Very bad appt. with my GP

[susieq051]

Well literally got called hypochondriac by my GP and that I brought this all on myself because all I want is Attention. My Gp which is no longer my Gp because I have found another doctor to take this quacks place! This creep said that he did not believe that GCA was present because my SED rate was not high enough and that my rheumatologist and the ophthalmologist were just feeding into my hysteria. Well needless to say. "I said if I would have lost my eyesight by just listening to quacker and not to my own insight and intuition he would have lost his license to practice medicine. He would have had a law suit slapped against him. With that little tidbit I walked out the door. I hopefully found another GP to take his place.

[Rimmy]

Good on you !!! - he certainly needed to hear that not least because in the future he 'might' just think twice about being so dismissive and arrogant - if not to say 'stupid'.

It annoys me greatly though that this still happens far too often when the consequences can be beyond ghastly and even 'irretrievable'. I'm sure you read here recently that a woman lost her eyesight completely from what sounded like total ineptitude in several consecutive circumstances. The only defence we really have against this ignorance, denial or resistance (what does one call this !!!??) is then to be assertive and determined and when we 'sack' these medicos TELL them just why and suggest they take a serious look at the current 'science'.

I think it is now becoming clearer that people who have (intelligently) decided to 'educate' themselves by reading the scientific and medical literature and the discussions on reputable sites such as this simply will not put up with 'dangerous' treatment - or lack of it !! So once again well done - and I hope your new doctor at least has the capacity to listen.

Best wishes

[susieq051 in reply to Rimmy]

Yes I did read what that poor woman went and dealing in darkness what should never have happened in the first. The ineptitude of certain doctors amazed me. I hope he leaves this planet soon so no other person has to deal with him.

[Rimmy in reply to susieq051]

Yes and if not 'the planet' then at least the job !!

[SheffieldJane]

I am sorry that this happened to you susieq51. I am disheartened that it still happens to people. I rarely go to my GP because normally it just knocks me off course and diminishes my self confidence. Some people are blessed with great doctors and I hope you are this time. Bravo for your bravery in confronting the problem, in spite of being ill. Come to us for any attention, comfort, support and advice you want/ need. We know what you are going through.

[susieq051 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Right now I need all the support I can receive. I just thankful I found others who understand better then I do so can navigate the waters of this disease.

[Rimmy in reply to SheffieldJane]

SJ it sounds like you could do with a 'better' doctor as well - and certainly one who doesn't 'knock you off your course' or 'diminish your self-confidence' - after all why would you visit him/her at all for such outcomes - maybe it is a 'good' time for another 'sacking' !!??

XX

[SheffieldJane in reply to Rimmy]

Good point Rimmy. It used to be a good practice. Now I could go with sinus pain and be told “ we must get you off steroids”. Like we are only allowed a certain amount of pain relief. I have yet to meet one of the doctors who understands a slow taper. The side effects I need reassurance about are treated as if they are nothing to do with Pred. There seems to be a kind of blame the patient culture.

[Rimmy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes I understand these kinds of responses are fairly typical and if not for my GP being younger and eager to 'learn' I think it unlikely any of the others (some of whom I have had vicarious contact with pre PMR/GCA) in the practice I currently go to - would be half as receptive. This individualistic response to health is totally ridiculous and they should know that - after all we humans experience our 'health' and/or 'well-being' in social contexts - riddled with all kinds of socio-political and inequities. Yes many illnesses are considered 'lifestyle' related now so that if people apparently do the 'wrong' things then easy to think that negative outcomes are their own 'fault'. This narrow style of thinking is often haphazardly applied to many diseases now and even pain is often regarded as some 'private' indulgence - what TOTAL ROT of course!!

Difficult to do I know but you could try to find another - maybe more intelligent and considerate doctor...

[SheffieldJane in reply to Rimmy]

There are a couple of good doctors in my practice, it’s hard to get an appointment at all these days, never mind specifying a particular doctor. I think that they are all under pressure and most of the satisfaction has gone out of the job. My son in law is a GP in Bellingen, he has a much better time. That is, if Bellingen hasn’t burned down. There are fires in that region.

[Rimmy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes the fires have been devastating on the East Coast (we are in the West - right at the bottom of the continent) and have been fortunate with cooler weather so far this Summer - but everywhere in OZ is always at risk especially the bush and we are also surrounded by that. I hope your family is OK in Bellingen where my sister lived many years ago as well.

You are right about doctors here in OZ they seem to less stressed and much more available than those in the UK by the sound of it. There are a dozen docs at my practice so a big 'choice' and several other practices as well - all for the small regional city we live near to - plus a relatively 'new' public hospital. Then in Perth (the nearest major city) there are multiple practices as well - most of which bulk bill so no out of pocket costs for usual visits.

But still SJ in your situation I think I'd check out all or any other possibilities as your situation is hardly likely to elicit 'optimum' treatment - and you really deserve that !!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Rimmy]

I’ve got Dr Sarah Mackie as my Rheumatologist, so that’s a good thing. I see her tomorrow. Thanks Rimmy. I hope you keep safe from the bush fires. It seems to be mostly down the East Coast. Where all mine live!

[susieq051 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I live in the US near the east coast. Normally pretty quite here until we get bad snow storms in winter and bad thunderstorms in summer. Have never really had a problem with doctors until now. I just trying to get a hold on everytging .

[Constance13]

How bl.......y disgusting !!

Hope you have better luck with your new doctor.

[susieq051 in reply to Constance13]

I hope so as well I have someone contacting me on Wednesday. Thank you

[Hidden]

I hope you are going to make a Formal Complaint against the GP

That was absolutely appalling, it’s times like that you just wish you had a copy of a Medical Journal with the Guidelines of Diagnosing GCA

Hope your new GP is far better & has a true understanding of the condition.

So sorry you had to go through that experience.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[susieq051 in reply to Hidden]

I really don't know who or how to marginal complaint. This one of those things, because of my insurance I have to have a general practioner , so Wednesday morning I have to call to see if I can either leave this network and find another network so I get the help I need.

[Hidden in reply to susieq051]

You’re not in the UK presumably? Hope they can sort things for you, let us know how you get on.

Good Luck 🍀

[susieq051 in reply to Hidden]

I will let everyone know this evening how things are going I lived in the US so government insurance has its weird regulations, which all new to me in navigating. Thank you for the support, just having someone to talk to is worth it's weight in gold!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to susieq051]

Then at least tell the insurance company - because he is probably costing them a lot of money with that attitude to really sick people.

[susieq051 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes they get a call today. And I have to make a formal complaint to the network. Will let all of you know, what is happening.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to susieq051]

You can make a complaint against the doctor to your State Medical Board.

[susieq051 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I maybe doing that as well. I hopefully found a another GP. We shall see.

[susieq051 in reply to Hidden]

Thank through for support it means a lot to me and from all of those who have ever helped it doesn't matter where you live good support is always needed and wanted.