Thank you for stopping by today! The post you are about to read (hopefully š) has been jumbling around in my thoughts for a while now. The problem is that I have so much emotional baggage tied to it that my logical mind is having trouble just āspitting it outā. If you are chronically ill, this post will likely resonate somewhere within your own past experiences. If you are not chronically ill, allow me to explain. The majority of chronically ill people have a doctor or two that seem to follow no ethical code of conduct. They speak to us in unthinkable ways, provide advice that is completely archaic, and it doesn’t stop there, the list is limitless. If youāre thinking well just move on to another, well, that isnāt always entirely possible. Some people live in small towns, some people must go to the doctors provided by their insurance, and some people just donāt have another choice. Okay, letās embark and Iāll to stick to the point.
When I was three, I was hit by car (it was entirely my faultā¦or rather the fault of the person who was supposed to be watching me while my mom ran to the storeā¦because like I said I was three and had asked her permission to cross the street to go see some kittens (because kittens…) and she said yes). I won’t go into all the details, but I stopped breathing, they brought me back, I was in traction for weeks, it was rough. I ended up in the hospital for about six weeks, which was quit an experience for my mom as we were actually on vacation at the time. She slept in a cot by my side, monitoring the nurses and doctorās every move. Her careful vigilance ended up saving my life. At one point a nurse came in with a syringe filled with pain meds to which my mom told her absolutely not! The dose was far too much. They argued, my mom called for anther nurse, thankfully, because my mom was correct, it would have likely killed me. After six weeks we emerged, me in a body cast, and her probably permanently traumatized, never the less it was back to business as usual. And then a few years later, while playing around with an uncle, I simply tipped over in a lawn chair, but started wailing with pain. My momās intuition was in full force when she heard my cry and she rushed me to the hospital. The x-ray confirmed my broken collarbone and they put me in a brace that was so old it was no longer in use (small town). After a couple weeks I was still cradling my painful bruised arm. She took me back. Another x-ray confirmed my arm was also broken. Nobody had bothered to check, despite my screaming in agony during the x-rays of my collarbone. So, then it was an arm sling and a collarbone brace. Whatās my point? At a very young age I learned doctors and nurses donāt always get it right. They are not āall knowingā. They are human. Just because any of us graduated from any type of education doesnāt mean we learned EVERYTHING that was presented. We did our best, we all just do our best. One of the problems, as I see it, is that health care professionals are responsible for our lives, so we need to be able to trust them to make ourselves feel like we are going to be okay. It also leads us to feel incredibly frustrated when they get it wrong, probably because that frustration turns to fear for our own health and well being. Which leads me to Dr. Wonderful.
Gosh where do I start. My original MECFS diagnosing doctor back in 2014, who I thought was great, told me a few years ago, that he could no longer help me (I had no idea why then, nor do I know now). At the time I was upset, very upset actually, but I thought, as anyone would, okay Iāll just find a new Rheumatologist. However, this was not even close to being the case. It took the insurance company over a year to refer me to another rheumatologist who would see me. One of my first blog posts was actually about this very experience, two years in and I’m still going on about it. They kept referring me to UCSD, but UCSD rheumatology does not see MECFS patients, or at least they wonāt see me for the illness. Finally, in 2017 they referred me to a rheumatologist willing to see me.
The first visit to this new rheumatologist had us waiting two hours to see the doctor. Iām not exaggerating; I thought my son was going to lose it. Once we got in to see the doctor, he seemed okay, definitely past retirement age, he expressed that he could not hear my voice, but he was a doctor who held the potential to help me, or at least monitor me to make sure my labs were holding steady so I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. He prescribed a few different things at that first visit. I had also told him I donāt take opioids, which I can still see written in my chart when they pull it up. Unfortunately, he continues to prescribe different forms of them at every visitā¦I keep wondering if he doesnāt realize I know they are opioids? He has requested a variety of testing, but then when anything comes up positive, like my ultrasound for osteoarthritis, he wonāt explain anything about the diagnoses to me. I still donāt know if my fingers swelling and painfully popping out of joint in the night is because of arthritis. Over the past couple years, heās also prescribed medicines with different brand names of medications I told him I had side effects from previously, to which the pharmacist has said no, do not take. He has told me to take Norco and that I would feel like Ginger Rogers (she was a singer, dancer, actress), he has asked me if I could ājust take more pillsā, he has refused to explain my labs (for years now), he has told me I shouldnāt be looking at my labs because I donāt have a medical degree. Additionally, when I bring my labs in, he says he cannot read my lab print outs because āhe doesnāt have the right glassesā, he claims he cannot hear me (Iām still not certain if this is just to keep me from asking questions), and I have to speak to either the nurse or my bf and they relay what Iām saying. He is not providing care, he wonāt explain ANYTHING, he just writes prescriptions. When I first got sick my ANA results were negative, now they seem to be getting worse, yet he tells me they are basically negative. No, they are red, and positive and homogenous and nucleolar. And if I have lupus shouldnāt we be proactively treating it?
An ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. Your immune system normally makes antibodies to help you fight infection. In contrast, antinuclear antibodies often attack your body’s own tissues ā specifically targeting each cell’s nucleus.
If you are wondering, I have asked every other doctor what the test results mean, nobody will answer because it “isnāt [their] specialty”. My PCP, as well as a couple of other specialists, have tried repeatedly to refer me to other rheumatologists but the insurance company keeps referring me back to UCSD, even though they know they donāt see people with my illness. They did refer me to one other rheumatologist, but she refused to see me because I was “under someone elseās care”. So, to all the health care professionals who tell us to stay off googleā¦is this a Darwinism thing? How about you provide some care, explanations of lab work, be as kind as possible, and weāll agree to start trusting you with our healthcare. Deal?
If you are still wondering why I call him Dr. Wonderful? Itās because heās done virtually nothing but try to prescribe me opioids. And opioids, from past experience, definitely make you feel wonderful, at first. I guess itās a bit of an ironic joke on my end. Who knows? The dark sense of humor one develops with chronic illness knows no bounds. š
Where to go from here? I have an appointment with a new PCP (the last two in the practice have quit in a few years time) coming up and will explain to her whatās happening. I donāt know that we will get anywhere but my fingers are crossed. I want to close by saying two thingsā¦one) I have NOTHING against anyone else doing whatever they need to treat their pain (opioids included) and two, I try really hard not to badmouth healthcare professionals on here, and if I do express my frustration, I try to make it so nobody could ever figure out who that person is to protect their anonymity. I know we are all doing our best. I really, really do, but at some point, my emotional health has to come first. If you are wondering why I donāt report this doctor, I probably should, but I know heās probably helping so many people out there who need pain management and canāt get it elsewhere and I would hate to interfere as I know that thatās a touchy issue right now for millions. So instead of reporting him, itās finally bubbled over my emotional threshold to here on this page. Hoping tomorrow Iāll feel lighter for having shared. If you have any thoughts or want to offer advice or want to share your experiences, please feel free to do so. Most everything I learn about my illnesses these days comes from social media and I always welcome ideas, because some people out there actually have more informed doctors, who provide more up-to-date and compassionate care.
Wishing you the very best day you are able to have. A few more doodles. I was following along with ‘inktober’ (adding ink to my doodles) but Iāve decided that the ink part was too exhausting and was not my thing. It was detracting from the paintings, so yesterday I waved the white flag and will be resuming just doodles and watercolors. š
Great piece, really. Don’t feel in the least bit bad, I think you have let him/them off lightly.
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Thank you, itās good to read that. Itās a delicate balance between keeping things confidential and taking care of your emotional wellbeing. Hoping today is kind to you š
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Wow. Just wow. Iām so sorry you have had to deal with all of that on top of the pain from your actual diagnosis. My experiences have been far less dramatic but having a terminal illness, Iāve found, makes me much more likely to research things on my own. Iāve definitively applied the concept, trust but verify. Being a lawyer, I do trust my research skills maybe a bit too much but we all have to take responsibility for our own bodies somehow. also, Iām pretty sure your insurance company has violated your contract with them and you might want to consider contacting the commissioner of insurance (or whatever itās called where you are) to file a compliant. You should not have to deal with doctors who canāt or wonāt help you! Just my two cents. š. Love and light to you!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and advice. I just read your latest post and Iām left feeling sad and frustrated for you. I donāt even know the right thing to say as Iām wiped out from blogging today, but I will say this, I wish this hadnāt happened to you and Iām so sorry it has. We deserve better care, across the board. Women deserve better care. I donāt remember how old I was for my first mammogram but I remember being told I was a little young and I remember telling them I didnāt care because cancer doesnāt care how old you are. Thank you for bravely sharing your experiences and spreading awareness and Iām hoping that it helps raise awareness and make the changes youāre fighting for. But mostly Iām hoping you live a long and healthy as can be life.
I was a legal assistant, so also lots of research. My brain just doesnāt retain like it used to. And I agree with you, we all deserve better. I just donāt have very much energy to keep staying in battle. Itās worsening my condition. But today we are here, we are sharing, we are trying. šŖ šš
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ā¤ļøā¤ļø
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First I want to start off with mentioning your paintings, especially the trees and the campfire, are just amazing!
Secong, I wish I could punch your doctor in the nose. It is completely horrifying that we have to put up with idiots and I am so sorry that you are having to endure an MD that is not helpful. I sent up a prayer that you will receive a miracle with your next PCP appt. !
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Thank you, Wendi, for the compliments, compassion, and prayers. š This journey makes you stronger but as some point you start to feel strong enough (no more lessons needed). Hoping life is being kind to you šø
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you are so very welcome! yeah, i am to the point i am strong enough š
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I am so frustrated for you. What a difficult situation. Wow! You started out dealing with docs and nurses early in life. I hope your next appointment goes well. Watercolors are absolutely brilliant!
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Thank you, Lisa š Sometimes things feel surreal in life, for everyone, in both good times and not great ones. Someday I hope to look back and see the reason for all this but at this point…itās not too clear as itās hard to even believe itās actually happening. Hoping youāre enjoying the changing of the seasons and today is a great one for you! šø
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Fabulous
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Thank you š
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So sorry you have had such negative experiences and I really really hope things improve for you. Your paintings are fab!
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Thank you šø As we grow more used to things that are uncomfortable they feel more tolerable and then even the littlest positive things feel better, so … Iām hoping for at least that! Thank you for your well wishes. šŗ Hoping all is well with you!
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Oh Mishka, I’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with this for all these years. I can’t even imagine how frustrating that must be. I really hope your new doctor can give you the care you need and deserve. As always, I love your artwork. Sending love and very gentle hugs!
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Thank you, Terrišø Itās one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. But mostly just embracing the goodness each day holds. Hoping today was kind to you šš
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eerily familiar here too, i was 17 when I was in a MVA, so bad I almost died, my baby inside me almost died, i almost lost my right hand and did lose my right leg. I whole heartily believe my FIBRO and all the issues I have stem from it, I am sure your childhood trauma has contributed to your issues as well.
while I am no doctor I feel I’ve learned more from dr google than most doctors I have visited, with the exception of a natropath and my family dr who retired at 50 and was replaced by a dr ( i use the word loosely) who tells you your fine at every visit, not only me but my daughter who was born with a curved spine, he told her to sit up,( since she has been shuffled to 2 specialists who tell her surgery is the only option now to even try to correct it) my husband had a broken foot he said it’s just a bruise, and when I went for routine check up and my blood labs he told me I’m fine no need for labs…his tune changed when the specialist i seen ran the blood work and sent him a nasty letter outlining how fine I WAS NOT.
I refuse opiods as well, I also have suffered from chronic kidney stones all mu life, needing surgery to have the removed often, I have even refused anesthesia having procedures done fully awake and not numb, I take Advil at most when I have stones even, and even though I know I am judged for not taking them now, how I must not be in that much pain F those who think it, I know if i take them I will not function at all, and if I become addicted my life is over
THANKS FOR SHARING, and good for you for resisting that poison, I hope you and I both find a doctor who is more sympathetic and thorough.
i love your doodles keep sharing them and keep doing them, I hope the help to occupy your mind a little xox
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Iām so sorry you and your family have had to go through so much at the hands of people who are supposed to treat you, not demean you. My Dr does believe me but he doesnāt explain anything and I need to understand things. I can deal with things as long as I understand how itās working. And yes, you get hooked on pain meds because the pain never goes away and then what? Then youāre labeled a drug seeker. There really is no winning for chronic pain patients. Hoping you and your family have a peaceful Autumn weekend. šš
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Sorry to read all of this, Mishka. I hope the right doctor for you is on the horizon. I know what you mean about the ink drawings, but yours are very good – as are the watercolors! Hope your weekend is going well! š
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Thank you, Carolšø and thank you for stopping by for a read. Hoping your weekend has been peaceful and relaxing. š
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Hugs. Ugh. Just ugh on the bad doctors… š¦
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Yep. Just ugh. My level of āover itā has seemingly plateaued as the week continued to decline. I think if I wasnāt seeing other people get actual treatment/Ssdi it wouldnāt be so disheartening. But I do. Trying to keep my chin up. Hoping all is going well with you
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‘You shouldn’t read your own labs because you don’t have a medical degree?’ Just –WOW!! That’s so ridiculous. It also seems like a signpost of someone with a personality disorder–he is being overly controlling so he can get his ‘fix’, i.e. by keeping you (and likely all his other patients) in the dark; ‘he wins’. AND: I have said this, somewhere, before (my apologies if it was here and I am being redundant) BUT — studies have shown that sociopaths and/or those with NPD flock to certain professions, for an abundance of ‘easy’ fuel and the natural trust other people give them: medical, teaching, and ministry. I’ve had some experiences with cruel and uncaring people in all of those places, so I can relate (sadly) to a lot of this post.
I am working my way through the show Royal Pains on Netflix (a medical show about a doctor) and I am struck again and again about how different the lead character is from today’s real doctors. (The doctor on the show is a man of great empathy and skill and ‘curiosity’ about what may be wrong with people — who often is accused of getting overly involved with his patients). Ah, to live in a fictional world!!!
Hope you are doing as well as can be, and I am glad you are still here after that horrible accident you had at three years old!! ā¤ļøā¤ļø
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I hadnāt even contemplated that the Dr might fall into that category. Iām so sick of being belittled and made to feel awkward in medical appointments that itās difficult to step outside the box anymore. I agree with you.
Royal pains is a great show! He even diagnoses one of his clients with CFS. And yes, he genuinely seems to care, but Iād argue that money talks. If all the testing was no issue monetarily many of us would be in a different boat, perhaps. Hoping youāre still enjoying the show. I watched when I was first sick, and really liked it.
Thank you again, youāve helped me see a different side of things. Hoping all is best as can be with you šø
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