should I change docs?

[Guest guest]

I have a GI guy that is, from what I'm gathering, a prominent figure

in the large hospital I live near. A good hospital. I have been

having a really difficult time justifying staying with him. I

realize that he comes with up-to-date information, research money (I

assume), and all the other bells and whistles that come with being

associated with a large hospital such as this; but I can't deal with

his bedside manner. He is borderline rude and most times, I feel

like I'm " putting him out " by asking questions about my illness. I

feel my doc and I are in a partnership, but he seems to think he's

the captain of my boat and I'm not to question him. I left my last

appointment having NO IDEA what tests were being run and why. He

spoke to the resident about what he thought might be going on and

what tests he was running. It was all in doc-ese, so I didn't

understand it. Why didn't I ask? Because I have learned in my

previous visits that he sort of makes me feel like crap for asking.

I don't like this relationship at all. I almost don't care if he's

the best in the business because I'm clueless as to what the heck is

going on with my body. I was surprised to find that other patients

like him a lot. Perhaps it's just a personality thing - I don't

know. When I asked the appointment setter/admin person there about

possibly changin docs, she said she'd have to get my doc's permission

first before setting an appt with his colleague (as a professional

courtesy). I understand where she's coming from, but from my point

of view, I shouldn't need ANYONE'S permission to see someone else!

So, I've gotten another recommendation from another doc I respect.

He's not associated with the hospital as far as I know. I guess it's

the difference between a research doc and a private practice one.

What do you all think I should do?

I do have a hepatologist who I like very much. The guy I don't like

only deals with my Crohns/UC, which hasn't given me any trouble,

really, for years. It's not active, and I don't intend for it to

ever get active again! So, it's not something that I feel like needs

critical attention.

Do I go with the guy that is in the forefront of his field or the

dude I'm not sure is in it?

Thanks everyone for your help in this matter. It's really been

bothering me.

Suzanna