Spinal Cord Injury

Posted on: Sat, Oct 17 2009 6:48 PM

Posted by: Desan Posts: 268

 Appears this old gimp has outlasted my doctor whom retired and that is a problem. Now all my medications cannot be re-filled until I see the new doctor my healthcare provider assigned to me. This is a problem because he is one a lazy S.O.B that does not want to read my medical record and has demanded take oh a bunch of tests I’ve taken dozens of times. First one over 50 a prostate cancer screening and this is not the simple one but a more complex one hence more expensive one. Fact is no one on either side of my family has suffered from cancer much less butt cancer and having their butt fall off not only is the testing not called for but not needed my me, my butt fall off it is the least of my problems and well I can live with after all its just another body part and I’ve lost other ones.

Fact is I do have high blood pressure that is a family thing as is hardening of the arteries and well gum loss hence teeth loss drooping eyes all of it I know about in advance it needs no test. Yet to get my medication for those problems well documented within my medical records I must endure a list of test some of them now I don’t even know about. Now will I undergo all the same plus newly added tests prescribed by my newly assigned doctor? Nope all he has to do is bother to read my medical records I’m up to speed he is not and any new test will only confirm one fact I’m getting old I’m gonna die and on top of that I’m a gimp should I have to pay for the same tests yet again to confirm all of this? I’m told I must in order to get another 3 years worth of un questioned medications to conditions I know I have. Well not going to go through it nothing is being prevented at all. I’m not afraid to die and do what I must to preserve my quality of life and for me it is never going to be flat on my back in a rest home. So I’ll not lend a hand to extend the natural process of life for the sake of a doctor that will not even bother to read my medical record.

So any others that have to or will go through the same tests to re-confirm you are maybe one disabled and maybe two your old and need that thar medication? Fact is just because my doctor wants to do this or that I do not have to endure a re-testing I have the right to tell him nope not going to do that. Fact is after having my body over 50 years I sort of know when stuff may be not working right I do not need tests for stuff I will never face. I want this new doctor to listen to me when I tell him what I need he is not some all knowing person I take an active role in my care and he is about to find out. Anyone else this active in your care? After all I have a spinal cord injury how many times must I confirm it to a new doctor that was assigned?

Posted on: Sun, Oct 18 2009 1:15 PM

Posted by: PerfectlyImperfect Posts: 1,581

Is there not ANY way to choose your own doctor? Or at least be assigned to another and hope for one better suited to you and your needs?

Posted on: Mon, Oct 19 2009 10:45 AM

Posted by: squabwithfibro Posts: 3,158

 Why was a new doctor "assigned" to you?  I'm in the same spot......my GP of the past 15+ years is leaving  practice this month to teach medicine.  Other doctor's in the group are absorbing the patients of my doc.  Plus they hired a replacement....so all patient are covered if they so choose.  I am going with my hubby's doc (we had his & hers.....long story but it worked.)  We'll see how it works out.  If I'm not happy, I'll change.  Drat.....my long term plan was to have a doctor who would outlive me since he is younger than me.  He had personal reasons for his decision.  I respect his choice.  I like hubby's doc.  We've been through enough with him observing me as hubby's caregiver that I think we will have mutual respect and good communication, which is key in a relationship with any doctor.  If you are not finding that with your new doc, why settle?  It's your health.  Gone is the day when we as patients should "write a blank check" of our health and care of it to a doctor "god"......we must advocate for ourselves and can "fire" our doctor if we aren't comfortable with the level of communication.  If you can, change!  Do it for yourself......it could be the best thing you've done for yourself in a long time.