Because of all the lovely diseases that I have, I have a few doctors. I only had one doctor to begin with - my family doctor. When my psoriatic arthritis continued to worm its way through my body, I was sent to my rheumatologist. That was pretty much it for several years until I had my little trip to the emergency room. After finding the blood clot in my lung, I was sent to an internalist and a pulmonologist. I see these doctors every six months or so to make sure that everything is going well. I have my appointment with the pulmonologist coming up and don't expect any major changes. Next week I have my follow-up with my internalist.
Because of the medications I have to take and how some of the diseases affect my body, I have to be on top of the blood tests. That doesn't always happen when I want it to. Unfortunately, there are a number of times when I spend a couple of hours to get ready only to find myself having to reschedule the appointment. No matter how much I try to pace myself, sometimes the pain, stiffness and limitations are just too much. I have been told (and know from experience) that sometimes it is best to let the doctor see you in that state. He or she will have a clearer picture of how you're being affected by the disease or what problems the treatment is giving you. That's why I push myself until it's just painfully obvious that I can't do it. Okay, part of that is also being stubborn as all get out, but we won't dwell on that for now.
I do talk a lot about being your own advocate and being openly honest with your doctor(s) here in this blog of mine. Deep down, I feel that it's important that the doctors know all the pieces of the puzzle before they try arranging the ones that don't fit just right or replacing the frayed pieces. How can they try to help you if they don't know what the problems are? No, I don't place blind faith in a single doctor either. I have had the fortunate blessing of having some very wonderful doctors who care for me even today. While there are a number of really good, caring doctors out there, I also know there are those on the over end of the spectrum. All things in balance. That's why it's important for you to know yourself and to seek out a second, third, fourth, etc opinion if need be. Don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up about something you don't understand. Most importantly, do NOT be afraid to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and trust to his or her job well. This person is supposed to work with you to make you feel better. It's a give and take kind of relationship where trust is very important.
The flip side of this is not to do the doctor's job for him or her. With the internet, we have the blessing of a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. I honestly see nothing wrong with researching a disease or symptoms to gain an idea of what may be wrong. It's okay to do that and ask the doctor what if, could we test? I would ask that you just keep in mind that the doctors have a protocol to follow in making a diagnosis for certain diseases. They shouldn't just throw medications or treatments at you without taking the time to run blood tests, x-rays, and other tests that will help confirm or deny what may be wrong with you.
Yes, this is pretty much just my opinion and experiences with doctors. As a person who has lived with having to spend the last 16 years going to doctors for one reason or another, I can only offer what has worked for me. I know it seems that I put a lot of emphasis on doctors and speaking with them. I just know that finding the right one can really change a person's life for the better if it's the right fit. I hope that it will do the same for you and yours. The bottom line is that a doctor can help improve your way of life after finding a diagnosis. They are only one part of the equation. You have to take responsibility for your health as well. If you and your doctor(s) work together, there's no telling what you may be able to accomplish! You have a disease. The disease doesn't have you.
Until next time,
Kay
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