They told me at the ER that I had to get a family doctor, something I’ve been putting off because it’s expensive and there’s a lot of paperwork to deal with. So this morning I went to see a guy who pretty much nodded his head and said, “I understand” no matter what I said (I don’t believe he did – understand, I mean) and wrote me a gazillion scripts I have no intention of filling.
I already told him that. I said I wasn’t interested in taking statins or anything for high blood pressure — blood pressure that’s spiked by the ER visits and lack of sleep. Once I lost weight, my blood pressure reverted to its normal low status. It’s high right now from being sick and the lack of sleep.
As to statins: Well, I’m not impressed as to their safety and effectiveness in women.(And the last thing I need is a drug that increases memory loss. Hello?)
There were a couple of other things, too. But basically, I wasn’t thrilled. It’s nice when you have a doctor you can trust, but this guy doesn’t strike me as one of those. The big plus in his favor? He’s right down the street.
A good doctor, who listens and treats the patient like an adult with the capability to understand ideas and issues, is a treasure. I think many have to cut short explanations because they’re expected to see, what 4-6 patients each hour? Yikes.
I had a dentist who did that, who moved out of state. I haven’t found a good one since. I have a GP because I had to during my HMO years, and I haven’t had the stamina to actually go out looking for new doctor: what with the interviewing, the realization I’d hit another dud, etc.
I had a doc I loved, but she isn’t taking any insurance whatsoever. And I can’t afford the luxury of paying the differences.
I’m so glad, so happy, so relieved that you’re getting coverage come January. I think I can imagine the relief you feel, but maybe not, since I did have health insurance straight through. Paid through the nose and then some and put myself in my current bind, but I had it. And every time I seriously thought about dropping it or going with something really cheap, I got hit with a really serious health issue. First, the thryroid cancer; then, the burns and 30 days in a burn center.
I hope you get relief from the diverticulitis soon. And can enjoy the holidays more now that you know you’ll have coverage!
Blood pressure medication? Stroke and kidney disease?
Blood pressure medication? Stroke and kidney disease?
Hmmmm, I’ll take the BP med.
Have you asked your doctor about Angiotensin II inhibitors like Losartan?
I have elevated blood pressure for the past three weeks from being sick, malnourished and running to the hospital. I’m not going to take a systemic drug for that.
Susie, blood pressure is nothing to fool around with. People get it when they get older. Even my blood pressure has gone from just above dead to 120/80 over the past three decades. I’m lucky. But my mom takes beta blockers and I have other friends who are younger than me who are on medication for blood pressure. As far as I can tell, they are not debilitated. And, there’s always the possibility that a new treatment will come on the market that will replace the older one with a better safety profile.
If I had high blood pressure, I’d take it. I’d take the med with the most specificity and with as many positive qualities as I could find.
Well, you gotta trust your instincts, but I remember something about a doctor taking herself as a patient . . . or was that a lawyer taking herself as a client . . . Whatever, just be careful.