Difficult Doctors
@helpful_ideas (1620)
United States
August 8, 2007 1:09pm CST
I'm having problems getting doctors that will listen to me.
I am on public insurance and currently have a high risk pregnancy due to my heart conditions.
This is my 3rd pregnancy. My first one, was great, had wonderful doctors who listened and explained things to me.
Between my first and second pregnancy I developed a few more health problems including the heart conditions.
Because of financial problems and my heart conditions, during my second pregnancy, I was sent to a quasi-public OB clinic which was the only place in town that would accept my insurance and dealt with high risk patients. As far as I can tell it was the only place that dealt with high risk OB cases at all in Austin.
90% of the the people at this clinic simply didn't listen to what I had to say and it almost cost the lives of myself and my son.
Now I find myself facing the dreaded decision to return there.
How do you get doctors to understand that A) you aren't a looney bird and really DO understand your own body best and B) just listen to what you have to say instead of deciding what is wrong before hearing everything.
If I get told "It's because you are pregnant and that happens in all pregnancies" one more time, I'm going to go off on a doctor.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Romie06 (74)
• United States
9 Aug 07
Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Based on my experience, I find most doctors difficult to begin with which can be rather frustrating considering we don't particularly want to be there to begin with. This is something I've done and you might consider if you've not done so already. At home I make a list of my expectations, concerns, questions etc. As I wait for the doctor I pull it out and as he enters and greets me, as to get started, I simply take over with my PREPARED list. Placing him/her in this situation he is bound to reply to your concerns and give proper feedback instead of just saying "it's a pregnancy thing". Hope I've been helpfull. Best of luck.
1 person likes this
@helpful_ideas (1620)
• United States
10 Aug 07
Actually, I think I'm going to do that. Make a list with specific concerns with regards to specialists and tests and balancing medications.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 Aug 07
Unfortunately even when you have Medical from an Employer etc you will find Doctors that are like this. I have had the same problems many times since having Issues with being Diabetic, and it can be quite Frustrating. I often wonder why the Doctors have become so uncaring. I guess all we can ever hope from here, is a chance somehow somewhere. Wishing you the best my friend.
@helpful_ideas (1620)
• United States
10 Aug 07
In lower income, less educated portions of the population, where home remedies abound, the doctors have gotten used to dealing with people who are clueless about their own bodies.
When I had insurance, yes the doctors didn't listen as much, but they at least pretended. *sigh*
@nemesis1 (98)
• India
9 Aug 07
Hi there,
To be really frank, after reading your story, what conclusions I draw are:
You are going to a hospital where there are 90% complicated cases. this weans the doctors have all the tension in the world. you didn't tell exactly how complicated is your case? your case must be a much simpler than others, for which doctors are giving less time for you! and also you didn't mention about the adequacy of doctors in that hospital? less doctors, more work, and unsatisfied patients- you can't blame doctors!
bye!
@helpful_ideas (1620)
• United States
10 Aug 07
It is a specialty clinic designed FOR people who have complications. The whole reason for its existence. There are plenty of doctors, a different one almost every time I went in.
My case is anything but simple, most doctors haven't even heard of the two primary diseases I have AND they misdiagnosed me almost costing me my life TWICE because they simply didn't listen.
Stop trolling and trying to shift blame. I came here for advice not condemnation from someone who doesn't believe the facts as presented.
@mystic_0318 (937)
• United States
8 Aug 07
I was lucky to have one of the best Dr around when it came to my pregnancies.. I was oh publis health Insruance...But i did see this other Dr when my Dr was out and I thought she was the rudest person ever...I would of never used her as my Dr or even recomend her to any one... If I was you I would just keep trying to talk to your Dr about your health problems or ask if there is any other Dr there that you can see and talk too....Best of luck!!!
@helpful_ideas (1620)
• United States
10 Aug 07
It has only since I became a high risk patient and been forced to this particular clinic that I've had this problem. Right now I am searching desperately for ANY alternatives to going back there.
