You want a Dr. thats going to be empathetic and reassurring.  What right does that DR. have telling you how much pain your in...how odd.

Look forward to your endoscopy, I had one not bad at all...drugs they give are great.

Definately search for a new DOC.  Take your meds in according to what the doctor has prescribed...also is prilosec doing it for you?  If so you know until your endoscopy you can purchase prilosec over the counter....just a thought

Good luck ....and keep your head up, you will come out ok with this

Nervous