How to deal with a difficult Doctor!!!

[Jedi99]

Hello: I've being away(Again) I hope everyone is doing ok? Overall I'm doing ok here is the up-date. My 3 month levels are at .070 (also told him daily numbers are (7.8-8.8)which doctor told me that most doctors would consider that "Very good control and to put me on other meds other than Metformin would undo my weight loss(35 lbs) and wouldn't really be worth it??? He did agree rather reluctantly to refer me to a neurologist about my feet(which are still bothering me quite a bit) to run a EMG. I've Never had an EMG before.Are they uncomfortable????

As far as an endo goes my doctor is being a bit of an control freak(Doesn't agree about my disability claim so far has denied that I need to see one,because feels blood sugars are not an issue!!!)Hopefully after the EMG confirms my feet are a problem he will agree to a referral as I'm going to really push it once it is more than my opinion that an endo is required!!!. So what I'm asking if anyone has had this problem any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks and I'll be around from time to time(busy job hunting) :D

[princesslinda]

Jedi, sorry to hear of your problems. I've had an EMG w/nerve conduction series on my left arm for a cervical problem and it was uncomfortable, but tolerable. I've heard others say that they were very uncomfortable, so it may depend where (on the body) its being done..and how much nerve damage you have.


Hopefully, the results of your EMG will allow you to be seen by an endo or at very least get another opinion from another internist. Those numbers are too high for the amount of metformin you're taking.

Are you watching your carbs? Guess exercise is difficult with the foot pain. Keep us posted on the results of your test.

[Janlaton]

NO, fortunately my doc is very cooperative and helps me by referring me to others to help with various problems.
Sounds like you need a new PCP, can you just go to another or are you locked into this one by insurance?

I'll pray you can get one who is more understanding.

Have never had the test you mentioned. My feet just get xrayed and shots. Lots of ritis and bone spurs!:eek:

[rzrbks]

Janlaton
Sounds like you need a new PCP

Yes, I agree totally.

I have "Fired" three Drs simply because they were too enamored of their personal relationship to God.

I spent two years hunting for and finding the PCP I use now. It was a Royal pain, but completely worth it.

[fgummett]

If you are stuck with the same Doctor, my best advice is to arm yourself with knowledge; about the latest treatment for D and about yourself. I find it easier to convince someone I am right when arguing with clear facts. :)

[slipperyelm]

Electromyelogram? Electromyogram? What does this EMG stand for. please?

[xMenace]

Jedi,

Have you asked him why you are taking more than the recommended maximum dose of metformin? Your pharmacist is ok with this? Or are you doing it on your own?

7.0 is above the recommended 6.5. Endo or no, it's time for a med change, probably some Lantus.

[beau91]

Hi Jedi 99 ;Emg for slipperyelm =electromyography .Jedi I had 2 emg depanding were they test it's not really comfortable but not to much pain .On the foot area not to comfortable because not to much skin .But you will see by yourself .Everybody has a different tolerance to pain. About your doctor not really easy to change sometimes if in Ontario is like in Quebec we have dfficulty to get a family doctor harder for a specialist. If you can change go for it

[Jedi99]

Hi Xmenace: "Have you asked him why you are taking more than the recommended maximum dose of metformin? Your pharmacist is ok with this? Or are you doing it on your own"?

Yes it is his idea has told me that this is the limit for Metformin,feels that my numbers are ok (see orig. post by me)??? Also said if I have any side effects with 6x500 I could cut back to 4x500 a day. I don't agree I feel these problems require a referral!!!)(he has said my feet shouldn't be bothering me as much as they are,but refuses to send me to an endo!!!) Also told me Metformin doesn't promote weight gain as other meds do(I forget names) I've been able to lose 35ilbs he is concerned I'd gain some of it back.I hope this answers your questions.Thanks for your help

[jacobsam622]

This doctor sounds like a weak minded sort you may have to use some of your Jedi mind tricks on him. "Use the force luke":D. Whatever you decide good luck and may the force be with you. He can be assimilated at some point the collective will assimilate doctors.

[mortis505]

Jedi, Fight with this Doc. Max dose is 2550 and you are at 3000. That is not only ridiculous but clinically insane. At the very least fight with the system and demand a new doctor that knows the difference between his degree and a newspaper.

[alicat61]

Jedi, Fight with this Doc. Max dose is 2550 and you are at 3000. That is not only ridiculous but clinically insane. At the very least fight with the system and demand a new doctor that knows the difference between his degree and a newspaper.

:) Hi
I am on 3000mgs of metformin a day and have been for about 15 years with no adverse effects.The recommened dose over here is from 2000 to 3000 mgs a day. (My latest script is for 1000mg tablets vs the 500mg ones0
If your Dr is concerned about weight gain maybe byetta would help you get better control and you could cut back on the metformin.(something to think about and research)

[Lulika]

Hi Jedi...about the EMG. I had one after I got whiplash and damaged nerves in my neck. It was rather painful, but I hope yours isnt..it depends on where the test is done. Good Luck! :D

[Janlaton]

For foot problems why are you going to an endo? :confused:

I see an Orthopedic specialist for my knee problems and he works with a podiatrist ?SP for my feet. I have heel spurs and a spur that runs down the top of one foot plus arthritis in my feet. The ted hose I wear puts extra pressure on the top bone spur which makes the arthritis hurt more. But I still have not had even a suggestion of the procedure you are mentioning.

[Jocelyn25]

Some doctors are like that, so don't take it to heart. I hope you start to recieve the blessings that you deserve. I personnaly stay away from the doctors, I have been doing great with natural sources. It allows me to take control of my own life.

[volleyball]

A difficult doctor can mean a lot of things. Maybe they have their own agenda or they have not seen enough effort/progress on your part.
We cannot say because we do not know the situation. I had one doctor who quickly saw I could help myself, the next needed to be proved too and we worked together after that. Recent most was an E/R type of thing and the doctor quickly got on board as I was the first person in a long time that was informed, motivated and honest with him. Problem is unless they have enough regular patients ( income to them), they may have trouble justifying dealing with my type. Would your fish monger ever teach you how to fish for yourself?

[deziner124]

Hi folks, I've been lurking for a bit. Am an 18 month Byetta user who sings the lizard's praises sometimes hourly. I've lost an average of 3/4# weekly and don't really spend much time watching or monitoring. I have very little appetite now so I definitely do not overeat. I still take 1k mg Metformin x2 daily. Last Aic was 6.3. Hoooray!

Anyway, back to the doctor question. I had to fight like the dickens to see my endo. But the day I came to the PCP's office armed with an inch thick sheaf of paper printed from the internet is the day he decided I might be "non compliant."

Well, harummmph......non compliant am I! Member services didn't agree with him and he was replaced...by me.

Now I'm something like a missionary whose job it is to inform people in the US that we employ our doctors. They need us and our good will. We have voices. And no one wants their boss to know that WE are unhappy. So if you really understand that you have a problem and they don't, make sure you get to someone who will attend your issues.

Thanks, Charli

[Hammer]

Deziner124.....I agree with what you said, and I practice it all the time. People don't seem to understand that doctors, dentists, lawyers, whatever, are being paid to give us their opinion and to share their knowledge. It's up to us to decide if and how we use that knowledge.

A doctor can tell you what disease you have or what condition you're in, and he can recommend courses of action. You don't have to follow his course of action. In fact, if you've been reading up on it, you can suggest a treatment to him. If he doesn't think it's a good idea, then he should tell you why it isn't a good idea. Then it's up to you to decide whether or not to have it done.

Doctors are not gods. The best doctor is one who will suggest treatments with you and answer any questions you might have about it. A bad doctor is one who tells you what to do, and isn't willing to discuss other treatment options.

[volleyball]

I agree about the docs working for us, I was questioned about being 10 minutes late for an appointment and still had to wait 30. so I went and told that receptionist to call me if they are on delay or I'll be 30 minutes late next time.
I don't care about their business, only my health.
But while I make the final decision and live with those consequences, I do give his knowledge and experience the benefit of doubt. I guess I know too many nurse who think they know more than doctors, too many paralegals who know more than lawyers. I am in the computer field and know too many amateurs that think they know more than me.
I pay the doctor because I think he knows more. I am not looking for a doc that will give me what I want. That's why I have a doc who is not happy about my course of living. A little check and balance. So I continue to prove myself.
A lot of people do not have enough faith in their own judgment or willing to take the time to learn their malady and how to treat it so they just do what the doctors says or find a doc to say what they want.