Never thought this would become an issue

[terie-tk]

I think I'm going to have to find a new PCP----
I've had this MD at least 20+ yrs. So he knows me well. This week I went in for a shoulder pain issue, that my Neuro referred me to him for. I was there only for that & he was the one who insisted on asking about my other issues.

Yes probably/maybe for record keeping he had to make a note or something...but as we got into things I have migraines,palpitations,GI issue,MS,& then the shoulder issue he announced to me "you have too many things to keep track off". Really in not a kidding manner --- he took me off guard as it was out of character for him & I just didn't respond to him.

So he started the exam --took my blood pressure & he asked if I had an idea why my blood pressure would have increased. I said I had started a new med which might increase blood pressure--and without letting me finish, he said, "let me guess-- Nuvigil" --while rolling his eyes --
So the rest just got worst --he quickly tugged on my extremely sore shoulder & said I just needed a cortisone shot & he would refer me to Orthopedic MD.

I don't know if I got him on an extremely bad day or what. Remember this is my MD of 20+ years.
I'm thinking of moving on to a new PCP , after this.
Any one else have to change PCP's with bad attitudes?

[sgrammied]

New PCP?

Your Dr. probably was just having a bad day.
And with having so many illnesses he did not know what your other Drs. treatment is.
My PCP of over 20 years is in contact with my Neuro, Cardiologist, Eye Specialist, and my Allergy DR. They all communicate with each other so not one is surprised by meds and treatment.
Ask your other Drs. to keep in touch with your PCP and you may see a difference.
Good Luck hope this works out. And always take a list of your Meds with you to all of your dr. appts.

[Sequoia]

If he's been your PCP for 20 years, there's a good chance he's experiencing burnout (not just with you, but with all his patients).

Whatever the cause, it sounds like switching to someone new who has the energy & motivation to deal with your complex issues would be a good idea.

I wish you well!

[GIGI69]

20 Years Is A Long Time

Before we moved to Houston I had a PCP I LOVED. I have Crohn's Disease and the neurological issues. He always had a wonderful bed side manner. One day he acted similar to your description. When we got home DH asked if I thought he was getting tired of treating me. I responded maybe. But, I decided to give him another chance. Apparently, it was just an off day because he returned to his typical demeanor. It doesn't excuse his behavior but maybe your doctor was just having a bad day. After 20 years you may want to make sure it is truly a change in attitude before switching. Again, not excusing his behavior, but he is human. We all have bad days.

[salamandertom]

I am sorry you have to deal with this, it is disappointing. I agree with the above poster, burnout with both your symptoms and being a practioner in general. Time for a new doc I think. HUGS.

[Jules A]

Before we moved to Houston I had a PCP I LOVED. I have Crohn's Disease and the neurological issues. He always had a wonderful bed side manner. One day he acted similar to your description. When we got home DH asked if I thought he was getting tired of treating me. I responded maybe. But, I decided to give him another chance. Apparently, it was just an off day because he returned to his typical demeanor. It doesn't excuse his behavior but maybe your doctor was just having a bad day. After 20 years you may want to make sure it is truly a change in attitude before switching. Again, not excusing his behavior, but he is human. We all have bad days.

I think this is excellent advice and I would also consider giving him another chance.

FWIW it would be negligent of him not to do a thorough health history on you especially in light of all the ailments you present with regardles of the chief complaint for this visit so that is a positive check in his column.

[mtnwillow]

I would not terminate a 20 year relationship based on what you described. Doctors are human too, maybe he had been awake all night, maybe he missed a meal, had a fight with his S/O. Of course if he is irritable on your subsequent visits look for a new PCP. I recently changed PCP after 20 years. My health care needs have changed, his wife was in the terminal stages of cancer. At the time I was undiagnosed and having multiple symptoms. Several times he was disinterested in my needs/concerns and I felt was not taking me seriously. It broke my heart to move-on but I am better satisfied with my new PCP.

[Shashi]

Doctors have their off days, just like we do. At my last appointment with my gyn/oncologist, he really was kind of short with me and when I asked him how he was doing, he said, "Not wonderful."

I'd just give him the benefit of the doubt and not take it personally, especially if you've always had a good working relationship with him. Finding a new doctor isn't the easiest thing in the world!

[isamadjul]

I feel you pain

I'm 32 and I can't remember ever having a different PCP but my mom says I did...ok...lol. Anyways I went to him a couple months ago after my MS DX to talk about weight loss and we started talking MS. He is NOT MY NEURO he is my PCP and he says to me at on point " You know MS can kill right Allyson?" and all I could do was stare at him. I know MS can't kill me. It can cause complications that can lead to my death ...maybe... But I just was taken so off guard I said Yes Dr. "fill in blank" and I changed the subject back to the reason I was their.

I am now sad that I have to look for another PCP. I loved my Dr. but I can't go to a Dr. that doesn't know anything about MS now. He know about MS of "old" if he can't read up on it a little bit then I can't go to him.

[sloth]

Doctors have their off days, just like we do. At my last appointment with my gyn/oncologist, he really was kind of short with me and when I asked him how he was doing, he said, "Not wonderful."

I'd just give him the benefit of the doubt and not take it personally, especially if you've always had a good working relationship with him. Finding a new doctor isn't the easiest thing in the world!

I am usually very very intolerant of docs treating me like dirt. I move on fast. That said...a doctor youve had 20 yrs and I assume liked previously...I take shashi's advice.

My fave doc internist immunologist (passed away recently) but Id been w/ him for over 20 yrs, in that time I saw him grumpy maybe 2 or 3 times, it was always a shock because he is not like that.

But as shashi said...I later found out he has good reason for a sour attitude and I actually felt compassion for him only because we had such a long run of a great relationship previous. Im glad I didnt dump him.

If next time he is still out of sorts then def' move on.

I know its hard and very disapointing even infuriating especially w/ co pays these days but maybe it was one time deal.

Good luck to you, I know doc hunting is awful hopefully it wont come to that.

I wish Id of asked like shashi did, that was very smart.

[tellnhelen]

Changed doctors that knew me well

When I left my Neuro after15 years I wanted to go back to thank him and say goodbye...never did...he would have charged me for that

costs too much to be nice

[pageturner]

sometimes...

I had a dr (OB/GYN) I really trusted. I'd been going there for years, and then I noticed things changing.... First a red sports car, then a turn over in office personnel, then ....well it went downhill. Bottom line, he was going through a divorce. It didn't matter at first, and I had enough faith in him, I thought it wouldn't change things too much, but then my appt was cancelled time after time for one reason or another, and then he went into plastic SX. Then came a series of letters explaining his services (botox, breast enlargement etc) along with details about his private life.

I switched and after going through a few new drs I finally found one I am comfortable with again.

SO....My advice to you is keep an eye open and be prepared to switch. I personally wouldn't leap yet, but I'd have feelers out for a new Dr. He may have just had a bad day or it may be a sign of what's to come.

As for the shoulder, request PT. I had a partially torn rotator cuff and PT'd it back into action.

Good luck.

[mjan]

Sorry you had to go through that treatment. And you are getting good advice here. BUT your post reminds me and many I am sure, to ask ourselves..what is the lesson I must learn from this?

Yes we can change docs..but still the issue is how we are being treated/perceived. WE must learn to address this in a respectful, if not kind manner.

How about saying to your PCP, the last time I was here, I was very uncomfortable, confused if not hurt ( you choose the right words) by how you spoke to me Dr...
Maybe you were having an off day, but I just needed to let you know how it affected me.

Or something along those lines..

LIFE=LESSONS..if we don't get the lesson...it tends to repeat itself~

Hugs, Jan

[cosake]

I agree - everyone has bad days. Give your PCP another chance.

And please ask for PT referral if you can get one !

[Lexie]

I have also had my pcp for over 20 years. He has always been a smart alec but he does not hesitate to send you to a specialist and I like that. I live in a small town and the other PCP treats his patients for years before he will refer them. So I prefer to be sent to someone who specializes in whatever I have. I have also found myself being more sensitive to peoples remarks since I have been dx with MS. I think it is me that is changing sometimes and not others. MS is such a complex disease and different for each individual so I do not expect my pcp to understand. Hang in there!