I am dreading this

I have an appointment with my primary care physician at 3:30 today and an appointment with my rheumetologist at 2:00. I'm going to go back on the darvocet, even though they don't want me to, because it's the only thing that gives me any relief. And I am going to ASK for an MRI. I think the only reason they haven't done one is my hmo insurance. I like my rheumetologist but it's my doctor that has to order it.

Finally, I'm going to ask my doctor about getting a second opinion and tell him that I want to go to Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis. Asking him makes me very nervous. He can be such a smart alec. I have to see the pulmonologist tomorrow to tell him that stopping the advair did not correct the situation with my voice. My voice is so weak and strained since I was last intubated. I think they damaged something. By the end of the day I am hoarse and can't talk loud.

I have thought about it over and over about getting a second opinion. I just don't trust this guy. He forgets a lot of stuff and readily admits that he doesn't know anything about this. My pft's were down ten percent and he acted like no big deal.

Oh well, I've put it off long enough. Wish me luck.

Good luck!!! And if he's a physician with any heart whatsoever, he will not mind your seeking a second opinion, which you deserve. And you deserve the kind of treatment that you can get at Barnes-Jewish (which, from what I understand, is absolutely stellar). You have no obligation to someone who might or might not keep you in pain for the rest of your life.

some of it's magic
some of it's tragic
but i had a good life all the way......
~jimmy buffett

>>And if he's a physician with any heart whatsoever, he will not mind your seeking a second opinion

I'll go one step further and say if he has any sense of professionality at all he won't mind you getting a second opinion. I think any really good doctor should not be insulted nor upset by a patient wanting a second opinion for anything serious, and in fact i think they should encourage it.

it shouldn't even have anything to do with questioning the doctors skill. if it is something important it is always good to have a second set of eyes looking at the problem to make sure all bases are covered, and a good confident doctor should welcome that. different doctors may also have different philosophies as to how to treat a specific problems also, so it is in your best interest to have you know all the options and choose what is most comfortable for you and the doctor should appreciate that. finally if the second opinion supports the first doctors finding, the first doc should realize that the confirmation gives the patient additional confidence in the course of treatment which makes for a better patient and a greater likelyhood of success.

imo beside manner is just as important as technical skill and knowledge (see my post in the general forum, i'm on this a lot today it seems). you have to trust your doctor, and you also have to trust your gut instinct as to whether you trust your doctor and feel comfortable with him.

good luck!

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
-- <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.idexter.com>http://www.idexter.com</A>

((((((((((((((((((((( yokus ))))))))))))))))))))

I am wishing you well, hang in there, you deserve more than that treatment, I wishyou lots of luck getting a good doc, and though it may cause anxiety, speak up and let them know you are not satisfied, and you want the facts about your throat, and the other things too!

** hugs ** to you

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Yokus}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} You are entitled to that second opinion, ya know. Go for it... and don't let that dr forget, either.

<font color=blue>"The winds of change continue rolling and they just carry me away."</font color=blue>

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. Sorry it took ME so long to reply. I really appreciate it.