Schedule of check-ups post op

I am kind of traumatized because I had to change retinologists after 8 months and four surgeries. I fear that the new one will betray me, also, because he fears that I will bring some kind of action against his associate who is in the same practice. I also fear that he does not have my best interests at heart, just as the last one did not seem to care about me. Also, my former ophthalmologists did not refer me, and thus I have lost most of the vision in my left eye., so that was another betrayal of sorts.

I had surgery with #2 in December. I have seen him 3 times following surgery (lasering, erm, membrane stripping, second silicone oil fill and umpteenth vitrectomy): one day after the surgery, two weeks after the surgery, and one month after the surgery. On Monday he told me not to come back for three months. I did not say anything because I am afraid to make him mad. Even when this is all over, if ever, I figure I should see a retinologist every two months, for the rest of my life. I am very high risk, and my right eye could get new lattice, and need to be lasered again. It has been lasered 3 or 4 times in nine months.

He also told me that people like me, very high risk, could have a retina attachment for 2 years, and still have their vision saved. I do not believe it. It is contrary to what I have read. My daughters' retinas detached simultaneously, I am severely myopic, have lattice, and the surgery on my left eye did not work because I am in the 10% who develop too much scat tissue. He made this remark after I confided in him that my ophthalmologists had not referred me.

I believe that I will go to Baylor to a university doctor, because I have heard that they are likely to give me more info than a doc in private practice.

I have seen five retinologists, yet none of them have urged me to protect my right eye, as the doctor here has. I am immensely grateful to him, and I wonder if the kindness in the eye field is limited to him. I always had very good experiences with ophthalomogist until I moved to this city.

I also asked #2 to confirm that we could never predict the challenges that lay ahead of me, in terms of my eyes. He agreed. I did not mean to pose the question in this way, but I had left my specific questions at home. I believe that he would have been helpful if he hat outlined specific risks, so that I could be on the alert.

I am confused. There are more instances, but I do not want to go on.

He has made kind, supportive remarks to me otherwise.

How can I communicate better with him, if he is always so anxious to leave?

Thank you,

[Jenn0030]

If you feel that your guestions are not fully being answered by your physician due to his time restraints (ie, he is rushing off to see the next patinet), ask his office to schedule you for the last patient at the end of the day. This will allow him to spend more time with you.  Bring a list of your questions so you are prepared to ask the questions that you want answered.  Most importantly, if you are not comfortable waiting 3 months for you follow up appointment, speak up.  Let him know your concerns and explain why you are worried.  Your physician can help you to understand he reasons for waiting that length of time and he may / may not bring you in sooner if you request.

(no I am not a doctor, just trying to give some friendly advice)

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[AnnaE]

Jeen,

I don't think you read my post well. Of course, he would give me an earlier appt. I have a very serious condition. BUT I THINK HE IS AFRAID TO SEE ME MORE BECAUSE OF MY DIFFICULTIES WITH HIS ASSOCIATE.

I AM AFRAID THAT HE IS BEING NEGLIGENT, AND THAT I NEED TO GET ANOTHER DOCTOR.

[Jenn0030]

I think that you may have answered your own question then...

If you feel that you doctor is giving you poor care, do you not owe it to yourself to see someone else.  If I can assure you of nothing else, there ARE wonderfully nice retina doctors out there that care and are excellent surgeons.