You were probably out at some foxy venue singing some foxy songs, I’ll bet…

I figured you’d appreciate a log house… considering your love of WOOD. (Jannie, who ever dreamed you and I could keep this wood joke alive for this many months)?

As far as your “eh”, I think your Canadian dialect is popping its head out right now, you Texas Tiger.

No, I have yet to see a coyote.

Jeanne

And your loggish house is too cool. Fun country living, eh. Do you get coyotes too?
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Why we usually eat at home =-.

I totally agree with what you said in paragraph one. I also strongly agree with your second paragraph. It is amazing how much difference it can make to bring a loved one along to an appointment to “vouch for us”. As ridiculous as it may seem and as insulting as it may feel that we are taken more seriously if someone else backs up what we’re saying, it is sadly true that this often does make a difference. (Wouldn’t it be nice if doctors believed patients without patients needing to bring in reinforcements?) None of us wants to have to drag a loved one out of work for a Dr appt. The reality is that in some situations it really does help to have that loved one present at the appointment.

Yes, it’s crucial for patients and health care providers to work in partnership towards the same goal.

In the U.S., I do the same thing you do… find my own specialists. I have learned that automatically defaulting to the specialist one of my doctors happens to name can result in frustration, wasted time/money, and the need to turn around and search for a replacement for that specialist. So I quite agree that it’s easier to get it right the first time if/when at all possible.

Yes, I love that fox. Where I grew up in a suburban area, I’d never see a fox in my yard. It’s cool to see things like that around here.

Thank you, Melissa!

Jeanne

Ditto to everything you said. It is imperative for patients to know and exercise their rights!

Jeanne

You hit the nail on the head on this one. We are the only people who can take charge of our health. It is up to us to report everything to the doctor and if we are not comfortable with the doctor’s response, to find someone with whom we are comfortable.

In my opinion it is a good idea to take someone who is familiar with your situation with you to the appointment if at all possible. I really wish that B could go with me to some of my hospital and obs appointments, but one of us must work for a living! It can help to have someone back up what you are saying. For example, with my recent fainting spells, it can be helpful to have someone say “Yes I’m concerned with the amount that she has been fainting”.

As for working as a team with your health care providers, this is essential. No where moreso than in the US, are patients actually consumers of the medical system. You pay your doctors to listen to you, respect your decisions and what not. And due to this unique relationship you should feel that you are getting quality service and can work together. If not, it might be time to try to find alternative providers.

Up here in Canada, I typically will do the research on different specialists that I would want to see, when my doctor recommends that I see a certain type of specialist. Yes, this can be a lot of work, but it can save time, money, and exasperation at yet another awful doctor’s appointment. I have found my own GI specialist, my own endo specialist, my own urologist… the list goes on. I just believe that if you’re going to go to a specialist, you might as well try to find the right one for you the first time around.

It’s a beautiful fox that you have put up to remind us that we need to participate in our healthcare. Thanks for the tips J!

Take care,
Melissa
.-= Melissa Ralston´s last blog ..On the Topic of Strength, Courage and Super-Heroes =-.

Thanks. I’m glad you stopped by! I appreciate the feedback. I hope you are well!!!

Jeanne

Isn’t that fox awesome? I ran out there to see it while he was taking the pictures and couldn’t believe how close we got. Pretty cool!

Thanks. Yes. “Doctor shopping” used to be used as a derogatory term against patients who were “doctor hopping” without good reason. The fact is that doctor shopping is not only necessary in some cases but downright advisable. Endometriosis is a classic example. The average endo patient goes 9.9 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and that generally takes 4-5 years. This should NOT be the case. The reality is that this is the average for this one condition alone. So I believe patients need to do what is necessary to obtain the best care they can find… even if that means expending some extra time and effort. It’s worth it in the long run to find a doctor who is a good match, who listens, and who is highly skilled.

Thank you!

Jeanne