Fired by my doctor

[Guest guest]

Hi:

Today I was fired by my doctor, sort of. He will still give me the

Xolair and allergy shots but doesn't want to otherwise see me as a patient.

He got very angry when I told him I had weaned myself off Advair and wasn't

taking Maxair. I told him I felt awful on the medicines, but he didn't want

to hear it and stormed out of the room, telling his secretary to make me an

appointment with a pulmonologist, that he couldn't deal with it. Actually,

once before when we discussed it he told me I could stop taking it if I

wanted and see how I felt. This is the second time he's had a temper

tantrum with me, so I'm actually happy with that decision. I think a doctor

and patient should collaborate on the patient's health care. I'm the

patient and, as far as I'm concerned, the decision-maker.

Had he been willing to listen, I would have told him that I exercise at

the gym and feel wonderful, I power walk and feel fine, I do not wheeze at

all, I feel no shortness of breath, and I think the Xolair is the reason

that I'm doing so well.

I don't see the need to be on a medicine (Advair) that makes me feel

awful, that increases the risk of illness, and which the company, itself,

warns you not to take unless absolutely necessary. Especially when I'm

feeling really great without it.

But at least he'll continue giving me the Xolair shots.

Carol