Hmmm...

I have been diagnosed with autoimmune problems, a few neuro problems, a sleep disorder, iatrogenic digestive problems (too many NSAIDs for too long) and now RSD.
And have a fill-in doctor that either doesn't read charts or doesn't have my neuro chart from my old neurologist (sigh) and is sending me back to a neuro office that dropped the ball with me a number of years ago, ran no tests I can recall, then after a number of visits, the doc there told me he doesn't treat what I have. :::SIGH:::

Sent me in for an arterial function test, even though I tried to discuss with her that if I have a vascular problem, it is likely venous, not arterial... No big surprise, they found nothing, other than that is seems my arteries in my leg with the "problem in my foot" seem to be stronger than those of my other leg! The same doc told me (I wish I were kidding) that color changes in my foot did not indicate RSD, which another doc had just diagnosed me with, and she seems to know little of my medical history... :sigh:

I've always found it kind of strange that neuro and psych is a common pairing of specialties until recently... The GP sends you to a ton of specialists who do a ton of tests, give you a ton of diagnosis-es, and by the time you are incredibly frustrated with a GP doctor that simply doesn't listen, doesn't read charts, fragments your medical care beyond recognition, you're seen by a slew of doctors with at least as many diagnosis-es, and the GP is at odds with the diagnosis that makes perfect sense, THEN the reality of medical insurance, limits on money, the need for additional in-home care come into play & your fill-in doctor gets ****** at YOU, as if it were your fault

Wait, didn't I see this doctor for just a follow-up visit? To try to be sure my care didn't get fragmented? To get treatment for what the other doctor diagnosed me with? (BTW, this doc referred me to a podiatrist and I've had 2 specialist tell me that her diagnosis was incorrect,and to send me to a podiatrist was basically irresponsible.)

THEN, you darn well need to sit on the couch and vent! OK, now I get it!

I know with diagnosis-es such as RSD, fibromyalgia and many other "syndromes" some doctors STILL just don't get it. Add a serious autoimmune disorder or two and they get it even less. Some simply don't want to deal with a complex set of health problems, and why they simply just don't come out and say it to begin with is beyond me!
Why can't they simply allow the specialist to do their job? THEN they come up with the "Oh! maybe it's just all in your head!?!" And this from a doctor who did not even know I have health problems that SHE is prescribing me medications for!?! Problems that contraindicate medications the podiatrist she sent me to nearly insisted I take, but that could trigger other problems, and in my endocrinologist words, "He could have killed you!"

I had to go to the ER this last week-end as a direct result of her sending me to podiatrist that not only has not-so-great online reviews, but also was put on probation for some action. In my state, getting a complaint on the Med Board site just about takes an act of God - even if a doctor nearly kills you.
If I'd followed his advice, I might not be around very long, and would likely have a whole lot of other health problems.. now two doctors have told me that (I wish my GP wasn't so busy, or had better back-up docs! Two of them are highly questionable He's a great doc, and I can see why he is so busy!) I may have to look elsewhere, if I can get in to see him, for another GP...

I REALLY dislike having to go over my very complex medical history with any new doctor, not knowing what to expect. I wish we,, as patients, owned our medical histories, as they do in other countries... Then I could be sure that whoever I saw had the complete picture, didn't unnecessarily re-do tests, and get so darn defensive for making a mistake!

I finally get why neurologists often have the psych added to their resume. By the time you've been through the medical mill, you need a sympathetic ear!

I just want to know what is wrong that is new, if any new treatments for the old, how to best treat what I have, and get on with my life with whatever assistance I need.

I have far better things to do than being caught in the middle of an argument between doctors and then have more tests because one chewed out another apparently for being wrong.

Water Rabbit

Welcome to NT

I'm all ears and know what you're talking about being in the medical jungle. I'm yet to find a true safe haven. I am guardian of myself!!!!!!

I really shouldn't say that. Dr. Atasoy helped me beyond his area of expertise. (3hrs away.) My therapists worked theirs hands and thumbs to death on me and I had a few good pain management specialists, good advice from many doctors. I am complicated. I didn't always heed their good advice, for many reasons. Tried some of the bad advice till I figured it out, what that was really about.

I guess those few that misdiagnosed/insulted/violated/f**ked me in so many ways are hard to forget. Really, I don't think I ever will. Venting here and reading other experiences has been good for me. I need you all too.

Medicine is not an exact science... "practice of medicine"

Without the good I did get, I don't know what I would have done. It took a lot. I am so much better nowadays I have to be thankful to so many for so much. It has been my burden to bear. I have found much needed support and understanding here. I've learned so much on NT. An open willingness to share here is amazing and healing for many. I know you will like it here.

I now just want to look forward, grab all the happiness I can, while I can.

You seem to have a good handle on your problems. You also seem to be handling things well. I can learn from you. I guess I've learned "Life keeps coming at you" and just do the best I can.

Make yourself at home here. There's lots to share and learn from each other.

"I REALLY dislike having to go over my very complex medical history with any new doctor, not knowing what to expect. I wish we,, as patients, owned our medical histories, as they do in other countries... Then I could be sure that whoever I saw had the complete picture, didn't unnecessarily re-do tests, and get so darn defensive for making a mistake! "
you can get copies of your records, to keep at home. if you ask for them at every visit, they may even do it for free....but if you want the whole record, there will be a charge. good luck

Hi ,i'm new here dont know what to do, and English is my second language,so i'm a little insecure,about chatting,but i have questions about if i can take two vitamins at the same time.

Hi Water Rabbit, and welcome to NT!

I can understand where you're coming from, having MS and trying years ago to get a doctor to listen to me and take me seriously, instead of telling me they know a good psychiatrist. Still makes me very angry how much time was wasted until I found a doctor who would listen to me and eventually got my diagnosis.

I wish for you the best. This is a great place with a lot of friendly, helpful, and caring people. I think you'll like it here.