Quote:
Originally Posted by imark3000
Recently I had following conversation with my new neuro doctor which went like this after she made the objective medical examination:
Doctor: You have an advanced PD and you are exessively undermedicated.
me : But Doctor I am feeling really good apart from the action tremor which is uncomfortable to some degree. I have a life style suitable to my personality and I am having a good time.
Doctor: You are slow but you seem not to notice it.
me: Doctor, I know that I have a serious disease and I have adapted to it.
Doctor: You are denying your self a good quality of life.
me: but Doctor, I am really scared of L-dopa medication. Can you tell me what length of time it will work and possible side effects?
Doctor: No ..Nobody can tell but we will deal with it when it arises.
me: You mean more drugs.
Doctor: I don't know why you waited 6 months just to see me if you don't accept my medication. I am an expert in PD. (if this is your attidude) you should stick to your family doctor.
(me thinking I have no choice ! There are no option of having another doctor's opinion ..The Canadian health system in Calgary do not provide this 'luxury' and I waited 6 months for the appointment and was scared to loose the system support): ok doctor I have to go along.
The doctor put me on sinemet gradually increasing the dose to 9 of 100/25 a day.
By the way the doctor never smiled during the encounter and left us without saying good by but said she wants to see me in 3 months.
|
Imad,
Sounds like the neurologist saw what she believed you were like "on paper" but ignored the reality of your condition, how you are truly functioning. This lack of insight may unfortunately be encountered in any country, not just Canada. That having been said there are many astute and caring clinicians as well and the one good thing about our health care system is that we do have access to any of them, regardless of socioeconomic status. Universal health care is a matter of pride but is not flawless, one down side being that it takes time to wait for the appointment. But it seems that a wait in your case should not be too much of a problem as your level of functioning prior to this recent change in meds was quite high.
As you do your research into another neurologist with whom you have better rapport (suggestions from other PWP, local support groups, your doc, forums), your family practitioner should be able to manage your condition since it seems pretty stable (correct me if I'm wrong). As a primary care physician myself, I do this regularly in many different situations when I end up re-referring if my patient comes back to me unsatisfied with their specialist's appointment.
Wishing you luck in your search!
Soania