Well back to the gp AGAIN!

[Rena705]

Well I am going to see the gp again today and I am going to show her the article that Quix pointed out to me regarding the need for a neuropsych consult due to possible cognitive impairment in "benign" MS which apparently is what I have been diagnosed with.  My gp suggested this consult to me a few months back but has not acted on it and therefore I have not had it done.  This doesn't really surprise me though because I was supposed to have been referred to a pulmonologist in January due to breathing problems (which by the way have not abated) and I have still to see that referral done!  She always has an excuse like the last 2 times I saw her and asked about the lung doctor referral she said he was on holidays and that she would do it when he gets back...that was at least 8 weeks passed now and still nothing!  I think that she just doesn't like to do paper work and puts it off and puts it off and I am sure she must have people dropping like flies around her because of her inability to complete her tasks!  Drive me nuts I can tell ya that!
So I guess I will see what sort of an excuse she will have this time...it better be a good one I can tell ya that cause this is getting ridiculous.  The article I spoke of states that "It is also important for patients with benign ms to undergo neuropsychological evaluation because even if they do not present physical impairment, we can find mild or moderate cognitive impairment, which will be important for their treatment."!!!!!  Duh...do ya think that gp will catch on with this right in front of her face?  I am not going to hold my breath...I suppose I should give her the benefit of the doubt but past history keeps screaming at me not to!  We'll see I guess.

Rena

[Rena705]

Well the bimbo gp just called to tell me that my bone scan was great!  I already knew that because the tech that did it told me and I always drank a lot of milk with my Kahlua when I was drinking back then...tee hee!

So I guess there is another thing they can wipe off the possibility list for my leg pain...Next???

Rena

[Rena705]

I just realized that my stupid gp asked what I expected to gain from a neuropsych consult even though she was the first one to suggest it a few months ago!!!???  Just what the heck did SHE expect to gain from it I wonder?  I sure wish I could get into her head for just 10 minutes just to see what exactly is going on in there...I am beginning to suspect that there is a neurological problem with my gp!!!

[mokibear]

Hey Rena, you sure have had your plate full girl. I'm glad it at least appears that she is going to set up this appointment for you but like you said I guess you'll find out when you get back home. It sure sounds like your having to pull teeth with her to get anything done. Maybe you should suggest for her to read this forum and get some information that could be useful.

Let us know if you get anywhere with that lung doc.

I do really hope that you have a great time on your fishing trip!! Sounds like a much needed break away.

Hugs
Moki

[Rena705]

Well...I am back and I showed my gp the documentation and she again stated that the referral will be made for the neuropsych consult.  I then asked her reception girls how long a referral would take and they said it can take up to two months for them to receive the date of the consult and then they will contact me.  So I will give her until I get back from the lake and if I don't hear from her by then I will make an appointment expressly for that reason as db suggested.  She said that she didn't know what I expected to gain from the consult and I told her that if I can get some therapy that might help me get back into the working world it is worth a try to me!  I am feeling so depressed thinking that I may not get back into working with people and I am willing to try anything!  She agreed that it may help that way but it wouldn't mean that I would be put on the disease modifying drugs.  I said that I understand that completely and it stated in the documentation that they don't know if there would be any benefit from these for cognitive problems but IF there is a breakthrough in finding out about how much cognitive damage may be caused then I will have had the testing and I will be first in line for anything that may be used to help slow down that damage!  She agreed and thought that it may be worth a try...

I asked her about the referral to the lung dr. and she said that they sent it in last week and that she was surprised I hadn't heard anything yet...I will call that dr. tomorrow.

She wants to increase my Elavil to 50mg in the hopes that it will stop the ice pick pain in my head and also stop the floor moving sensation that I haven't had since Dec. 06.  Time will tell I guess.

She I going to send me for a hearing test as I have been having a lot of pain in my ears when exposed to a certain frequency including if I have to speak with my voice raised...darn it hurts!

So that is about it for now...she said to relax on my vacation and don't overdo the walking and standing when fishing...yeah right! tee hee  I will do what I can and I know that I may suffer a little because of it but that is my choice for a change...I am tired of being told I can't do this and I can't do that...I know my limitations and I will try to be careful but no one will ever stop me from fishing!  he he he

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[doublevision1]

Something you might try would be to book an appointment with the express purpose of having her use that time to make the referral while you're there.  When you arrive, tell her this is the purpose of the appointment and for your peace of mind, can she complete the referral while you are there so you know it's done.  For goodness sake, it's a matter of faxing a form to the specialist.  I know your case is as complex as any, but in my experience the written referrals are pretty brief.  It should not take her very long to do.  She is being negligent in not following up, esp given she was the one who suggested the referral in the first place.

Failing that, ask her for a date, ie: within one week, that you can expect it will be done, and let her know you will be following up to confirm.  Again, for your 'own peace of mind.'  As frustrating as all this is, it never helps to put them on the defensive.  

I really feel for you.  I have never had such problems with my GP,and it's not like she isn't busy too, I don't know of a GP anywhere these days who doesn't have a full patient load and then some.  

I know you said it's not easy to find another GP in your area, but perhaps you should keep trying.  I also realize it is not good to bounce around from one doctor to the next, esp for a chronic condition, however I guess there is a point at which one may decide they are not getting appropriate treatment anyway and it's time to cut your losses and move on.  I don't know how close to that point you may be.

In the meantime, I really hope she is more responsive today and takes seriously the literature that Quix passed on to you.

db

[Rena705]

I like cowboy's idea too! ha ha  I do have a buddy with a couple of rotties I could probably borrow!  tee hee
I don't think I should have to record this bimbo though honey...she is the professional and I think it's just time I ask her to start acting like one and either s*** or get off the pot!

I will let you know what happens when I get back!

Love ya

Rena

[spastic]

But I really like Cowboy's advice the best...... :)

[spastic]

Hey Sweetie, Definately take the article with with you.  You should take a voice recorder with you so when she makes the excuses you can play it back to her.  I don't know what the laws are up there but down here we just have to tell them we are recording our conversation, etc.  I did it a few times when the hubby couldn't go to office visits and my Dr's didn't mind it.  It puts them a little more on guard. :)  Our you could say "Due to my cognitive dysfunction, I need to record our conversation here today so if I forget something I can refer back to it."  See what she says.  Maybe it would motivate her to get those referrals a lot quicker or quit being such a doe-doe head.

Love Ya,

Ada

[Akcowboy]

  when you go there bring a pitbull with you and call it your new servise anamal matbe that will get her moving lol best of luck

  Cowboy