I Got "fired" By My Doctor!

[tiredofdoctors]

It was bound to happen eventually, but I got fired by a doctor -- my neurologist! While I want to say that it was my own "fault", I'm not too sure that's the case. I CERTAINLY think I was provoked!

I went in for my every three month test your reflexes -- they're getting worse -- test your muscle strength -- it's fine -- "I don't know why that's happening" visit. I had a list of questions which I wanted answered this time! He has blown off my questions for the last three visits, and I needed to have them addressed. I started to ask them, and he said, "Let's get this out of the way first", meaning the reflexes, etc. That way, he could start walking out the door before we get to my questions. That happens EVERY time.

So, he finishes up, tries to leave and I said, "Wait. I have these questions." I asked him about doing antigliadin antibody bloodwork, since I haven't had it done in over a year. He tells me that "everything he's read" -- articles I gave him -- indicate that I'll always have elevated antigliadin antibodies, and testing really doesn't tell much. HOW ABOUT IF I'M ACCIDENTALLY INGESTING GLUTEN, SINCE I DON'T HAVE GI SYMPTOMS????????? Also, everything he has read -- they all recommend testing at least every six months. Then, I ask about other things, and EVERYTHING I said, he shot me down! I asked him about what the geneticist had sent him. He said that he hadn't received anything. I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE GENETIC COUNSELOR WHEN SHE FAXED IT TO HIM FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT!

Then, he tossed the straw that broke the camel's back: He asks me what was on my neuropsychological evaluation. Obviously he didn't know that it's a FUNCTIONAL evaluation that is designed to target areas of the brain which aren't working properly. So, I told him that it said that I had Occulomotor Apraxia and that my MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) was well within normal limits, with the exception that I did have some increased focus on a chronic illness. HELLO??????? I then made the statement that probably started me on the downhill slide . . . . I told him that the test was given two years ago, and my focus on a chronic illness is virtually NONE because I couldn't give a rat's a** if I ever saw "any of you doctors" again. As I was leaving I told his secretary that he saw my lips move, but didn't hear a word I said. I called the next day and told them that, since NOTHING was accomplished during the visit, I didn't want my insurance nor myself billed for it. I made the comment that my husband said he must be hitting the "senior slide" . . . when physicians in their mid-late 50's are looking toward retirement and really don't want to take on challenging patients. They just want the ones that are the "same old same old" so that they don't have to do any research with regard to their condition.

A week later, I got a notice that, while I was at another doctor's appointment, I received a registered letter from them!!!!!!!!! Still haven't picked it up. I figure it this way: I pay HIM. That means I get to fire HIM, not vice-versa!

When I called my friend who is my former professor, she cheered! She said, "WAY TO GO!!!!! Spoken only like Lynne Ellingsworth-Wagner could!!!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!!" Given that I have MUCHO respect for this lady, I'm thinking I'm not too unhappy about this whole situation . . . . .

[CarlaB]

These doctors are unbelievable! Good for you.

[jerseyangel]

Way to go, Lynne!

[DingoGirl]

Heinous, heinous docotr. tsk tsk. Yup, you need to fire HIS arse. And use these parting words,

"my shadow shall never darken the doorway of your useless practice again." HARRUMPH!!!!

[nikki-uk]

When I read the title of your post Lynne I had to chuckle to myself

.... so you got fired by your doc?? (ha!! a concept inconceivable in the UK with the NHS!)...well GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!

I mean...it really makes you wonder HOW these people are trained physicians and had the brain capacity to get through med school

..yes, as Susan said.. 'HARUMMPHHH' on him

I SOOO admire your tenacity and sense of humour Lynne ...and you deserve better

The search for another neurologist is on eh???

[tiredofdoctors]

Luckily, this was the second neurologist that I went to -- to placate my sister!! It was when she was convinced that I had "conversion disorder". That is a concept that was developed by Freud, and is considered to be a rediculous phenomenon by mental healthcare professionals. My sister is an insurance adjuster -- thought maybe because it is in her "book" that I had it!! I went to this guy because she told me that "he is the best" (I'd hate to see the worst!!).

I told my REAL neurologist what I had done. He is a great guy . . . he just chuckled and said, "Well, you know, some times those things just need to be done." He knows about this guy's ego, evidently. My primary neurologist is the one that is working in concert with the geneticist, the neuro-opthmalogist, the immunologist and the rheumatologist. I'm not concerned because I know that I have him. He's REALLY busy, though, and getting an appointment takes a minimum of three months -- sometimes more.

I told him that this guy had wanted to send me to a "movement disorders specialist". The hysterically funny thing??? My neurologist STARTED the movement disorders clinic at the University of Louisville . . . . when we had NOTHING!!! I studied under him when I was in PT school. I told him about the referral, and I told him how outraged I was. He just laughed. He knows that I can get "feisty", so I'm sure that it didn't surprise him that I said what I did to the other guy. He also lets me "contest" what he says, ask as many questions as I want -- and he follows up on them. So, if I can be content with seeing him every 9 months or so, it will be okay. I will probably tell him that I want more follow-up, and I think he'll try to accommodate that. Like I said, he sees SO many people. They will drive 4 or 5 hours to see him and think nothing of it. He's also a good guy.

I just thought it was funny that a doctor "fired" me . . . . like I said, I PAY HIM. Doesn't that make me the "employer"?????

I think I will send him a registered letter firing him . . . and Susie Q -- I'm going to use your quote!! He'll probably put that at the TOP of my chart, and mark me as a psycho patient!

How could I EVER stir up trouble . . . . . ?????

[jmd3]

I think I would like to take you with me to my next Dr's appt. BRAVO!!!! Can I hire you?

[Mtndog]

Yup, you need to fire HIS arse. And use these parting words,

"my shadow shall never darken the doorway of your useless practice again." HARRUMPH!!!!

I love it! go lynne go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[mouse]

I don't think I ever told anyone what a firebrand Lynne could be. I was having a problem with my local pharmacy over a RX that they kept wanting to give me gereric for. I was so frustrated. Lynne called them and told them she was my neice and it they did not give me the name brand, she was going to call corporate in Oakbrook, Il and lodge a complaint. I have never had a problem since. In fact they are absolutely wonderful to me. LOL.

[tiredofdoctors]

I don't think I ever told anyone what a firebrand Lynne could be. I was having a problem with my local pharmacy over a RX that they kept wanting to give me gereric for. I was so frustrated. Lynne called them and told them she was my neice and it they did not give me the name brand, she was going to call corporate in Oakbrook, Il and lodge a complaint. I have never had a problem since. In fact they are absolutely wonderful to me. LOL.

Metta -- I forgot about that! I was hacked off . . . you were sick and they were being idiots. So, "neice" Lynne made a little call . . . .

Well, I never picked up my letter, and this weekend I received it through regular mail. Or actually, I DIDN'T receive it through regular mail

Here is my letter to my doctor. Sorry it's so long . . . . .

Dear Dr. :

Effective immediately, I no longer will be needing your medical services. I was very disappointed with the results of my most recent appointment with you. When I called to address this issue, I was referred to your office manager. After leaving voice mails and a message through another employee, these calls were never returned.

During my visit on ,I had several questions for which I needed answers, none of which I perceived were taken seriously. Each appeared to be brushed off as insignificant and when all else failed, it seemed as though you reverted to questioning my psychological condition. Sadly, you did not appear to understand that a neuropsychological evaluation is a very functional evaluation. It is designed to determine which areas of the brain are not functioning or coordinating properly. A MMPI is completed at the end of the session. As you will read on my report, it was well within normal limits. In addition, I have documentation from two Psychiatrists stating that my condition, and the symptoms with which I present, are not a result of a mental defect or

[tiredofdoctors]

I think I would like to take you with me to my next Dr's appt. BRAVO!!!! Can I hire you?

I'll go with you, but you don't have to hire me!! I have gotten to the point that I can't stand when a professional demonstrates ignorance in his/her field. Given that I'm not even PRACTICING and I still read books, journals & trade publications, I find it INFURIATING that other professionals don't keep on top of their game. Plus, when I get angry, my voice gets very low, very quiet and my words are very succinct. Also, I try to "lose" my southern accent (Karen, not a word ). My son equates it to a volcano ready to erupt -- you just don't know when. I like that analogy!!

Give me a call -- I'll go with you!!!!!