New doctor

[harleymc]

Today was a first consultation with my new general practitioner (GP).

I a very good HIV specialist that I see through a hospital out-clinic, but in Australia we need a GP for certain types of referrals to specialists ad other health services. My last GP was a nightmare to communicate with, there were so many stuff-ups over the last few years.

So I found a new Dr via a recommendation of another long term-survivor and it looks like I've hit absolute gold. The GP is also an experienced HIV doctor. I wasn't expecting any doctoring  first visit, just establishing contact... but 45 minutes later I emerged with referrals to some imageing tests for some chronic pain, and ... a big hug!

I certainly hadn't expected that.

[wolfter]

A doctor/patient relationship is an absolutely necessary, so congrats on finding one that meets your expectations.

Wolfie

[mitch777]

I love my HIV doc but never got more that a handshake.
So glad to hear when people find the right doc.
Congrats!!

[Theyer]

Today was a first consultation with my new general practitioner (GP).

I a very good HIV specialist that I see through a hospital out-clinic, but in Australia we need a GP for certain types of referrals to specialists ad other health services. My last GP was a nightmare to communicate with, there were so many stuff-ups over the last few years.

So I found a new Dr via a recommendation of another long term-survivor and it looks like I've hit absolute gold. The GP is also an experienced HIV doctor. I wasn't expecting any doctoring  first visit, just establishing contact... but 45 minutes later I emerged with referrals to some imageing tests for some chronic pain, and ... a big hug!

I certainly hadn't expected that.

Nor did I when I started reading your thread , nice one.

All the best
Michael

[harleymc]

Following on from the new Dr, I'm seeing a new physiotherapist for my shoulder pain. I have the second visit 9.00 am tomorrow, I've been a good boy and done my homework but I think this'll take a lot of time to work through as I've had this pain for about 5 years.

But it is very nice to have an action plan and some hope that things will get better.

[darryaz]

That's great. 

I see my new doc for the first time at 2:00 this afternoon.  Since I go to a medical-school affiliated clinic I change doctors every 1-2 years.  Today I have to/get to start "breaking in" a newbie.

I'm not expecting any hugs either.

[wolfter]

Hope this brings you some much needed relief.  5 years is a long time to suffer if it's controllable.

Best wishes,

Wolfie

[harleymc]

LOL Darry I'm certain you'll be a firm but fair trainer.

[Mishma]

I'm envious of you finding a doc that will address your chronic pain issues. I'm in excruciating pain as type as my doc is of the misinformed opinion that I just need to buck up.

Because there is only ONE HIV doc in the VA where I'm located I'm stuck with this prick. Attempts to go outside the system is met with stiff resistancefor a variety of reasons, and I'd be shopping for 8 different docs.

I understand it is frustrating for practitioners but my Dad, who fought AML for 6 years before succumbing was never in as much pain as I've been in-for as long as I've been, yet because it was cancer he was well medicated. When will these AHs catch on?

[harleymc]

Mishma,
Hope you get  some relief on your pain.

My shoulder 'injury' has turned out to be 3 distinct issues. I've been referred to an excellent physiotherapist and thing have neen progressing well.

Big Hugs

[Mishma]

Glad to hear.

I'm progressing too at times and at other's regressing. Like running a marathon for 30 years straight and we've all been in the same race. Hopefully they'll be at least a functional cure before we hit the finish line.

I think the plethora of issues we faced is a daunting task for physicians and patients alike. It doesn't help that the folks post HAART haven't lived long enough in general to have gone through what we have been through and we have that rosy response," HIV positives will live a normal life span, etc, etc," without addressing the  quality of life issues I've seen on this forum. Now we have ID docs practicing in essence Geriatric Medicine, something for which they haven't been trained for.

And we're in a sense training them for their future patients.

Hugs to you and to all.

[harleymc]

Hugs Mishma,

I think it's like in "Through the Looking Glass", we have to keep running faster and faster just to keep our place.