Professionalism in Medical Doctors...

[Laura]

My husband had been diagnosed in March or April '08 with gout, that was diagnosed by blood test only. He was prescribed Allipurinol and was to take it daily, which he did, and continued to have "flare-ups" anyway. After reading a ,lot about Gout, I decided to go to an appointment with him, and ask for the 24 hour urine test in order to have a proper diagnosis made to ensure it was Gout, or to try and narrow it down to something else, if not. He went off the Allipurinol November 15, made an appointment for December 16 so his system would be clear of the Allipurinol for the testing. The doctor did not care for the fact that I mentioned I had been reading up on it, and that I felt a 24 hour urine test should be done. He took blood, and tested for Rheumatoid. We went back today for those results.
When we went in to the appointment, the doctor read from the chart, the previous problems, but never even mentioned the blood results until I asked. He then said it was negative for Rheumatoid, and that it still showed he had the higher than normal uric acid levels. He basically dismissed it and said on the next flare-up when the joint was very swollen, to come in and they would tap for the uric acid crystals from the joint fluid. He also did mention putting him in contact with an arthritis specialist.

Then I asked if he would run the 24 hour urine test, so we could in the meantime, rule the Gout in or out, one way or the other, he insisted that the blood says he has goute, and when I mentioned that blood alone is not an accurate means of diagnosis, he became quite defensive. He said he will NOT run the test, and when I asked him "why not?" (seeking a medical explanation) all I got was a very CHILDISH "Because I don't want to". I asked why I was so wrong in trying to help my husband by trying to alleviate some unnecessary pain by doing the test, and he said "session over", and got up and excused himself and left the room!!

Needless to say, I we were both very unimpressed with the childlike response we got from out so-called "professional" doctor! He also told us to find another doctor. WOW, was he having a bad day, or was I really that out of line asking for a simple test to be done?

You are absolutely not out of line to question your doctor. They are your EMPLOYEE. You are paying them for a service they provide. Sounds like he saved you the trouble of firing him!

 

[AppyLover2]

I totally agree that you were not out of line. If we don't take care of our loved ones how can we expect others to do so. Sounds to me like he felt that you challenged his God-like superiority and he couldn't handle it. I think you'll be better off without someone who lacks even a trace of compassion and understanding.

 

[sedeh]

Mona be thankful he told you to get a new doctor!! He was way out of line. I've worked with doctors for 29+ years and have seen all types. Usually the ones that go off the deep end like that are insecure and probably don't know that much about the condition they're supposed to be treating. Some are just arrogant "it's my way or the highway!". Whichever the case....you don't want that type of doctor. I have to say.....the majority of the docs I work with are good. I'm an ER nurse and we really do work as a team with the docs. Most will listen to our input and suggestions and act on them. There are a few though that if you suggest something it will be the last thing they'll do! Luckily those types don't last in our ER!

 

[Watcheye]

Sorry this isnt helpful but it did remind me of something. My mom is a nurse and has been since before I was born. She is wonderful and currently works in the ER. She always said that MD stands for Medical Doctor. Not Medical Deity!

I would definately look for another doctor! No need to be wasting your time with that! Sorry you are having trouble.

 

[minie812]

Mona, by chance has your husband had a serious injury anywhere in the recent past? I suffered horrible after my car accident even though I was told I healed great (bones) so said the Doctors. But 2 years later I have swelling in the hands -feet and big joints shoulders and such- maybe RSD (reflex sympathy Dystrophy) or something similar? Or fibromyalgia?

 

[Teresa]

I don't want even want to start with my experiences with doctors.........after 7 surgeries and another one coming this Tuesday as they result of doctor error...I am no longer a doctor worshipper.

Remind the doctor of the oath that he/she has taken First...do no harm.

Keep investigating, Mona. Without the investigating I would never know that the doctor had put a jaw implant in me that was attacking my body and destroying ever bone that it contacted.

 

[Mona]

Oh boy, there have been some really interesting stories here!

Thanks to all for sharing! The clinic actually called here On Friday...they (the doctor!) wants him to come in on Monday afternoon for xrays and more bloodwork. This time they are checking for pseudo gout...similar to gout, but instead of uric acid crystals it is calcium crystals. I guess the xrays would show some sort of calcification on the bones etc. I am assuming that when they tried to make a referral to the specialist, they asked what had all been done. I bet he was embarrassed to have had to say virtually nothing!!! (thus the request for further testing!)

 

[TinyMiteVillage]

I was a paramedic for 15 yrs and I always hated those Drs that spoke to people like they were herding cows in a auction. I would find another Dr and I would report him to the Medical Board of Review......

 

[Boinky]

Unfortunately, not uncommon at all. I was NOT impressed with my father's anesthesiologist when he went in for prostate cancer surgery. One of the most arrogant drs I've ever met.

Carin i had a anesthesiologist that was the same way for one of my knee surgeries back when i was a teenager. He thought he was god and was running the show. I HATE having IV's put in. to me they really hurt and i dont' have the easiest veins to find. I specificially asked them to freeze my hand (my moms a nurse and she said they routinly do it at their hospital even without requests..no big deal)... well he was an butt and told me no.. proceeded to call me a wuss blah blah... needless to say they poked me 4 times and couldn't get the vein my mom demanded they send someone else in..then the person proceeded to have to put it in the underside of my wrist (very painful place)... i was crying hysterically. and all worked up between the stress of having to go into surgery ect. my mom was LIVID. at the next surgery i told them i would NOT having that person they'd better find anyone else to do it. I hate when they are ***** over nothing..it's no big deal to shoot a little litacain in there or even a little saline bubble would have helped signifcantly. He just did it to be a complete butt.

 

[rockin r]

Don't even get me started on Drs.!!! We have learned that you are your own health advocate, the hard way. You keep pushing till you get a correct diagnosis...and a Dr. that knows how to treat it.