Diabetic Recipes
The scheduling nurse from the Mayo Clinic called today and said the doctors have agreed to see me. And get this: I have an appointment in two weeks. Yep, two weeks! They're not squeezing me in, they're not making exceptions. I have a regular appointment.
So, I'm sort of stuck between really excited and fairly skeptical. I've made it pretty clear that I have high expectations for my endocrinologist. So on one hand I feel like the Mayo Clinic is the best of the best and my expectations will be met and on the other hand I feel like these people are still doctors in one of the largest cities in the country and likely see a ton of patients and why will they treat me any differently than Dr. S did?
I don't want to go in with guns blazing, but I'm definitely going to take a different approach. I was contemplating asking if I can more or less interview one of the practice nurses to get an idea of how things run. Sort of get a feel for what I can expect when I get there. Ask questions like "Are your medical records computerized?" and "Is there an on-site lab?" And then I decided that it's the Mayo Clinic and I should count my blessings that they've agreed to see me.
I'd like to be able to introduce myself first, to tell the doctor that I'm a writer and editor who has written oodles of pieces on health-related topics including a story for Diabetes Self-Management magazine and that I read and write about diabetes on a daily basis. This may be a little cocky of me, but I guess I want to get my point across that I'm not some schmo who doesn't know what I'm talking about. I want someone to take me seriously and not refer me to Remedial Diabetes 101. Furthermore, why shouldn't my doctor know me as a person as well as a patient?
It may be asking too much, and I've been accused lately of having been spoiled by Dr. C, but I'm still holding out hope that the kind of care I want and need is out there waiting for me to find it.
Please keep demanding. Please keep insisting that you be treated with respect and intelligence.
I think you should be upfront: explain how your last endo made you feel and how you want it to be different.
Likewise, you need to understand that doctors do treat patients that are not intelligent. I had a recent conversation with a T1 mother who said she felt like the doctor was mad at her because her son was running very high for 24 hours and she didnt know his correction factor, or carb ratio when he asked her. Her rejoinder to me was "I never remember what all those numbers are for"
I was a little mad too.
Michelle, I'm so glad you got the appointment! And so quickly!
When I go to any of my docs, I take a printout for them of my meds, allergies, medical history, and current problems and questions. The one for a new doctor is always longer because I want to give them a more detailed background of my problem, whether it's my diabetes, fibromyalgia, or some new issue.
I think the care with which I prepare this and the obvious familiarity with medical terminology and understanding of my condition goes a long way to having them understand that I am very knowledgeable without my having to claim any credentials.
I started doing this because of my "fibro-fog" - fibromyalgia wreaks occasional havoc on memory and ability to speak clearly. The form was to ensure I didn't leave out anything or miss discussing issues I wanted to have covered in the appointment. It also helps in filling out the paperwork they give me at the first appointment.
Doctors have been very appreciative of this, it helps keep the discussion focused, and my comments become part of my medical record. I make notes on my copy so I don't forget answers to questions or any instructions. It makes a good place to put test results, too.
I keep my copy in my planner so I can always refer back to it. When I have another appointment, I can simply revise the form on the computer without having to retype all the information.
I'm looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes.
If this helps, we live in the Phoenix area, and when my husband was very ill we chose the Mayo Hospital, even though it wasn't covered by our insurance. It was worth it. The culture there is to listen to the patient and take all the time they need. We were at Mayo Hospital, not the clinic, and the lab is on site. There is a piano playing in the lobby, so it's very soothing. And the good news for us is that my husband got better, and by some unique situation (he was briefly a transplant candidate), our insurance covered the care. I just got a new wonderful primary physician, and I have a great cardiologist, but I'm interested in hearing how the endo visit goes, too. Good luck!
I live in the Tampa,Fl area and have had severe complications due to diabetes and pancreatitis. I was unable to find a doctor who would listen to me. But when I experienced Tampa General Hospital I knew the difference. They listened and we were able to address many issues. And I have been a year with no hospitalization. I had been in and out. I spent most of 6 mos at TGH. I asked for a referral for a primary care doctor and USF Physcians Group was suggested. What a wonderful find. I have Dr O, who reminds me of an old time doc, who knows his patient and follows up on all care. If mayo clinic is not within reasonable distance I hope this will add the use of college affliated hospitals and clinics.
Positive story on how to be our own best advocate.