Re: Tips on Docs

On Feb 16, 6:49 pm, trisha <fridaybe...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Lori:

Don't tell the new doc about the old one you don't want them to know
about. It's that simple. My hubby switched doctors a few months ago
and the new doc doesn't even know the old doc's name. They never
asked and we never offered. It was, for us, merely a matter of
location...the new one is less than 5 minutes from his work so he can
go to the office right after work instead of taking time off work to
go for his diabetes checks and such.

You also have the right through HIPAA to write a statement of your own
and have it attached to your records if you don't agree with something
a doc says, though some people feel it is akin to peeing into the
wind.

Basically, though, I'd just not offer this doc's name. They don't
have the right to demand that you tell them about every doc you've
seen. Also, once you have a different doc, you don't have to include
that doc in the application process for SSDI. Only use the docs who
will do you good.

I take a med list with me to my doc's appointments. Every one. When
I see a new doc, I make a copy of the list and attach it to the
initial paperwork. It lists the drugs I've tried and the side effects
or paradoxical reactions I experienced with the ones that didn't
work.
I also keep a pain blog and write in it regularly, especially when we
try a new drug, so that the memory isn't just in my head but in print
as well. It makes it a lot easier for the doc, even if it makes it
harder - if that makes any sense. It shows them we've tried the
antiseizures and TCAs and SSRIs and SNRIs and the other pain meds I
tried and explains why I can't take this or that or the other (mostly
gastric-bypass-related absorption issues). I keep the list updated
with what I take, the dosages, and the times.
I keep a weekly planner, just a simple one, by the computer where the
pill timer is. When I take a pill, I write the time I took it, what
dose I took, and what my pain level was at the time. If I need
supplemental meds or get a migraine, I write that down as well. If
something out of the ordinary happens or I have a specific kind of
pain in a specific location that is out of the norm, I write that,
too. This way when I have an appointment I have a record of the
things that happened and I can explain it a lot better than if I was
just relying on my own faulty memory.

Don't let the fear eat you up. That's what they want you to do...give
up and let it go away. If you keep on keeping on you're gonna get
somewhere sooner or later. Do you get disability? I do, but I wasn't
granted it based on my pain. Instead, my psychiatrist took the
listing I handed him from the SSA guidelines for granting disability
based on depression and proceeded to write a letter explaining how I
fit within those guidelines. The judge had to grant it because I fit
the guidelines and it was in black and white. I didn't know it was
that simple. I know if you say so in public people will pooh-pooh you
but if you can prove you're nuts you can get it faster than just about
any other way except with a terminal diagnosis, and even some of those
are a crapshoot.

I hope the new doc works out. Our docs here don't do CP either. I go
to a pain management doc for the pain part, a PCP for the regular
stuff, and a shrink for the other issues. I just had to do it that
way if I was going to get anywhere, and that's part of where I choose
to live. I wouldn't trade easy access to docs for where we live
anyhow...I love the peace and quiet and being away from the city. I
frankly wouldn't care if I never had to go to the city again for the
rest of my life.

Trisha in MO

************************
Hi (((Trisha in MO)))!
Glad u spotted my post & answered!

I don't know how I can get out of telling one of 3 docs about latest
one because unfortunately he (& 1other I think) wants my med. records
faxed...& they require referral & I don't think I can get a new doc in
time for the new specialists I'm scheduled to see. Anyway, I did have
her send to 1 & she knows him (Dr. Scott Pollock on the CoCure list) &
said "I doubt he'll prescribe narcotics 4 u." It may have been in
relation to the neuropathy or rsd or fms?? Every time asked about no
matter how I told her I am Functional on them & not w/0, she's on the
"it's proven they don't work for cp"! My husb. asked her which study,
hehe!! Seriously, I think part of my prob. has been one of too
honest!

I have written my own notes & had them put in my record. I do a lot
of the same stuff u do, it's important to take a list to the appt.,
keep track of changes & new meds or treatments & I have a med. history
I carry in my bag of what I've tried & response to. Great things to
do! I also sometimes take in copies of online stuff or books but *I
Always hilite & keep it short as possible...don't wanna give them
reams of stuff they won't read.
I also am like you in that I don't want to live in a big city
again...being 2hrs away is ok & I love where we live except for the
horrid med. care.
I'll talk to you more about this in a bit. Timeshare calls...my
husb.needs puter!! :D
Kindly,
LoriB.o.B.
**************
.

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