OK, here's the deal. I've had a cold and bronchitis for about a week but it's starting to get better. I had a chest x-ray on Monday to rule out pneumonia and Thank God it was negative. So, I've been taking Vantin (antibiotic) since Monday and started feeling an improvement yesterday.
Another thing going on is the "issue" with my doctor. I don't remember if I've mentioned this before, but Dr. Schuster has left New York Presbyterian Hospital and is now at Stony Brook University Hospital. Needless to say, I totally freaked out when I heard he was moving. I can't imagine what I'd have felt if this were six months ago. I had a choice of staying on with him or staying on at NYP with another doctor. I chose to go along with him. Honestly, now I'm questioning the wisdom of that decision.
Last Saturday, I was feeling really sick. So sick, that I called the phone number where I'd been told I'd be able to reach him or a member of his team "24/7". Not only did I not reach a person, there was an answering machine with a message telling me that the office is closed and that I can leave a message. It didn't even give an emergency number. I couldn't believe it. I was left totally high & dry.
Monday, I still hadn't heard from him and so I called my local General Practitioner. At least I was seen right away. She's the one who sent me for the chest x-ray and put me on the antibiotics. I finally heard from Dr. Schuster late Monday afternoon. I told him what was going on and he said that I should continue with the meds.
I guess I'm kinda rambling on about this but it's really bothering me. I don't know what to do. I'm still on the Prednisone, along with a few other meds (VFend, Vasotec, Valtrex & Nexium). I'm going to have to get all of my vaccinations soon. (Remember all those "baby shots" we all got? Well, I gotta get 'em all over again). Do I change docs?? This is really distressing. Any suggestions?
OK, Thanks for letting me vent. Thank you for your continued support and prayers and good wishes. Have a great weekend, Shabbat Shalom. Believe in Miracles!
Note to Devorah: I hope you're doing well. I sent an email to your gmail address. I hope you got it. If you can let me know, that'd be great. If not, I'll try to reach you again next week. Be strong & stay positive. Shabbat Shalom.
Any doctor who isn't available 24/7 (or an appropriate on call replacement) is not woth keeping. Although I closed my practice in Cleveland (almost 6 yrs ago) and am no local actively practicing cardiology for the US Army, my former patients still have multiple ways to contact me. Medicine should be a life comittment to patient care, not a job to start & stop by choice.
ReplyDeleteEdward C Horwitz
Efrat, Israel
Leah - this is so familiar - it is scary. I guess as sisters, we go through this stuff together. Give me a call. Would love to talk to you about this. I, too, am gonna change doctors - and VERY soon.
ReplyDeleteMarsha
Thanks guys. I feel a little silly but this is really stressing me out, on top of just being plain 'ole sick. I'm going to see my GP this afternoon. I'll let you know what's going on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Edward. I am an elder law attorney. people pay me to be there for them when there is an emergency, that is why i have a 24 hour beeper and when i am away i give my beeper to another estate attorney who has keys to my files in case of an emergency. i think the doctor that doesnt leave an emergency cover is malpracticing. BUT i also understand rapport, so this is my solution. I would see the doctor again and say this:
ReplyDeleteYou know doctor ____ I really believe in you and want to continue working with you. The problem is that i feel uncomfortable knowing that i cant reach someone live when I have an emergency question or situation. can you provide me with the name and number where i can either reach you or a member of your team. if he provides it to you, you stick with him (and also makes sure it works) if he refuses to provide you with his number or with someone he trusts with your case, i would look elsewhere. you are paying for him to be there for you.
suri
Thank you for that, Suri. You're right. Luckily, when I saw him and spoke with him on Friday, what he said was the most pleasing thing I could have heard. Essentially, he said that I'm at the point in my recovery when if I am "sick" and need to see a doctor, I should be going to my Primary Care Physician. Basically, I'm graduating. Not completely, mind you. I still have to wean off a few more meds, but I don't really need him like I did. He's right. Of course, that doesn't excuse the fact that I was feeling abandoned for a while but I understand that sometimes, during transitions, stuff happens. I'm past it.
ReplyDeletewhew. glad to hear it all worked out.
ReplyDelete