Posted by Leighwit on July 9, 2002, at 19:45:41
In reply to Re:It wasn't helpful., posted by coral on July 5, 2002, at 4:23:12
> You might consider seeking out another endocrinologist. A friend of mine is the head of endocrinology at one of the top ten hospitals in the US and his position is that anyone with an endocrine problem should be evaluated by an endocrinologist and preferrably should have on-going care from one. Barring that, an annual review with full labs w/an endocrinologist is a minimum of responsible care. Your endo's response was like a dermatologist saying, "Oh, you have a skin disorder. Why on earth are you seeing me, a dermatologist?"
> From first-hand experience, I can tell you that a screw-up in your endo system can have incredible repercussions - such as anxiety, depression, tachycardia --- the list is endless. Good luck!_________________________________________________
Hi Bookgurl,
Having been treated by endocrinologists for most of my forty-four years, I don't quite see the problem with this one's performance. She may not have the best bedside manner (actually I prefer stellar credentials and competence over warm personalities ~ but I do understand the desire to find both) but at least she was upfront. I'd much prefer to know that she didn't believe in "H.E." than to receive some sort of pat on the head or placebo prescription and sent on my blithe and merry way.
You may very well want to get a second endocrinologist's opinion ~ but at least you got an honest & candid one from this particular doctor ~ something far too uncommon these days, IMO.
My best endo was one I saw for over twelve years. He was quite dry and to-the-point. A few patients I knew preferred other doctors in the clinic (because he was considered a "cold" personality. I grew to realize that his competence was far more important to me than his sometimes dismissive manner.) This one might have done a better job delivering her thoughts, but she's certainly done what you were paying her to do: deliver her professional opinion.
Anyway ~ I suggest that what matters are the doctor's credentials and reputation. How does she rate? What are the chances she's right? If you believe they are nil (or even 50/50 actually) you should certainly get a second opinion, but this time (assuming you didn't already) make sure you get it from the very best endocrinologist in your commutable area. You're a bright person (I've read a large number of your posts) so this will seem obvious to you ~ but sometimes when we're feeling crappy, even the obvious escapes us, eh? Find the very best endo and plan (plan is a key word) to weight the credibility of their diagnostic performance accordingly.
Major cities often have magazines (Chicago Magazine and The Washingtonian both do, for example) that publish an issue with a list of "Best Doctors" on an annual basis. Both of the two I listed use a surveys of the licensed medical community at large (doctors evaluating doctors.) I've found two doctors that way and have been very pleased. Too often when I merely "ask around" I find people referring others to doctors that they happen to "like" ("he's just a doll", or "she is so sweet") rather than those for which they have an informed, experienced opinion.
Hope you're feeling better,
laurie
poster:Leighwit
thread:25644
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020629/msgs/26190.html