Re:New Book...NCC

[Guest guest]

I agree. I myself am going to find this book. After the whole left side of my

body went numb and my headaches were becoming regular and unbearable, I was

referred to a Neurologist. When I checked in, I took one of his business cards.

It said, " Neurologist/Psychiatrist. " I had a feeling what this guy was going to

be like before I even met him. He was 45 minutes late. The, he actually asked

what I was there for, even though my PCP referred me to him. So, I explained my

list of disturbing and worsening symptoms. Especially the change in headaches

and their location; difficulty swallowing; choking on saliva and food; the

numbness down my left side of my body; growing difficulty walking; and

difficulty thinking clearly. I told him as a nurse, that I was concerned

because this was affecting me on the job. He did the typical neuro-exam.

Although it seemed like he didn't really think he needed to. He did a couple

paper-type tests and a depression questionnaire. Then

he said he'd order an MRI and see me after I had it done. So, I had the MRI.

On the day of my follow-up appt, I checked in and gave the receptionist my MRI

because she asked for it. I waited. Get called back. He comes in and again

asks me what I'm there for. This time, I'm a little irritated. I tell him I'm

there for a follow-up for my MRIs. He tells me he didn't get them. I told him

he does have them and that I gave them to the receptionist. He just says, " Oh,

hold on. " He's gone for maybe a couple minutes. Comes back and says they are

normal. He wasn't even gone long enough to actually look at them! I did and

read the report. I don't remember what they all said, but the fact that he just

went by the report really angered me. Then I asked him what he proposed was

wrong with me. And he said, " I don't know, probably depression. Do you want me

to prescribe an antidepressant for you? " I was completely outraged. I yanked

down the MRIs that I had him put on

the lighboards and stuffed them back in the envelope with the report. I told

him he was incompetent and didn't know what he was talking about. I told him

that depression is typically self-limited and should last roughly 6 months and

resolve on it's own. I told him that depression DOES NOT cause you to have

numbness on one whole side of the body; severe debilitating blinding headaches;

and neck and thoracic pain. I fired him on the spot and told him not to expect

to be paid for these appts. Then when I went out to the receptionist, I told

her the same thing...that I will not be paying for these bills and to not bother

to bill me or my insurance as this doctor is incompetent. I left feeling so

frustrated and outraged.

But, then I read about this book, " How Doctors Think " and how they interrupt

the patient while the patient is reporting their symptoms within 18 seconds and

is already formulating the problem and solution. Even as a nurse, I was

shocked. That may be okay if you have a sinus infection or bronchitis. But, it

is not enough time to think about what could cause a person to have symptoms in

the whole body and especially those symptoms that don't go away, but continue to

get worse. Like us.

Sorry. I got carried away. But, I am glad such a book exists and is authored

by a doctor that can help people get more out of their doctor visits.

Hope all are well today.

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