Back from "doctor"

[luvwinnie]

I put the term doctor in quotes because even though I asked for an appt with a DCOTOR, I got a phys. asst.!!! Anyway, I didn't do well on that test where you exhale into a tube..normal is 500...I'm a 300. Have to get chest x-rays and maybe a pulmonary function test...AN D he gave me antibiotics in case it's an infection...but 1) I doubt it is 2) shouldn't he KNOW first???
I had a low-grade fever too...I told him that happens a lot because of the Connective Tissue Disease.

 

[Kermit]

Physician assistants can be great in a lot of situations, but it sounds like your situation was too complex in this case. I hope that you do get some sort of resolution soon and that you start feeling better. {{{Hugs}}}

 

[nativetxn]

Physician's assistants can do a great job. Sorry you were disappointed today. I hope the anitbiotics help you and that you're feeling much better soon.

Katholyn

 

[luvwinnie]

anyone ever have a pulmonary function test? He said it wasn't asthma because I don't wheeze.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have had a test using a spirometer in the past, and I was fine, simple test.

I find it strange for an antibiotic Rx if it is not known what you have. Sounds like shooting in the dark.

Here is a link for pulmonary test. http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/1353.html Hope you feel better soon, luvwinnie. {{Hugs}}

 

[luvwinnie]

antibiotics. Not taking them.

 

[tedsmom]

luvwinnie, my recommendation is that you find a new physician who will serve your healthcare needs the way you wants them to be served. Many offices today have nurse practitioners or physicians' assistants as part of their staff, but if that is not the type of set-up you care for, then you need to interview other physicians to find one who runs his/her office in a manner that is more acceptable to you. I hope this response doesn't sound sarcastic, because it is not meant to, truly. The relationship between an MD and a patient is very important, especially for someone who has some health conditions, as you do.

I wouldn't advise just not taking the antibiotic. I would advise calling the MD's office back, explaining your dissatisfaction,and telling them you'd like another appointment with the doctor ASAP, and getting to the bottom of this problem with the cough and the "winded" feeling. It could be a cardiac problem as well...there are many other problems besides something lung related that can give you those same sensations. But, as I said, if you're that disgusted with your current MD, find a new one. Don't let this problem go though.

 

[luvwinnie]

thank you! You are right. I have a rheum. and carido. who I love...going to tell them all about it. Seeing rheum. on the 11th. Getting chest x-ray on 2nd.

 

[DocRafiki]

2) shouldn't he KNOW first???

sure... he should take a swab from your lungs (ever had a tracheal lavage... would likely require sedation & would cost at least $200, I'm sure, based on the cost for a pet). Then it takes a week to cuture the bacteria and test the sensitivity to see what will kill it (probably another $100 test). So now the bacteria have had another week to proliferate and cause damage. Sounds like a GREAT idea.

A) Insurance would never pay for this on every person suspected of needing antibiotics. If they did, your insurance costs would go up significantly.

B) You're going to lose a lot of patients if you wait to treat until you're "sure." (yes, lose due to DEATH, not due to switching doctors)

C) A PA isn't as highly-trained as an MD, but somehow you think you're as knowledgeable as a PA (given that fact that you know enough to override his recommendations)?

 

[Deb in IA]

Ask to see the physician next time. And don't take NO for an answer.

You are the patient and you have a right to see your doctor.

 

[luvwinnie]

I see your point...but unfortunately my family and I Have had a few cases where we were apparently more knowledgeable than both nurses and doctors. My father almost bled to death once in a hospital with a great reputation while nurses stood around.

We are all just human. Everyone makes mistakes.