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Author Topic: being your own best advocate  (Read 2264 times)

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Offline wolfter

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being your own best advocate
« on: November 26, 2012, 06:41:31 pm »
I started a new thread even though it deals with a couple of other posts I've started.  I constantly preach about the necessity of dealing with doctors as if they work for you.  I was reminding myself of this when I became irritated about not following my own directives.

I've been leaving message after message for my surgeon for a week without a call back.  This morning, I started calling every number associated with his facility.  One lady got nasty and asked why I was bothering her as she wasn't even on the same floor.  I indicated I didn't care what floor she was on and just wanted a consult with my doctor.

Finally his receptionist calls me back and my doctor wanted to see me immediately.  The lack of care has been ridiculous at best and I am getting frustrated, almost bordering on depressed.  I feel like my leg is getting worse instead of better.

Of course they ordered more x-rays and I waited for the consult.  The doctor starts out by telling me that my bones are becoming "washy".  Really, is that a technical term?  I indicated that I didn't learn that term in nursing school and asked for an explanation.  He then says my bones are shrinking because of non use.

He then asked a couple of questions that really upset me.  He asked me if I was taking the calcium supplements and how my physical therapy was going.  That's when I really let it spew forth.  I guess I should have known, but he never indicated to take supplements.  He also did not schedule me for therapy although he says he "thought" he did. 

I proceeded to explain that I have been less than happy about the entire communication thing.  I reminded him that I realize that he has 100's of patients to take care of, but I'm only worried about one of them.  I then indicated I wanted an entire copy of my entire medical records including the x-rays in case I felt the need for another opinion.

Instead of getting angry, he seemed intent on interacting with me and answering my questions without that sense of urgency.

I hope this serves as a reminder to others that we don't have to accept less than adequate care and need to speak up and be assertive.

Now I get to actually start therapy this week that the doctor was already under the assumption I was doing.

Wolfie

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline leatherman

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Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2012, 10:21:11 pm »
when something isn't going the way you want it to, rather than sitting around whining and crying about it, you have to get up and do something to make it change.

Good for you on getting up on your bad leg and doing something to make your recovery change and get better. Good luck with the PT and enjoy the supplements. :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline wolfter

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Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2012, 10:42:40 pm »
800 mg of calcium citrate daily.  And since I was at the pharmacy anyways, I bought my 1st ever multi vitamin.  My doctor suggested that a while back because of my never ending low electrolyte numbers.  I just couldn't get past that taking a vitamin thing every day for the rest of my life. :o
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline tednlou2

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Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2012, 12:02:31 am »
Wolfie,

Sorry to hear about the problems with your doc.  Indeed, we all have to be our own best advocates.  "Washy?"  Never heard that term, and wouldn't have had a clue what that meant.

   

Offline mitch777

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Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2012, 08:03:45 am »
geez wolfie,

i can relate to your frustration. only wish i had the balls to deal with my doc that way at times.
hope the calcium speeds your recovery!!
hate when doctors drop the ball. >:(
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline leatherman

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Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2012, 09:55:54 am »
I just couldn't get past that taking a vitamin thing every day for the rest of my life. :o
oh noes! LOL
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline wolfter

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,470
Re: being your own best advocate
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2012, 01:17:48 pm »
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

 


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