Re: 4th appt and VERY FRUSTRATED--please help (a little long)
From: Teresa (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 14 Sep 2001 23:29:38 -0500 (CDT)
Zowie, I think most of can sympathize with your frustration over
incompetent doctors. How many years have most of us bounced around
between doctors being made to believe that we are hypochondriacs? I can
think of a couple of occasions when I've left doctor offices in tears. I
wish I had some perfect solutions for you.
I did have one thought though. Is it possible for you to get involved
with a study? I don't know much about these things but I've seen info on
studies that need subjects. I am guessing you are on the East Coast.
There might be something near you. I could be way off on this one but
it could be an avenue for you. Anyone know anything about this?
Anyway, I know it sounds trite but try to stay positive. We are all
behind you and want to see you succeed! We're all in this together! Take
care, T
At Fri, 14 Sep 2001, Zowie wrote:
>
>Hello Ladies (and Gentlemen),
>I've returned from my 4th appt. with the "specialty clinic" at the
>Naval Medical Center at Portsmouth and am again frustrated by the
>outcome. Not surprisingly, but news to me, I recently learned that all
>of the Dr's (who are supposed to be "specialists") at this clinic are
>just trainees who are rotated out every 6 weeks. They're not actual
>Dr's--so to me, they're not "specialists" either. I've been slapped in
>the face with nearly every appt. I've had with the "Dr's" at this
>clinic and I've had enough. Please allow me to explain.
>
>I am repeatedly told by these Dr's these statements regarding
>PCOS---PCOS:
>1) Is NOT a disease or serious condition
>2) Does NOT cause weight gain or problems with weight loss
>3) Is caused by some self-inflicted act (as in overeating)
>4) Is NOT related to metabolic problems (including insulin)
>5) Has NO severe symptoms, and
>6) Has NO meds or treatments, of any kind, for any relief
>
>Obviously, as we all know, these statements are grossly untrue. Several
>Dr's have even said they REFUSE treatment because of various
>reasons---the most common being, because I am overweight and "must lose
>at least 100 lbs" before even considering infertility treatments or
>assistance.
>
>Again, today, I was told to consider the Gastric Bypass (stomach
>stapling) surgery to lose weight. Even after having to AGAIN explain
>that my daily caloric intake is well under 1500. I even asked how a
>surgery, that is more geared to those who have a problem with
>overeating, is going to help me to lose weight when--1) overeating is
>obvioulsy NOT my problem and 2) I question the health issues of eating
>LESS than my normal 1100-1300 calories a day---all to make a "broken"
>body lose weight when these efforts WITHOUT this drastic IRREVERSIBLE
>surgery have not worked.
>
>I at least left with a Rx for Ortho Cyclen, which I'm due to start
>taking at the end of the month. I was told to stop taking the Flutamide
>(anti-androgen) because my hair growth has not gotten worse.
>(DUH--thanks TO the Flutamide) and that I can start it again if it does.
>Frankly, I don't see why I should STOP taking a medication that is
>HELPING me---especially when the symptoms that this drug is for will
>only come BACK and possibly get WORSE if I stop taking it.
>
>I am constantly told contradictions--this Dr tells me to eat less, this
>Dr tells me to eat MORE. This Dr tells me to exercise X amount of time,
>while the other tells me to do what I can. No one is willing to
>understand PCOS and be willing to treat me!! I DO have symptoms from it,
>and it IS a serious condition. Why don't they believe me?? Yes, I've
>walked into these appts with all of my documentation, and it still
>doesn't help! I'm getting so very frustrated, agitated and UPSET that
>I'm starting to go nuts! I was, at least, able to speak with a Patient
>Contact Rep who said she would talk to the Seniors of the clinic and see
>if she could help me. Being military, I am very limited on options. I
>could see a "Civilian" Dr, but I'd have to pay a $300 deductible and 50%
>of the cost for each visit---where am I gonna get the money from? I'm
>unable to work because of my PCOS and my husband's military pay is a
>joke. Can anyone offer words of encouragement or suggestions that may
>help me?? I'm really about to go totally nuts and be admitted into a
>mental institution! These "Quacks" (as my DH refers to them) are doing
>me NO good whatsoever. They are all contributing to the worsening of my
>condition and I just don't know how much more of this BS I can take. :*(
>What can I do??? Thanks for any replies.
>Feeling very down--Zowie :*(
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