OMG worst doctor appointment ever

fluffypoodle · Post by **fluffypoodle** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:05 pm

I've been waiting to see my gi doct for weeks now. Even though Tex warned me that he isn't up to date on MC, but I went anyway. I've been really sick lately, in a flare and ate a very limited diet for about ten days. Things calmed down some until I ate a bite of a gluten free pastry, and that opened up the flood gates to watery D and lots of pain...

So I go in, pay my $40 copayment, wait for 1 hour and 45 minutes (not kidding), and this man walks in and informs me that he things that all my issues are a side effect to the plaquenil I am taking for an undiagnosed autoimmune something that I have. He stated that he will not change my meds from the asacol until I get off the plaquenil.

Then he left..... Sigh.... This is the same doc who did my colonoscopy, found MC but did not call me. I didnt learn of my diagnosis until 13 months later when i went to see him because i was still struggling.

I am going to make a pot of broth now so I can at least try to calm things down. Then I can research doctors in the Washington DC area.

Thanks for listening!

Post by **tex** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:22 pm

I'm sorry to hear that your appointment went so badly, especially when you were in extra need for some relief.

That kind of irrational behavior is inexcusable, and it just reinforces the impression that he doesn't know what he is doing. I'm not aware of any reason why plaquenil should interfere with his drug recommendation options for treating MC, nor is plaquenil generally contraindicated for someone who has MC.

He should have been wearing a mask, because he essentially robbed you of not only your money, but your time as well. IMO, that type of childish behavior amounts to borderline malpractice. Legitimate doctors don't rip off patients that way.

Tex

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 5:44 pm

So sorry to here it! I guess you just have to find another doctor. I hope you feel better soon. I know that when we are flaring, it's a good idea to stay away from processed food- just too many ingredients. I guess you learned that the hard way :(

Leah

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:04 pm

Hey fluffypoodle,
You can do (and deserve) so much better. Definitely research the docs in your area. My first appointment (in Salina, Ks), I had a 45 minute appointment and the doc had read my file before she came in. My PCP had put me on sulfasalazine and I took my self off because the side effects were horrible. Within 5 minutes of walking in my GI doc said "we don't even use that stuff (sulfa drugs). There's much better medications out there. I want to start you on a course of Entocort". I was pleased because I already knew it was the drug of choice. We spent the other 40 minutes going over my symptoms and what impacts them, how to reduce inflammation, what to avoid, plus she ordered blood and stool lab work. We traded phone numbers and I was encouraged to call. I started Entocort, they asked me to check in with them and report my progress and it's been that way ever since. When I call them with a question they always call me back the same day, usually within 2 hours. She has never 'poo pooed' my lab work from Enterolab or the MRT testing. She was very interested in our support group site here because from my progress it was obvious I was getting good advice.

There are good docs out there, though they are hard to flush out. I'll freely admit, I got lucky. I hope you find a doc as good as mine and that you are on the mend quickly.

Hang in there.
Carol

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:52 pm

RE: the amount of time you waited: If any doctor keeps me waiting for over 30-45 minutes, and it isn't the result of an unforeseen emergency, I leave. I go to the desk and politely tell the staff that my time is just as important as the doctor's, and if I can't be seen in a timely manner, then the doctor must be too tightly scheduled. I tell them that, in the future, I will only take the first appointment of the day, or the first appointment after the office returns from lunch, and I re-schedule.

In response to that little speech, I have had personal apologies from the offending docs (who were not my GI or PCP,) and, being careful with scheduling with those couple of docs, have not waited long since. They probably have a note in my file that I am an uppity bitch, LOL.

I live here in congested New England, and my docs are nearby, so I can pitch a hissy fit and leave, and it doesn't cost me lots of time/driving to go back later. Strategic appointment scheduling, if it's possible for you, can help.

I hope you find a GI doc like Carol's, and mine, who is informed and empathetic about MC.

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 4:56 am

I am so sorry to hear that you had such a disinterested and apparently, rude doctor. In my experience anything over 30 minutes, I deduct from the appointment fee and charge the doctor. My time is as important as his/her. Please do research new doctors in your area and I hope you find one that - as Tex would say - doesn't need to wear a mask.

Maggie

fluffypoodle · Post by **fluffypoodle** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 6:49 am

thanks, guys

feeling a little better this morning--emotionally, that is. I found a doc here in the area that was actually listed on the thread about good doctors here on this forum--so will call once they open.
also got in to see my rheum this afternoon. fingers crossed.

i have never had to wait as long for a doctor. never. and i wish it was easy for me to just get up and reschedule, but i knew it'd be weeks of waiting, and i have to re-arrange my work schedule again and such. what a hassle. but i do wonder if i can call the insurance company and complain and get at least some of my copay back somehow...

ant · Post by **ant** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 7:44 am

Dear Fullfypoodle,

Hope you find a better doc. Trouble with any sort of monopoly power is it goes to some peoples heads.

Best wishes, Ant

jgivens · Post by **jgivens** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:14 am

I have a friend who lives in Silver Springs, MD., is a nurse and has a husband who has had no end of intestinal problems (not related to MC, or any other IBD). She accompanies her husband to his Dr appts because he's had so many near-death experiences (not because of the docs). They like his gastroenterologist a great deal. She feels that he does a better history and physical than the internist. He is a good listener. That said, she has no experience with that doctor and MC. He is in Rockville, and since I don't know where you are in DC, this may be too far away from you. His name is Sanford Richman (301-4668-7788). I just realized that there are too many numbers in that phone no., but maybe you can track the correct phone no. down.

Good luck!!

fluffypoodle · Post by **fluffypoodle** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:30 am

thanks a lot, Jane! Silver Spring is just on the other side of DC from Virginia, so not too far. In fact, the doctor I am looking at (from the list on this forum) is in SS as well!

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:38 am

I wonder if you should file a complaint against the long-wait doctor. It does sound malpractice-y to me too. That could have been handled with a simple phone call.

Jazi · Post by **Jazi** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:59 am

I know the feeling of bad doctors. It was my second GI that finally did testing on me (barely a wait) and his staff was phenomenal. I don't think he knows much about the diet that goes with MC but he doesn't fool around, all business. Besides, that's what I have you guys for

I even had to fire my PMD for a new one. It's sad isn't it? Time wasted and money wasted.

And the fact that he didn't call you with your diagnoses?? Omg, I would be fuming!! I don't think I have ever had a doctor that did that (and I've had many).

I think it's time for a new GI.

Which physician put you on plaquenil? You don't know what autoimmune disease you have? Is that normal?

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:32 am

FluffyPoodle,
Where are you in VA? I'm in Arlington, and sadly, have not found a GI I'm willing to visit yet. The doc who diagnosed my LC, Tonya Adams, was extremely dissapointing, even REFUSED to test me for celiac disease. I really like my integrative medicine doc, Dr. Gary Kaplan, but it's an investement if you don't have generous insurance. I took my daughter to a highly-touted pediatric GI from Children's Hospital, and althotugh she was nice and spent time with us, she was ready to order a sigmoidoscopy and endoscopy as step 2!

There is an interesting-looking functional medicine practice in Alexandria which I've thought about, but now I spend my time with a rheumatologist and acupuncturist!

I'm also on plaquenil, started in December, and seem to be having no trouble tolerating it. I take 400 mgs/day, hoping to drop to 200 mgs at some point later this year. I'm also tapering prednisone, so I haven't had any MC symptoms in months, and I'm relieved that despite tapering to a very low dose (12.5 mgs), the MC is still under control.

If you really want to stick it to your pathetic doctor (he so deserves it), use the internet:

http://www.ratemds.com/

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:49 am

I may eventually see Dr. Aline Charabaty at Georgetown. She specializes in celiac, so one would hope she'd underatand MC and celiac-lite gluten intolerance.

fluffypoodle · Post by **fluffypoodle** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:23 pm

Jazi--a rheumatologist put me on plaquenil. i have a number of symptoms and a positive ANA, but do not have the specific markers for sjogren's or RA yet. i also do not have ALL of the lupus diagnostic criteria yet. i am told that it is common with AI things that one specific one doesn't differentiate itself for a while. for now, i am being treated for Undefferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder, which is likely lupus.

Zazzle--I'm in Arlington too! i am thinking of going to Dr Donman (I believe?)--he appeared on the list I found on this forum as one familiar with MC. he is in Silver Spring and his website is www.montgomerygastro.com

good luck with your search!!! all i know--stay away from the Digestive Disease Physicians (specifically Dr Alan Anscher) in Alexandria on Seminary Ave.