Lost my favorite doctor, at least for now

[hoosier1]

Taking a moment to vent this dreary midwest morning. By the way, how has everyone been doing? Everyone survive the winter from hell :)? We still have a few ugly, dirty snow piles surviving in Indiana, but they should be completely taken out this week.

So how did I lose my favorite doc? As is my schedule (and my life), I was able to get in on a last minute cancellation, else I would need to wait two months (ridiculous). Anyways, it is time for my colonoscopy (I feel I need it too - evolving symptoms) so I wanted to see my doc and then get that procedure scheduled. Well when I arrived, I presented my insurance card as usual, and the receptionist told me they no longer accept that insurance. I am not on Obamacare either. My wife works for one of the local large hospitals and I am covered under her plan. Apparently my doctor sold (I say sold out - because they all are) to the other large hospital chain that is no longer in my network.

So the one doctor, who I have found over the years to show any level of compassion and empathy for me, is now out of my network. The receptionist asked if I still wanted to keep my appt. I told her no, as it would seem futile to continue with him with no insurance coverage. I can only imagine what the out of pocket costs would be for a colonoscopy. I just had a kidney stone and saw the costs for that ER visit. Holy $hi%!

So I learned of a recovery plan (the Lord works in mysterious ways) that will cost me some extra money, but I think it is worth it. My little company was recently acquired by a larger company, and that company brought medical benefits to my team. So Monday just happens to be open enrollment and I am signing up. It is Blue Cross/Blue Shield so it should pick up my old doctor again as "in network". Going to add my wife to the plan as well, like the old days when I carried dual coverage on both of us (we haven't been the healthiest people).

I'm done venting (whining)... I felt like all those people losing their preferred doctors under our illustrious "National Healthcare System". I know quite a few people like this. It was actually quite embarrassing the way the receptionist reacted toward me, a loyal patient/customer for over 30 years. And everyone in the waiting room seemed very interested in my plight (a little nosy), probably because they will soon be in the predicament.

I have been struggling a bit lately with my LC. Bowel movements more frequent, mushy, hard to pass (somewhat my norm). Diet compliance has been the same - doing my best to avoid the triggers but I know triggers are sneaked into my meals as I travel. And as I grow older and live with this aliment, I find my mornings to be worse and worse. Time zone changes are the absolute toughest thing for me anymore, so early morning flights are pretty much the worst thing for my internal clock, my GI, and my issues. And I have a very early morning flight on Monday. I am contemplating skipping out on that project but I have a particular client who is very particular about my attendance. Which I was I am bringing my two associates to leave them on scene for the week (it's a large mansion fire), and then fly home that evening by myself. I wish I could tell my clients about me, as I have my associates. But even my associates don't really understand my issues, not like all of you do. Just don't want to go that route with my clients, at least not yet. But I do sense that those conversation are imminent.

Looking forward to hearing from all the "old timers" on the board, and all the newbies as well.

[tex]

Hi Rich,

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms are on the increase. Frankly, I'm amazed that you're able to handle all those early morning flights so well. That's the worst possible timing for someone who has MC.

That's really a bummer that you've lost your doctor. That's part of the dark side of the Health Care Reform Act that all of its proponents have been attempting to sweep under the rug, ever since it was originally proposed. I'm afraid that your situation will be duplicated many millions of times across the country as all the little unpleasant parts of the bill begin to take effect.

I'm certainly not arguing that the few benefits that it has accomplished are not worthwhile — those benefits are indeed quite precious to those who qualify, because those individuals did indeed need insurance. But unfortunately, because of the way that the law is written, those gains have come at the expense of almost everyone else who previously had health insurance.

I hear you, because it appears that I too, either have to locate a new doctor, or do without, because of changes brought about by the law. I'm giving some serious thought to just doing without, because there's little benefit in paying a doctor to check my cholesterol level twice a year. What's the point? After all, virtually any serious health issue requires a trip to the ER, anyway, and all the trivial issues I can either live with, or handle myself. I certainly am not anti-doctor — they provide a valuable service, at least they have done so in the past. But I'm afraid that the handwriting is on the wall.

The insurance companies have already usurped the ability of doctors to decide upon appropriate treatment programs, and Big Pharma tells them which drugs to prescribe. Sadly, the role of physicians is slowly but surely becoming redundant, much like landline phone service. Unless they can figure out a way to turn things around, I can foresee the day when an iPhone or Android ap will replace our doctors. It's a sad scenario, but it appears to be inevitable, the way that things are going. And the recent changes in the law, have only added further limitations to the role of physicians in the overall health care plan of this country, and most unfortunately, the changes have further limited physicians' ability to determine their own destiny in our society.

I'm old enough to remember when "going to the doctor" actually meant going to the doctor. Those were the good old days, when doctors were in full control of their practice and their destiny, and health care was actually affordable. We didn't need insurance, and medications were relatively inexpensive. Damn, I miss those days.

Tex

[Heady]

Apparently being an Albertan does have its benefits " health care" yaaaaaahhhh. I don't mind suffering thru our cold winters in exchange! LOL. PS I remember when doctors made house calls!!!

[nerdhume]

My friend couldn't afford the huge increase in her insurance so signed up for Obamacare. They assigned her a PCP in Lubbock, the other side of this huge state from East Texas where we live. I guess now she will have to drive about 400 miles every time she needs a Dr.
It's 58 here today, had to turn the heat back on, had AC on yesterday. Will this winter NEVER end?
I am just starting on my journey with MC and I am already tired of other people not understanding. Suggesting Zantac, etc...one lady said I should just drink lots of milk :-(

[Polly]

Hi Rich!

Good to see you here again!!! (but sorry to hear about your worsening problems). Glad that you will be able to go back to your old doc.

It sounds like your job is really taking a toll on your ability to manage your MC. I know this has always been a problem for you. Am I imagining it or did you say in an old post that you had been seriously thinking about making a job change? I don't know how you do it - eating out/on the run is such a hazard for MCers.

Have you tried antihistamines? I don't know if you saw any of our discussions here on that topic, but quite a few find them very helpful for MC - the OTC ones like Claritin or Zantac (or Benadryl at nighttime) are fine.

Will keep fingers crossed that your MC calms down soon.

Love,

Polly, old-timer!

[Gabes-Apg]

Hey Rich!

Great to hear from you, but sorry that there has been that amount of unsettlement doctor wise.

I recently moved states, and it has taken me 2 months and weekly follow up to get records transferred. (Although our medical system is federally funded, the function/ admin is state based... )

Setting up with new dentist, pharmacist etc is also a bit of a challenge, especially when the previous ones had great systems to flag /alert for any of my intolerances.

I am pretty sure that the new pharmacy thinks I am a psycho pedantic witch. Despite me stating clearly what brand of meds I wanted, they provided different, that means we have to review all the technical sheets to check the inactive ingredients.
I wasn't willing to pay for them until I knew, as the only person who can verify is the pharmacist.

I hope the colonoscopy gives you some answers and a way to minimise symptoms.

The awesome thing to come from my move was finding a fantastic nutritionist/naturopath
On Friday, we collaborated for over 2 hours to look at what we can modify supplement wise to try and reduce the C, get complete emptying, minimise inflammation / histamine
I am still researching gabe safe options, and once we have the results of the MTHFR gene and Pyrrole gene test, we will set up the plan going forward.

It is soooo good when you get a practitioner that 'gets it', she was very interested in what us MC'ers have learnt through our journeys, and is keen to apply some of those learnings to other clients ( a few have children with autism )
Additionally she is charging me concession rates as I am not working. The apt was $40 out of pocket cost to me.

[hoosier1]

Hi Rich!

Good to see you here again!!! (but sorry to hear about your worsening problems). Glad that you will be able to go back to your old doc.

It sounds like your job is really taking a toll on your ability to manage your MC. I know this has always been a problem for you. Am I imagining it or did you say in an old post that you had been seriously thinking about making a job change? I don't know how you do it - eating out/on the run is such a hazard for MCers.

Have you tried antihistamines? I don't know if you saw any of our discussions here on that topic, but quite a few find them very helpful for MC - the OTC ones like Claritin or Zantac (or Benadryl at nighttime) are fine.

Will keep fingers crossed that your MC calms down soon.

Love,

Polly, old-timer!

Hi Polly!

You have a good memory. My job is clearly taking its toll on me. I admit it. Obviously, I am not eating correctly as I travel. I even tend to fast so that I can fly more comfortably, and that means limiting my fluid intake, which I think caused the kidney stones. I have been reflecting on that a lot lately. I have even explored other avenues but then I think the stress of starting a new job may actually be worse than the devil I already know. I do like my job (and I know many who don't). The lack of a routine with it is what hurts me. It seems I can never allow myself to even be sick. I am also a little scared about finding a new job that may set me back in compensation because I find my medical bills can still be quite expensive. And it is still a challenging job market. And finally, I am trying to sock away money so that I can slow down sooner, than later. This may not be the best plan, I know.

I did try Claritin a while back and I can't say I stayed on it long enough to evaluate a difference. Benadryl sounds like a good idea. It will also help me to sleep. So I will start that tonight.

I really feel like my colon is closing up on itself when I go to the bathroom. I have been told I have perineal descent (3cm on rest and 5cm on strain), and that could be causing what appear to be obstructive symptoms. I guess a lot of women get conditions like this, but when a man gets it, no one knows what to do or even believes me when I tell them my symptoms. So so frustrating. Any ideas for me, Polly?

[hoosier1]

Hey Rich!

Great to hear from you, but sorry that there has been that amount of unsettlement doctor wise.

I recently moved states, and it has taken me 2 months and weekly follow up to get records transferred. (Although our medical system is federally funded, the function/ admin is state based... )

Setting up with new dentist, pharmacist etc is also a bit of a challenge, especially when the previous ones had great systems to flag /alert for any of my intolerances.

I am pretty sure that the new pharmacy thinks I am a psycho pedantic witch. Despite me stating clearly what brand of meds I wanted, they provided different, that means we have to review all the technical sheets to check the inactive ingredients.
I wasn't willing to pay for them until I knew, as the only person who can verify is the pharmacist.

I hope the colonoscopy gives you some answers and a way to minimise symptoms.

The awesome thing to come from my move was finding a fantastic nutritionist/naturopath
On Friday, we collaborated for over 2 hours to look at what we can modify supplement wise to try and reduce the C, get complete emptying, minimise inflammation / histamine
I am still researching gabe safe options, and once we have the results of the MTHFR gene and Pyrrole gene test, we will set up the plan going forward.

It is soooo good when you get a practitioner that 'gets it', she was very interested in what us MC'ers have learnt through our journeys, and is keen to apply some of those learnings to other clients ( a few have children with autism )
Additionally she is charging me concession rates as I am not working. The apt was $40 out of pocket cost to me.

Hi Gabes!

It sounds like your move is serving you well. I am so happy for you. I am living somewhat vicariously through you. I just haven't yet figured out how to make the life altering changes that you have. But I feel like my body is doing it for me this year. I think my doctors all think I am a psycho too. And I am a little. But I also dare them to step inside my skin for a moment to see why I behave the way I do.

Your nutritionist sounds like a good person. Someone like that would be great for me. My wife keeps telling me about a Dr. Gladd locally that treats patients holistically, and has great results. Another wake up call tonight. I am going to make an appt with him!!!

But I am glad you are closer to your family again because that is so important when you are trying to heal yourself. You deserve that.

FYI, my wife and I just rescued an 11 year old German Shepherd who lived isolated in a garage his whole life and chewed on rocks. All his teeth are broken and he is 40 lbs underweight but in the 3 weeks we have had him, he has gained 6 lbs, we cured his kidney infection, and we are loving him up like no one's business. He is a cool dude. What life is about.

[hoosier1]

Hey Rich!

Great to hear from you, but sorry that there has been that amount of unsettlement doctor wise.

I recently moved states, and it has taken me 2 months and weekly follow up to get records transferred. (Although our medical system is federally funded, the function/ admin is state based... )

Setting up with new dentist, pharmacist etc is also a bit of a challenge, especially when the previous ones had great systems to flag /alert for any of my intolerances.

I am pretty sure that the new pharmacy thinks I am a psycho pedantic witch. Despite me stating clearly what brand of meds I wanted, they provided different, that means we have to review all the technical sheets to check the inactive ingredients.
I wasn't willing to pay for them until I knew, as the only person who can verify is the pharmacist.

I hope the colonoscopy gives you some answers and a way to minimise symptoms.

The awesome thing to come from my move was finding a fantastic nutritionist/naturopath
On Friday, we collaborated for over 2 hours to look at what we can modify supplement wise to try and reduce the C, get complete emptying, minimise inflammation / histamine
I am still researching gabe safe options, and once we have the results of the MTHFR gene and Pyrrole gene test, we will set up the plan going forward.

It is soooo good when you get a practitioner that 'gets it', she was very interested in what us MC'ers have learnt through our journeys, and is keen to apply some of those learnings to other clients ( a few have children with autism )
Additionally she is charging me concession rates as I am not working. The apt was $40 out of pocket cost to me.

See my response several posts below... not sure what happened.

[hoosier1]

Hi Rich,

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms are on the increase. Frankly, I'm amazed that you're able to handle all those early morning flights so well. That's the worst possible timing for someone who has MC.

That's really a bummer that you've lost your doctor. That's part of the dark side of the Health Care Reform Act that all of its proponents have been attempting to sweep under the rug, ever since it was originally proposed. I'm afraid that your situation will be duplicated many millions of times across the country as all the little unpleasant parts of the bill begin to take effect.

I'm certainly not arguing that the few benefits that it has accomplished are not worthwhile — those benefits are indeed quite precious to those who qualify, because those individuals did indeed need insurance. But unfortunately, because of the way that the law is written, those gains have come at the expense of almost everyone else who previously had health insurance.

I hear you, because it appears that I too, either have to locate a new doctor, or do without, because of changes brought about by the law. I'm giving some serious thought to just doing without, because there's little benefit in paying a doctor to check my cholesterol level twice a year. What's the point? After all, virtually any serious health issue requires a trip to the ER, anyway, and all the trivial issues I can either live with, or handle myself. I certainly am not anti-doctor — they provide a valuable service, at least they have done so in the past. But I'm afraid that the handwriting is on the wall.

The insurance companies have already usurped the ability of doctors to decide upon appropriate treatment programs, and Big Pharma tells them which drugs to prescribe. Sadly, the role of physicians is slowly but surely becoming redundant, much like landline phone service. Unless they can figure out a way to turn things around, I can foresee the day when an iPhone or Android ap will replace our doctors. It's a sad scenario, but it appears to be inevitable, the way that things are going. And the recent changes in the law, have only added further limitations to the role of physicians in the overall health care plan of this country, and most unfortunately, the changes have further limited physicians' ability to determine their own destiny in our society.

I'm old enough to remember when "going to the doctor" actually meant going to the doctor. Those were the good old days, when doctors were in full control of their practice and their destiny, and health care was actually affordable. We didn't need insurance, and medications were relatively inexpensive. Damn, I miss those days.

Tex

I miss those days too, Tex! My family doctor (an internist) has still not "sold out". But he really doesn't help me too much. Funny story is that he told me he doesn't need some big hospital chain to tell him how to run his practice. And he is right. With my new doctors, they keep dishing me off to nurses!!! I mean no offense to any nurses on this forum, but I am paying to see a Dr. with an MD degree, not a nurse. I also feel more qualified in medicine than the nurses I have been seeing. Perhaps that's the engineer in me... always trying to solve a problem using the scientific method. Frustrating. I will wait for the iPhone dr. App. At least I will be able to "get in" to see that doc whenever I want to.

[hoosier1]

My friend couldn't afford the huge increase in her insurance so signed up for Obamacare. They assigned her a PCP in Lubbock, the other side of this huge state from East Texas where we live. I guess now she will have to drive about 400 miles every time she needs a Dr.
It's 58 here today, had to turn the heat back on, had AC on yesterday. Will this winter NEVER end?
I am just starting on my journey with MC and I am already tired of other people not understanding. Suggesting Zantac, etc...one lady said I should just drink lots of milk :-(

400 mile drive to see a doctor. We are doomed as a nation. Good luck with your MC! This is the right group from whom to get guidance.

[hoosier1]

Apparently being an Albertan does have its benefits " health care" yaaaaaahhhh. I don't mind suffering thru our cold winters in exchange! LOL. PS I remember when doctors made house calls!!!

I hear ya! I was in Calgary in February, and OMG it was so cold the instrument panel on my rental car froze over. I also recall a friend of mine from Toronto who travelled to Houston to pay for cancer treatment at MD Anderson out of pocket because he couldn't get the treatment in Canada - or in the timeframe he needed. So I guess nothing is perfect.

[Kari]

Hi Rich,

Good to see a post from you, but sorry you're still dealing with "issues". However, I don't believe I'll ever have an easy time with my "gut", no matter how hard I try, so I'm going for "movement towards better health" :).

I had my 5 year colonoscopy a few months ago, and my diagnosis was "no more markers for LC" - yeah!!! However, through Tex's suggestion, I asked for them to do the mast cells tryptase stain for Mastocytic Enterocolitis, and as suspected, that's my new diagnosis . Anyhow, I mention it since you have an upcoming colonoscopy. It seems that this is not a common test, as very little is known about ME (yes, even less than about LC and CC), so if you think it's a test that makes sense for you, make sure to ask for it.

Regarding your job, FWIW I agree that at this point in time sticking with something you know and are comfortable with seems to be the better choice. I wish you all the best and hope you manage to get your doc back!!!

Love,
Kari

P.S. I'm still waiting to meet you if, and when, you travel to my neck of the woods :).

[hoosier1]

Hi Rich,

Good to see a post from you, but sorry you're still dealing with "issues". However, I don't believe I'll ever have an easy time with my "gut", no matter how hard I try, so I'm going for "movement towards better health" :).

I had my 5 year colonoscopy a few months ago, and my diagnosis was "no more markers for LC" - yeah!!! However, through Tex's suggestion, I asked for them to do the mast cells tryptase stain for Mastocytic Enterocolitis, and as suspected, that's my new diagnosis . Anyhow, I mention it since you have an upcoming colonoscopy. It seems that this is not a common test, as very little is known about ME (yes, even less than about LC and CC), so if you think it's a test that makes sense for you, make sure to ask for it.

Regarding your job, FWIW I agree that at this point in time sticking with something you know and are comfortable with seems to be the better choice. I wish you all the best and hope you manage to get your doc back!!!

Love,
Kari

P.S. I'm still waiting to meet you if, and when, you travel to my neck of the woods :).

Hi Kari

So good to hear from you too! Colorado right? Will let you know when I am planning to be in town for sure. Ashamedly, I forgot about you living there. I apologize for this. I like the "movement toward better health" philosophy. That is a realistic phrase. Good advice on testing for ME during my colonoscopy too. I hope my small towns docs can spell that :) Now I need to go Google that to see what ME entails. So you must still be having problems too, I gather? Regarding work, and life, I just try to get through each day anymore. I appreciate your input on this topic. I used to be a planner - and some may say that I still am (only to the extent that my responsibilitirs make me do so) - but I really don't look too far down the road anymore. It exhausts me to do so and I'm not sure I will like what I find at the end of the road. Heart disease runs in my family and my father died at 54. I am just 6 years away from that age now. Goes through my mind more and more.. Looking you up when next in town. Great to hear from you, and all of you.

[Gabes-Apg]

I hope sometime in the near future you can give yourself mega nurturing, like you did for the puppy......

I will definitely share the learnings from the journey the new practitioner is helping with.

Definitely ask for the staining of pathology (for mast cells) for samples taken during the colonoscopy. (Might as well get your money's worth for the prep and outlay!!!! )
my last GI scoffed when I asked for it, they did, the report came back showing mast cells and she ignored/disregarded as being of relevance to digestion issues.

An easy quick read you might be interested in - The reality slap! dr Russ Harris..

Yes, moving and being near family has its benefits. We have never been a close family, so it is "interesting" re-establishing the relationships. Additionally the change in dynamics for everyone with mum moving back and her slight dependence on the family. Change, peace with what is, finding the joy in what is, socialisation, etc is hard for an 83 year old

Albeit, I have managed to get my mum off gluten and also off the PPI, nexium, that she had been taking for over 6 years.
No heartburn since giving up the gluten!!! She is also reducing her dairy/lactose intake.