Help Me: Do I need a new doctor?

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Comment by Joanne on August 10, 2009 at 12:56pm

just wondered how ur next visit went and if he was willing to listen ?

Comment by Sidney Partridge smile on June 18, 2009 at 3:21pm

Don't ever be afraid of doctors. They are people too but with a medical degree. The lowest graduate from medical school are called doctor. There are good ones and not so good. You are paying good money for his service. Be sure to tell the nurse that you don't want to be rushed and need his undivided attention. You have diabetic issues with your health. The doctor must get the message. Make sure that your doctor is well versed in the field of diabetes and not afraid of sending you to a specialist. I am 58 years old and had lots of doctors over the years and kept a few. There were several doctors that we did not like because of his indifferent / arrogant attitude. We simply went to the checkout nurse made a note for the file and fired him. We simply told the nurse that we will not come back and told her why and will not pay for his service, period. They are usually not surprised. It pays to have a good Doctor. Sid

Comment by Melissa Holekamp on June 18, 2009 at 9:54am

I sympathize! I currently see a GP for my diabetes care - I KNOW I need an endo, but I really feel a need to relate to the person helping me control my diabetes. I dont think they realize that they are involved with us on such an intimate level. We are - quite literally - trusting these docs with our lives and our futures - and they can't even be bothered to make eye contact? I think they're scared they might accidentally see us as humans, rather than statistics. My first endo was great - then he pawned me off on his nurses. NEVER showed up for appointments. My second endo did great for a long time - but after some personal issues in his own life (as best I can tell) he CHANGED. Became abrasive and distant (I've heard this from LOTS of his patients).

I don't mean that I expect my doc to be a pal or a therapist - seriously, I DON'T expect that, or want that. But I DO expect him to understand that my life affects my diabetes and vice versa. Oh! and that I'm allowed to HAVE a life.

Comment by Suzanne on June 18, 2009 at 9:45am

Give him one more chance. Also find out if he has a medical assistant or nurse that works with him. If so, build a relationship with them as well. My doc was in and out and I was going to change docs until I voiced my concerns about not enough face time and discussion with the nurse who is the CDE there. She spoke to the doc and the next time I saw the doc, she apologized for being so quick before and told me she was happy to spend more time discussing my treatment plans and concerns. The doc still isn't warm and fuzzy but I know she cares and she works with me.

As far as staying with the doc if you can't build a relationship, there are things you have to think about. I know that you want to get on a pump soon. You want to be sure that you feel listened to and supported when you start a pump. So if you feel the doc still isn't listening to you, find another one. You deserve a partner in your health care :)

Comment by Marie B on June 18, 2009 at 9:25am

I'd give him another try, too. The same thing happened to me. The basal&bolus plan I got from my last doctor was such an improvement, but eventually after about four appts that really upset me, I found another endo that I could relate to (plus he's much closer driving time). So I've been with him now for two appts, and we just kept the same basal&bolus from the cold unfeeling endo.

Comment by Robyn on June 18, 2009 at 9:12am

Stay with this doctor for awhile...give it a chance and If after a few more visits you just dont "connect" then look for another one. I always try and give somebody a second chance. Just my opinion :)