Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Physician's Assistants

OK, there are PA's and there are good PA's. My Dr Turnbo used to have a wonderful PA. I could go to Shane anytime and feel confident that I was getting the best care, next to my Dr Turnbo, that I could get. Then Shane decided to move to bigger and better things.....and I don't begrudge him for that for sure. The bad thing is that the PA that took his place is an idiot. I mean a true idiot, in my opinion (and let's face it, that is all that counts). I took Joe to see him once (the last time that Joe saw him because he refuses to see him anymore) and I literally had to tell this person what had been done and what needed to be done. Since when did I go to medical school? Since when did I know what was best medically for my husband? And get this....the idiot did what I said! Am I that intimidating? I don't think so, he just didn't know what the hell to do for my husband. Did I mention that he is an idiot (the PA, not my husband, er well, never mind). I went to see this idiot the week before last because my blood pressure is still elevated. He proceeded to tell me some mumbo jumbo that I clearly did NOT understand and I told him such. I said in these exact words "I do not understand what you are saying. I am not a doctor." I should have said "and you aren't either!" but I held my tongue. He still kept talking in words that were flying over the top of my head and bouncing off of the wall. Hello! Did you not hear me. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING OR TALKING ABOUT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TELL ME IN LAYMAN'S TERMS WHAT THE FU.. YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT! Ok, sorry about the yelling but I am super pissed at the moment.

You see, my blood pressure has been high since, well let's see, since maybe JUNE. They keep trying different meds and I realize that sometimes it takes a while to get just the right combination to control it. I have been patient.....might I say MORE than patient. I called my dr's office today to cancel the appointment I had with the idiot this Friday. I mean really, what's the use? I told the sweet appointment person that I never ever wanted to see the PA again. She looked and my Dr Turnbo had a cancellation for tomorrow at 3:10pm so I shall see him then and believe me, I will tell him what I think of his "assistant." I use that term loosely for sure.

This idiot PA told me that last time I was there that I had a tumor somewhere in my mid section close to my kidneys. Well, that's the first I have heard of it. I asked him why I was not told this before, especially since the test he is referring to was done back at the first of the summer. He had no answer of course. What an idiot.

So, I will see my doctor tomorrow and find out once and for all what is really going on. I feel like asking him to put me in the hospital for tests or whatnot in order to find out what is going on.

Do any of you work in the medical field that might be able to shed some kind of light on that a person is supposed to do? Myself and my nerves would certainly appreciate it.

10 comments:

Vintage Chicken said...

I am so sorry you have to go through this. We did the same round in idiot visits with a Pediatrician and I just finally got fed up and left. The only time I could ever get into see the Dr was after waiting several hours in the waiting room with a toddler - NOT FUN.

Anyway, I hope your Dr. can help you with this...the frustration is enough to make you want to hurt someone! lol

Scott W said...

I am sure Dr Turnbo will straighten things out. I know you won't be shy in telling him about his PA's performance. I think what you are going to do tomorrow is the right thing to be doing in this case, or in any case. That is: Taking Care of Yourself!

And what is this about a tumor in your midsection? You mention it and then drop it. Was he sure? Was he confusing you with another patient? Arrgh!

Zanejabbers said...

I won't see a PA. I go to the DR. I want the Dr.s opinion, not the runner up's. You are doing just what you need to do. Have your DR mark your chart DR ONLY. Mine has done that and it makes me happy.

MichelleSG said...

Yeah I'm going to go in for vote #4 here. Just insist on only seeing your Dr. Your paying for the care, only go for the care you want. Time to take matters into your own hands. Insist on only seeing him. Do not take no for an answer. Do the same for your husband, he needn't see the little moron either.

Flying Lily said...

I hope the doctor has some good advice and perspective...medical care is so worrisome: a high-stakes game in which we can't see the cards we hold...

Trailboss said...

So, who knows what he meant with a tumor. I will let you know what Dr Turnbo says. The PA probably pulled up the wrong person on his little 'laptop'

Wait. What? said...

Gah - how frustrating especially when it has to do with your health and well being! So going straight to the doc is the best choice and your taking care of yourself is a GOOOD thing - I wouldaa cussed the PA out as well! Cat

Callie said...

Geezus! I hope he was reading the right chart, good grief! As a nurse I always encourage my patients, well in my case my parents of pts t really take charge of their health. Kep notes and write a series of questions to ask and go inprepared. I do know this however, that if there is something impeding on kidney function, ie tumor, remembering that most are benign can raise blood pressure.

Bill said...

Let's take a vote:
Who wants to kill the PA?

I'm picturing a re-enactment of the village mob scene from Frankenstein.
We'll start getting organized as soon as I know who's with me on this.

Scott W said...

I am with Bill!