Re: first visit with gastroenterologist MD tomorrow, need suggestions, sorry, long

September 20, 2011

Ooh girl. You have several options of recourse. First, make an appointment,

phone appointment not sure if you're still in the hospital. Make an appointment

with the hospitals Social Worker or Patient Representative. They are your

mouthpiece. They will listen

to you. They are typically Susie Sunshine and without intimidating him, will

explain your issues.

Another suggestion is to write in PRINT your questions and comments. Be factual.

No comments on his manner, because frankly, he won't care.

If after he leaves your room and you are dissatisfied, pick up

the phone, and have the hospital operator ask to have the HOUSE SUPERVISOR sent

to your room immediately. Tell her/him the problem with the doctor. He will

still be in the hospital and she can contact him to discuss your particular

case.

If that doesn't work, perhaps there is another hospital in your area. You may

get the same doc, but the hospital policy may be a little tougher on the

doctors.

I feel if you put your issues in writing, he may prefer this so he can

adequately address your questions and get on to the next patient.

I have a friend and her son with Crohns and its exhausting, I'm sure. Its a

shame that your doc is acting like a pinhead. He may be worried that you may

overly embellish and slow him down. But, even that doesn't excuse his poor

bedside manner.

When you hand over your written issue of concerns, explain that you appreciate

that his time is limited, but you want to be sure all your questions are

addressed in the interest of time.

I'm sure Bennie will be able to add some pearls of wisdom. She worked in a

hospital much longer than I did.

Ellen

>Jeane wrote:

>Tomorrow I finally see the gastroenterologist for my Crohn's. I'm in

a particularly bad flare-up. This flare started in early July and I have been

seeing my Internist, pain management doctor, cardiologist and the

gastroenterologist doctor's nurse practitioner but not the gastroenterologist.

>The pain goes from a constant 5 plus to 10 to the nth every day.

Fifty milligrams of Tramadol, four a day, is not giving any coverage but it is

better than a handful of Tylenol.

>They are not permitting me to see the doctor in the practice whom I

have confidence in and a rapport, only this one. This is the only

gastroenterology practice for about 150 miles plus and going out of

town is not an option.

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