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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on May 15, 2006, at 15:14:09
OK, so I'm unhappy with my current GP, and something came up over the weekend that I need to get checked out. I'd like to find a new doctor, but I am so afraid of -- hell, I'm afraid of all of them at this point.
My pdoc happened to call today, and she recommended bypassing the GP, and going directly to a cardiologist, and she gave me two names. But you know what? I'm afraid to try either of them, in part because she did give me the name of a GP she said she could recommend, but it was someone I have a little history with: I called to get a an appointment with that one about a year and a half ago, but she wasn't taking new patients. Instead, I was seen by her husband, and it was miserable -- he asked about my weight, I said I was aware of it and had been diagnosed with AN, but was having trouble because I didn't know how to change my eating. He said, "oh, well, just eat more." When I said, "I feel sick when I eat." He said, "Oh, that's food aversion, it's just psychological. And don't worry about the big red flashing 'ABNORMAL' on the EKG..." No, thank you, I will not be going back to them. And even though the other doctor might be great, and might be taking new patients, I just don't want to find out. Another bad experience with a doctor, and I will NEVER see a doctor again.
I also left a message for my T, asking if she has any GPs that she's come into contact with who have some knowledge of eating disorders. She hasn't called back yet, though.
I may call my OB/GYN and ask him if he can offer any names, but again -- I really think at this point I want to see a woman, and I want to see a woman who has some experience with eating disorders. How on earth could I go about finding one?
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Posted by James K on May 15, 2006, at 15:41:30
In reply to Choosing a doctor..., posted by Racer on May 15, 2006, at 15:14:09
When we're looking for a doctor for me, we start by finding everyone in our plan by doing a computer search at the insurance companies site. Then we narrow by location, because I don't like driving long distances. From them, I try to find younger, but not too young doctors, in the hope they will have more current understanding and less stigma about the psych problems. I check for affiliation with better hospitals, and college and med school for clues. There are doctor directory web sites that have this info and sometimes a picture. Specialties are listed too. You can search their name to see if they've written papers. I usually pick women myself. In my personal experience, they've been more understanding and less likely to dismiss physical problems as manifestations of mental illness.
You're still going to run into bad or misguided physicians though. My prejudice against them is big. I don't trust myself, so how can I trust them.
I can relate to how it feels to walk in and have your symptoms dismissed. I have a long history of alcoholism, depression, and injury. Unless something is flat out broken, some doctors can't see past that.
OH, I just remembered. If you've had a bad EKG, you should either get your own copy of it, or make the appointment with your own, new cardiologist, and arrange to have it sent over. That will make the "why are you here" part so much easier. A heart doctor sees a bad EKG, and it is completely understandable that you would want to see him/her. Just to rule out or diagnose a serious problem.
James K
Posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2006, at 16:00:33
In reply to Re: Choosing a doctor...long » Racer, posted by James K on May 15, 2006, at 15:41:30
Racer I have found my best referrals for medical care at the ER. There they will do all necessary tests and likely give you a list of specialists. You won't belive this but my pdoc's main interest is in eating disorders. But I don't think your in my state Google eastoverpsych.com. Dr. Wallace is my doc but I need one who deal with anxiety not eating disorders. Google eating disorder docs under your state. Maybe something will come up . I hope so for your sake. As I've yet the find a pdoc who understands anxiety and depression they are all filled up not accepting new pts. Good luck . Post back. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2006, at 16:02:54
In reply to Re: Choosing a doctor...long, posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2006, at 16:00:33
yup thought it over if cardiac the ER. Love Phillipa
Posted by All Done on May 16, 2006, at 1:34:40
In reply to Choosing a doctor..., posted by Racer on May 15, 2006, at 15:14:09
Racer,
I've had the same doctors for a long time, so I really don't know what your best route is for finding a new one.
I just wanted to let you know that I hope everything is alright and I'm sending lots of healthy vibes your way.
Take care,
Laurie
Posted by Poet on May 16, 2006, at 9:41:41
In reply to Choosing a doctor..., posted by Racer on May 15, 2006, at 15:14:09
Hi Racer,
Both my health care and insurance providers have websites where I can search for doctors. One of them even includes a video. They list specialities and areas of interest, so if you have access to something similar you might be able to find someone with ED experience.
Otherwise, I think asking your OB/GYN is a good idea. Tell him that, no offense to him, but you would like to see a female doctor.
Good luck. I hate the doctor search. Though watching the videos can be fun. Some of them are really nervous.
Poet
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 16, 2006, at 11:03:36
In reply to Choosing a doctor..., posted by Racer on May 15, 2006, at 15:14:09
Racer,
I'm sorry I guess I misunderstood. I thought you had said you had gained back all the weight you had lost and much more. I apologize if my babble mail to you a couple weeks ago was triggering. I really was just trying to help.
I tend to medicate with food. Please forgive me.
Midnightblue
Posted by Racer on May 16, 2006, at 12:38:11
In reply to Re: Choosing a doctor... » Racer, posted by MidnightBlue on May 16, 2006, at 11:03:36
> Racer,
>
> I'm sorry I guess I misunderstood. I thought you had said you had gained back all the weight you had lost and much more. I apologize if my babble mail to you a couple weeks ago was triggering. I really was just trying to help.
>
> I tend to medicate with food. Please forgive me.
>
> MidnightblueNothing to forgive you for! I appreciate you taking the time to write at all -- it feels good to think that someone cares about me.
And I have gained back the needed weight, but am concerned because I've never had any of the tests that should be routine during treatment for eating disorders. I figure that the GP I'm about to drop didn't listen to me because he doesn't have experience with eating disorders, and he looks at me and sees a fat woman, rather than someone who's being treated for AN. His comments about "women wanting to believe their weight is caused by thyroid" kinda confirm that...
Anyway, yesterday my husband called him and told him he needed to be more respectful of my feelings. Felt good to have someone step up for me, and the doctor did say he'd try.
Doesn't mean I'm planning to go back to him, but I did think maybe I would give one more try, just to honor my husband's effort.
This is the end of the thread.
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