Aa
Time for a New GP
I've been going to this guy for 8 years. He should know me by now. He has always just "skimmed over" and not listened to my neurologic or pain issues, and offers no support, other than he'll talk for 30 minutes on the benefits of stopping smoking. Yes, I get that and am working on it. He dismisses all of my complaints as they can be cured by this. Yes, maybe they can be better... but it's not what's causing my symptoms. During my last visit with him, he made me cry... Why? Because he's so damned frustrating and not help at all. So I just read his notes from that visit that say.
"She has seen Dr G. (neurologist) and had " every test known to man" done. An MRI of Brain, cervical spine, lumbar and sacrum. Brain has 8 "spots" suspicous for M.S. and cervical had swelling and edema. Lumbar with bulging disc and nerve iinvolvement at L5-S1. Dr. G did an lumbar puncture which was negative for M.S. and neoplasm. Her test for heavy metals and lymes disease was both negative. She had an appointment with Dr G aobut 10 days ago. She says that she "still doesn't know what is wrong"?. She has run a test for Celiac disease and iron deficiency and did a chest xray and plans to start her on a steroid."
And... "It amazes me that when a complete work up has all been negative for answers to her question as to what is wrong her assessment is that no one can figure it out."
"...broke down emotionally and started crying. There must be something there to hurt her feelings to elicit that kind of responce. There may be something else that she is afraid of and she needs to have something seriously wrong with her body. I feel that she needs counseling but could not recommend it today."
So he thinks I'm fabricating my own issues! Obviously, he does not know the complexities of diagnosing MS and/or other neurological problems. I don't think he's on my side... at all and it's time for him to go.
Thoughts?
~Linda
"She has seen Dr G. (neurologist) and had " every test known to man" done. An MRI of Brain, cervical spine, lumbar and sacrum. Brain has 8 "spots" suspicous for M.S. and cervical had swelling and edema. Lumbar with bulging disc and nerve iinvolvement at L5-S1. Dr. G did an lumbar puncture which was negative for M.S. and neoplasm. Her test for heavy metals and lymes disease was both negative. She had an appointment with Dr G aobut 10 days ago. She says that she "still doesn't know what is wrong"?. She has run a test for Celiac disease and iron deficiency and did a chest xray and plans to start her on a steroid."
And... "It amazes me that when a complete work up has all been negative for answers to her question as to what is wrong her assessment is that no one can figure it out."
"...broke down emotionally and started crying. There must be something there to hurt her feelings to elicit that kind of responce. There may be something else that she is afraid of and she needs to have something seriously wrong with her body. I feel that she needs counseling but could not recommend it today."
So he thinks I'm fabricating my own issues! Obviously, he does not know the complexities of diagnosing MS and/or other neurological problems. I don't think he's on my side... at all and it's time for him to go.
Thoughts?
~Linda
Thank you, It really feels good to have someone in my corner as I go thru this.
So happy for you that you found a doctor who you like! Feeling like someone actually cares is HUGE during this whole process! Praying that she is able to help you going forward!!
Karen
Karen
LOL! And she was very careful to not offend me by the term "interesting", meaning that I'd be more of a challenge than the day to day routine stuff. :)
I'm so glad you have found someone you have a good rapport with (and who finds you "interesting" lol). Hope things can move forward more smoothly now :).
Just wanted to give a quick update.
I had my first appointment with my new GP yesterday, and it was very positive. It was quite refreshing being taken seriously concerning my health issues. She even stated that she found my situation "interesting" and looked forward to working with the neurologists to oversee my care.
I am so relieved to have a doctor willing to work with me rather than belittle me every time I visit.
Hugs to all,
~Linda
I had my first appointment with my new GP yesterday, and it was very positive. It was quite refreshing being taken seriously concerning my health issues. She even stated that she found my situation "interesting" and looked forward to working with the neurologists to oversee my care.
I am so relieved to have a doctor willing to work with me rather than belittle me every time I visit.
Hugs to all,
~Linda
Thanks to everyone! I do need to have a family practitioner to oversee my general health issues with my past history that an MS neurologist is not going to take over. Like prescribing the estrogen for my lack of hormones from a hysterectomy. I found a local physician who seems to have a good reputation and went to the office today to fill out the medical history, insurance, and release of info forms. I set up an initial consultation for in a couple of weeks. The ball is rolling and I just go from there.
Hugs,
~Linda
Hugs,
~Linda
I am SO sorry you are being categorized and labeled and not being taken seriously. I can totally empathize with you! I wonder why they never mention anything else regarding our behavior except the fact that we shed tears?! How about "educated, inquisitive, invested, fearful, concerned, etc. " Seems so suspicious and an "easy out" to blame our mental health (without any diagnostic proof!) when they can't figure out what is wrong with us.
I'm glad you are looking into seeing another doctor!
Hugs to you!!
Karen
I'm glad you are looking into seeing another doctor!
Hugs to you!!
Karen
Kyle, I am glad you have a doc in whom you can place that much trust. We all should, but I suspect few do.
I'm frustrated right now not because my GP won't try things, but because nothing he's tried -- nothing WE'VE tried -- has worked against the current problem. I strive to understand what he's doing and why, and my doc is exceptional at explaining those things.
Don't want to hijack the thread, just wanted to affirm the concern about the proposal being described.
I'm frustrated right now not because my GP won't try things, but because nothing he's tried -- nothing WE'VE tried -- has worked against the current problem. I strive to understand what he's doing and why, and my doc is exceptional at explaining those things.
Don't want to hijack the thread, just wanted to affirm the concern about the proposal being described.
Hi PD
Even with all the progress made on the MS drug front,, they don't know what cases MS so they can't find the right drug to cure or prevent it.
This leaves us with a challenging choice. Should we take meds that may cause serious unrelated health consequences, with the hope that they keep MS at bay or should we shun the meds and hope our MS stays in check by itself.
It's a difficult choice for many. For me, if my doc thinks it may help, sign me up! :-)
Kyle
Even with all the progress made on the MS drug front,, they don't know what cases MS so they can't find the right drug to cure or prevent it.
This leaves us with a challenging choice. Should we take meds that may cause serious unrelated health consequences, with the hope that they keep MS at bay or should we shun the meds and hope our MS stays in check by itself.
It's a difficult choice for many. For me, if my doc thinks it may help, sign me up! :-)
Kyle
Yeah, but...
I'd be hesitant to accept a drug like that from anyone for any reason without discussing it thoroughly with someone who has prescribed it a number of times, and without being convinced that there weren't better options to try first for whatever symptom it's supposed to be targeting.
(...and Word keeps telling me I use too many long sentences...)
Blessings to you and the Danes.
I'd be hesitant to accept a drug like that from anyone for any reason without discussing it thoroughly with someone who has prescribed it a number of times, and without being convinced that there weren't better options to try first for whatever symptom it's supposed to be targeting.
(...and Word keeps telling me I use too many long sentences...)
Blessings to you and the Danes.
H Linda - The search for medical answers can be about the most frustrating thing imaginable. This includes the search for docs that can help.
I think it's important to keep the roles of different types of docs in mind. Your GP should not really be involved at this point. Your medical needs have long since moved beyond his ability to help. WHether or not you replace him to monitor your general health, blood pressure, cholesterol etc., Is up to you. He should no longer be seen as a member of your search for answers team.
The first thing my GP did when I showed up in the middle of my last relapse was to send me to a neurologist. She knew I needed help she couldn't provide. From that point on I would provide HER with updates, as I wanted a central log kept in the context of my complete medical history.
The neurologist I saw, on the second visit, told me that she was 85% sure I had MS and that I needed an MS specialist. She knew she would not be able to provide the help I needed. Once I moved on to a specialist Neurologist #1, she was no longer part of my search for answers team.
MS specialist was a nightmare. I found #2 and #1 was no longer part of my search for answers team.
If you keep going back to doctors with information that contradicts their opinion you are not likely to get help. You are likely to become a pain in their butt. You both lose. Move forward not back. If you see the specialist don't go back to Dr. G.
This is a very difficult process. I would advise against making it more so by going back to people who frustrate you and provide no answers.
As Einstein said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results :-)
Kyle
PS About the meds, as others have mentioned, psychoactive drugs often have off label benefits. I take an anti-depressant and an anti seizure med. I'm neither depressed nor do I have seizures. THe combo does a great job at eliminating my neuropathic foot pain :-)
I think it's important to keep the roles of different types of docs in mind. Your GP should not really be involved at this point. Your medical needs have long since moved beyond his ability to help. WHether or not you replace him to monitor your general health, blood pressure, cholesterol etc., Is up to you. He should no longer be seen as a member of your search for answers team.
The first thing my GP did when I showed up in the middle of my last relapse was to send me to a neurologist. She knew I needed help she couldn't provide. From that point on I would provide HER with updates, as I wanted a central log kept in the context of my complete medical history.
The neurologist I saw, on the second visit, told me that she was 85% sure I had MS and that I needed an MS specialist. She knew she would not be able to provide the help I needed. Once I moved on to a specialist Neurologist #1, she was no longer part of my search for answers team.
MS specialist was a nightmare. I found #2 and #1 was no longer part of my search for answers team.
If you keep going back to doctors with information that contradicts their opinion you are not likely to get help. You are likely to become a pain in their butt. You both lose. Move forward not back. If you see the specialist don't go back to Dr. G.
This is a very difficult process. I would advise against making it more so by going back to people who frustrate you and provide no answers.
As Einstein said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results :-)
Kyle
PS About the meds, as others have mentioned, psychoactive drugs often have off label benefits. I take an anti-depressant and an anti seizure med. I'm neither depressed nor do I have seizures. THe combo does a great job at eliminating my neuropathic foot pain :-)
Pretty shocking notes from the GP. I agree with everyone else, I'd change GP and I wouldn't take the meds. Just want to wish you well, and send support : ) June is not far off now, and hopefully your specialist can get you to where you need to be. Take care.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Wow that must of been a shock and a half, no wonder your so upset!
I am so glad your changing your GP, it's very common to stay with the same doctor year after year, trusting they will do their best and look after you. The minor stuff is a lot easier to not be bothered about, it's only after something potentially serious or over the top happen's and you finally realise the level of care you've been getting has been ineffectual or pathetic for years and this latest issue is just the final straw.....
In my family, there had been far too many instances of a medical condition being missed completely, misdiagnosed and at times were a lot worse by the time it was correctly diagnosed after privately seeing a specialist, another GP, even a different GP from the same clinic etc.
Mum even unknowingly had a heart condition for many years, her old GP dismissed or blamed all the signs on a frozen shoulder and or her anxiety/depression, unfortunately/fortunately ending up on life support in ICU for a different medical mistake actually discovered it!
On the flip side, my son at 4 was incorrectly diagnosed as having panic attacks and that was by the top child and adolescent psychiatrist in my entire state, but he was actually having an allergic and adverse reaction to a medication.
I think second opinions are always in your best interest these days, but i think once you've got the mental health tag hanging over your head, it's even more important to get the possibility checked out, even if it's just to get that idea debunked.
Hugs..........JJ
PS once bitter, twice shy and all.....
I am so glad your changing your GP, it's very common to stay with the same doctor year after year, trusting they will do their best and look after you. The minor stuff is a lot easier to not be bothered about, it's only after something potentially serious or over the top happen's and you finally realise the level of care you've been getting has been ineffectual or pathetic for years and this latest issue is just the final straw.....
In my family, there had been far too many instances of a medical condition being missed completely, misdiagnosed and at times were a lot worse by the time it was correctly diagnosed after privately seeing a specialist, another GP, even a different GP from the same clinic etc.
Mum even unknowingly had a heart condition for many years, her old GP dismissed or blamed all the signs on a frozen shoulder and or her anxiety/depression, unfortunately/fortunately ending up on life support in ICU for a different medical mistake actually discovered it!
On the flip side, my son at 4 was incorrectly diagnosed as having panic attacks and that was by the top child and adolescent psychiatrist in my entire state, but he was actually having an allergic and adverse reaction to a medication.
I think second opinions are always in your best interest these days, but i think once you've got the mental health tag hanging over your head, it's even more important to get the possibility checked out, even if it's just to get that idea debunked.
Hugs..........JJ
PS once bitter, twice shy and all.....
Thanks to everyone for your support and suggestions.
I am already in the process of getting a new GP. I've been unhappy with this one for a very long time, anyway. I am not going on any new medications from anyone until after my consultation with the MS Specialist in June.
I suppose if that one feels it's all in my head, so be it, but I really do have a very stable personality, and I feel my GP is jumping to conclusions that he has no business doing. I already take an antidepressant.... but that's because I am still grieving the loss of my son three years ago. :,( That does not mean I am psychotic, bi-polar, or schizophrenic, for God's sake!
I am already in the process of getting a new GP. I've been unhappy with this one for a very long time, anyway. I am not going on any new medications from anyone until after my consultation with the MS Specialist in June.
I suppose if that one feels it's all in my head, so be it, but I really do have a very stable personality, and I feel my GP is jumping to conclusions that he has no business doing. I already take an antidepressant.... but that's because I am still grieving the loss of my son three years ago. :,( That does not mean I am psychotic, bi-polar, or schizophrenic, for God's sake!
I would get a psych consult before going on medications. My gp pulled the same thing -- I was having a relapse, and he referred me to a psychiatrist. Best move he made. The psychiatrist's notes convinced my doctor he was not the best doctor for me, and he fired himself. It took a while but I now have a good gp who understands the limbo process much better than my original doctor. (I also needed a counsellor to get over the bizarre treatment from my previous doctor, who I had been with for TEN YEARS ...)
Risperidone is also used for pain.
I am with you I would get a new doctor. Most doctors if they cannot easily diagnose something go to it being emotional of mental. I would want a GP on my side. Unfortunately I was not taken seriously until mine missed my cancer. Now she listens to everything I say and I get appointment immediately. She and her staff used to roll their eyes at me.
I got so frustrated with my oncologist I cried. Not in his office but later. He wanted me to have a double mastectomy and I said no. He told my husband he needed to save me from myself. I was naked and he was standing up having this conversation. I wanted to smack him. I found a new oncologist. The breast doctor thought it was totally fine to keep my breasts especially since I do not have breast cancer yet.
I am sorry but women get dismissed too easily. They would not get away with this if a man got mad.
I would be mad too.
Alex
I am with you I would get a new doctor. Most doctors if they cannot easily diagnose something go to it being emotional of mental. I would want a GP on my side. Unfortunately I was not taken seriously until mine missed my cancer. Now she listens to everything I say and I get appointment immediately. She and her staff used to roll their eyes at me.
I got so frustrated with my oncologist I cried. Not in his office but later. He wanted me to have a double mastectomy and I said no. He told my husband he needed to save me from myself. I was naked and he was standing up having this conversation. I wanted to smack him. I found a new oncologist. The breast doctor thought it was totally fine to keep my breasts especially since I do not have breast cancer yet.
I am sorry but women get dismissed too easily. They would not get away with this if a man got mad.
I would be mad too.
Alex
I'm with you--get another PCP. If Dr. G and the radiologist are not sure what the 'brain spots' are, why is this doctor already drawing conclusions?
You need someone whose mind is still open, and who is not already thinking you need psych meds. That's what he'll always think, regardless, and that's what will color his future encounters with you. I'm surprised he was so blatant in his comments, but maybe he doesn't realize that some patients request them. Tough noogies for him--there are plenty of other general practitioners out there, many who do not conclude they are psychiatrists as well.
Keep trying to move up that MS specialist date, and good luck.
ess
You need someone whose mind is still open, and who is not already thinking you need psych meds. That's what he'll always think, regardless, and that's what will color his future encounters with you. I'm surprised he was so blatant in his comments, but maybe he doesn't realize that some patients request them. Tough noogies for him--there are plenty of other general practitioners out there, many who do not conclude they are psychiatrists as well.
Keep trying to move up that MS specialist date, and good luck.
ess
Dr. G is my general neurologist who is a woman. Dr G. does not know 100% what is wrong yet, which is why she has referred me to a specialist at Vanderbilt. (I'm guessing because my LP showed no O-bands) He (My GP) makes no mention of THAT in his notes.
I'm a bit confused here, about the 'she' and 'her' references. Is Dr. G a woman? Is it you or Dr. G who doesn't know what is wrong?
ess
ess
Addition. His notes also reflect that next visit he would prescribe this drug.
What is risperidone?
Risperidone is a antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.
What is risperidone?
Risperidone is a antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
