Recent Experiences with the Health Care(Doctors) System

adventure · 10-20-2011, 11:31 AM

I started this as a post in "What's antidepressants like thread" but the more I typed it out, the more heated I was getting and the more I wanted to discuss the topic in length.

I had a seizure 2 months ago for no good reason. I have been baffled by my medical care. I have never had to experience going to the hospital / doctors appointments before now, besides from normal check ups etc., and I am blown away.
I have had CT scans, MRI, EEGs blood work, fucking everything and I can't get an answer, it's scary. I understand if the doctors can't figure it out, somethings are just unsolvable, but its the contradiction I receive that is the scary part. Even among the neurologists themselves.
I also can not stress how important it is to really pay attention to what the doctors are saying.
I do not know how many times I will leave Dr. A office, see Dr. B a week later, and Dr. B says well according to Dr. A blah blah blah. NO Dr. A did not say that stuff, Thank God I took notes. Dr. B ooo umm let me see oo yea well I guess yea.... ummm ok.
Now Dr. B appointment was a waste of my time and money.
Thank God my amazing gf has gone through this with her parents before. I would blindly walk from Dr. to Dr. just going along with whatever they say.

Another thing is the lack of recommending ideas. my Girlfriend and I do a lot of research online. I also have a degenerative disc disease, with sciatic pain. So I'm sitting at the pain management Dr. say so whats next. and he just says nothing..... nothing... So my girlfriend "What about acupuncture, what about trigger point massage, what about heat therapy, etc" the Dr. response.. "um yeah, I guess you can try that stuff" You are a fucking pain management Dr. I didn't say, "what is going to solve my pain" I am asking for suggestions.

One more thing regarding my seizure. Following my seizure they admitted me to the hospital. While I was there, they preformed a video EEG for 22 hours. One week after getting out of the hospital I saw my neurologist, he wrote me a script to have another Video EEG. "I want to see one for 24 hours" what are you going to see in 24 hours that you did not see in 22 hours! Are you kidding me. Way to fuck over my insurance. The Procedure would have cost $4,000 out of pocket.

**SageTree** · 10-20-2011, 11:53 AM

Boo!

Sorry man.

They don't have ANY diagnosis at all?

my_scatterheart · 10-20-2011, 12:02 PM

You see specialists within your network until you find who you're comfortable with. When we shop for groceries we dig through the produce to find something substantial and free of rot. Why would you not do that with your healthcare providers? It's the last thing you want to be complacent with.

**SageTree** · 10-20-2011, 12:13 PM

Agreed. I hope that is an option for you and there are several specialists in your area you can choose from.

adventure · 10-20-2011, 12:19 PM

The only problem is insurance companies do not really like you shopping around. Speaking of insurance companies. I had three doctors that wanted me to get an MRI, but my insurance company keep saying I didn't need it, I had a CT scan that's close enough. I guess once you become an health insurance appraiser you also become a doctor as well.

HTAM · 10-20-2011, 12:56 PM

Being your own advocate is where it's at, vocate?

Seriously. Every time I've gone to the Doctor I've expressed my concerns and had questions to ask about the reason for my visit.

I always get the "Oh, this guy actually cares about his health" look when I meet a Doctor for the first time. I have a list of my concerns condensed into some short questions and observations, and a brief description of my daily life- when I get up, when and what I usually eat, how much physical activity I get, what I do for work. How the problem I'm having is affecting these things.

I'm far more compelled to help someone who wants to help themselves.

Why wouldn't a Doctor feel the same way?

adventure · 10-20-2011, 01:41 PM

I get the look of "Does he think he can do a better job then me" that might not be what they are thinking, but that's what they are exuding. I'm sorry if you think how many bowel movements I have a day doesn't matter, I am going to tell you. All joking aside you would image if a patient seemed to give a damn, so would you.....

**SageTree** · 10-20-2011, 01:59 PM

Remember you have the power here.... they are working for you, don't be afraid to be a little pushy.

I'll be thinking about you Brother.

my_scatterheart · 10-20-2011, 04:37 PM

Social skills ftw.

Captain Cannabis · 10-21-2011, 04:52 AM

i had similar experiences with "the system" years ago with some scary stuff. some things can't be explained by doctors. this can cause different reactions in different doctors depending on their personality. they could give up and refer you to someone else. they could try to give you pills so that you might placebo yourself into thinking you feel better and most importantly leave their office. they might be interested in doing all kinds of tests. or they might be interesting in helping you live with the problem comfortably.

if you don't feel like a doctor is trying to help you, you are probably right. getting a second or third opinion might seem like a lot of work, but in the end your health is all you got and you have to make sure the choice you make is right for you.

adventure · 10-21-2011, 07:58 AM

the only problem is most insurance companies will not allow you to try several doctors. My Neurologist wants me to see a 3rd pain management doctor. My insurance said they will not cover it.

profit · 10-21-2011, 08:48 AM

if you have med conditions take meds for them if you have to and cannabis cannot solve all your problems. but do not take poison: SSRI Stories ..evar.

adventure · 10-21-2011, 09:08 AM

Ummm of Profit... thanks... I think

Captain Cannabis · 10-21-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adventure

the only problem is most insurance companies will not allow you to try several doctors. My Neurologist wants me to see a 3rd pain management doctor. My insurance said they will not cover it.

get a new insurance company or bother them until they agree with you. squeeky wheels and grease or something. i know that i am not american and really have no idea what its like, but its not fair to sacrifice your quality of life to save dollars for a company that agreed to serve your interests. if anything is a matter of principle, this is it.

adventure · 10-24-2011, 01:30 PM

Yea I can't get a new insurance company it doesnt work that way.

**mothernature** · 10-24-2011, 01:58 PM

This really sucks. I'm sorry for you.

Geeno · 10-24-2011, 02:05 PM

I had accupuncture in rehab and let me tell you - it's a complete scam.

I guess it's not if you believe its not... but then its a placebo which is you scamming yourself. Everyone scams themselves in one way or another so whatever hydrogenates your oils.

Dhomnley · 10-24-2011, 02:31 PM

Don't be surprised that there is contradicting advice. Most doctors are quacks because all they are taught in med school is prescribing meds and performing surgery. They don't update themselves either on new meds unless it's in their speciality.

What medications do you take? Your answer will likely reveal the problem.

Doctors will only harm you unless you have an obvious medical condition that is treatable. Otherwise they will do moneymaking tests on you and give you unnecessary meds.

deadhead94 · 10-24-2011, 02:45 PM

My doctor didn't attend Hollywood Upstairs Medical College. He's legit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTz8rKJk-Vw

10-20-2011, 11:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	Recent Experiences with the Health Care(Doctors) System I started this as a post in "What's antidepressants like thread" but the more I typed it out, the more heated I was getting and the more I wanted to discuss the topic in length. I had a seizure 2 months ago for no good reason. I have been baffled by my medical care. I have never had to experience going to the hospital / doctors appointments before now, besides from normal check ups etc., and I am blown away. I have had CT scans, MRI, EEGs blood work, fucking everything and I can't get an answer, it's scary. I understand if the doctors can't figure it out, somethings are just unsolvable, but its the contradiction I receive that is the scary part. Even among the neurologists themselves. I also can not stress how important it is to really pay attention to what the doctors are saying. I do not know how many times I will leave Dr. A office, see Dr. B a week later, and Dr. B says well according to Dr. A blah blah blah. NO Dr. A did not say that stuff, Thank God I took notes. Dr. B ooo umm let me see oo yea well I guess yea.... ummm ok. Now Dr. B appointment was a waste of my time and money. Thank God my amazing gf has gone through this with her parents before. I would blindly walk from Dr. to Dr. just going along with whatever they say. Another thing is the lack of recommending ideas. my Girlfriend and I do a lot of research online. I also have a degenerative disc disease, with sciatic pain. So I'm sitting at the pain management Dr. say so whats next. and he just says nothing..... nothing... So my girlfriend "What about acupuncture, what about trigger point massage, what about heat therapy, etc" the Dr. response.. "um yeah, I guess you can try that stuff" You are a fucking pain management Dr. I didn't say, "what is going to solve my pain" I am asking for suggestions. One more thing regarding my seizure. Following my seizure they admitted me to the hospital. While I was there, they preformed a video EEG for 22 hours. One week after getting out of the hospital I saw my neurologist, he wrote me a script to have another Video EEG. "I want to see one for 24 hours" what are you going to see in 24 hours that you did not see in 22 hours! Are you kidding me. Way to fuck over my insurance. The Procedure would have cost $4,000 out of pocket. __________________ Coming Full Range

10-20-2011, 11:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
SageTree ~Kalyāṇa-mitrā~ Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: In Love Posts: 23,414 Blog Entries: 26 Thanks: 13,070 Thanked 6,768 Times in 4,664 Posts	Boo! Sorry man. They don't have ANY diagnosis at all? __________________ "What's oppressive is letting your life be confined by old definitions of what everything is." -Zen Meister my_scatterheart YaHooka is.... Cannabis lovers from around the world pulling up a comfy chair, picking up a vaporizer, a bong, a brownie, a pipe, or a joint, getting high, stoned, buzzed or healthy. Uniting our minds in conversation...While Portraying a Positive Image of marijuana and marijuana users to the world. Treat your fellow YaHookans with kindness,respect and tolerance.

10-20-2011, 12:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
my_scatterheart Today, I am alive. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 3,565 Thanks: 1,486 Thanked 3,328 Times in 1,870 Posts	You see specialists within your network until you find who you're comfortable with. When we shop for groceries we dig through the produce to find something substantial and free of rot. Why would you not do that with your healthcare providers? It's the last thing you want to be complacent with. __________________ Be mindful even if your mind is full. -J. De La Vega

10-20-2011, 12:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
SageTree ~Kalyāṇa-mitrā~ Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: In Love Posts: 23,414 Blog Entries: 26 Thanks: 13,070 Thanked 6,768 Times in 4,664 Posts	Agreed. I hope that is an option for you and there are several specialists in your area you can choose from. __________________ "What's oppressive is letting your life be confined by old definitions of what everything is." -Zen Meister my_scatterheart YaHooka is.... Cannabis lovers from around the world pulling up a comfy chair, picking up a vaporizer, a bong, a brownie, a pipe, or a joint, getting high, stoned, buzzed or healthy. Uniting our minds in conversation...While Portraying a Positive Image of marijuana and marijuana users to the world. Treat your fellow YaHookans with kindness,respect and tolerance.

10-20-2011, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	The only problem is insurance companies do not really like you shopping around. Speaking of insurance companies. I had three doctors that wanted me to get an MRI, but my insurance company keep saying I didn't need it, I had a CT scan that's close enough. I guess once you become an health insurance appraiser you also become a doctor as well. __________________ Coming Full Range

10-20-2011, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
HTAM Old School Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,872 Thanks: 2,368 Thanked 2,117 Times in 1,179 Posts	Being your own advocate is where it's at, vocate? Seriously. Every time I've gone to the Doctor I've expressed my concerns and had questions to ask about the reason for my visit. I always get the "Oh, this guy actually cares about his health" look when I meet a Doctor for the first time. I have a list of my concerns condensed into some short questions and observations, and a brief description of my daily life- when I get up, when and what I usually eat, how much physical activity I get, what I do for work. How the problem I'm having is affecting these things. I'm far more compelled to help someone who wants to help themselves. Why wouldn't a Doctor feel the same way?

10-20-2011, 01:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	I get the look of "Does he think he can do a better job then me" that might not be what they are thinking, but that's what they are exuding. I'm sorry if you think how many bowel movements I have a day doesn't matter, I am going to tell you. All joking aside you would image if a patient seemed to give a damn, so would you..... __________________ Coming Full Range

10-20-2011, 01:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
SageTree ~Kalyāṇa-mitrā~ Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: In Love Posts: 23,414 Blog Entries: 26 Thanks: 13,070 Thanked 6,768 Times in 4,664 Posts	Remember you have the power here.... they are working for you, don't be afraid to be a little pushy. I'll be thinking about you Brother. __________________ "What's oppressive is letting your life be confined by old definitions of what everything is." -Zen Meister my_scatterheart YaHooka is.... Cannabis lovers from around the world pulling up a comfy chair, picking up a vaporizer, a bong, a brownie, a pipe, or a joint, getting high, stoned, buzzed or healthy. Uniting our minds in conversation...While Portraying a Positive Image of marijuana and marijuana users to the world. Treat your fellow YaHookans with kindness,respect and tolerance.

10-20-2011, 04:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
my_scatterheart Today, I am alive. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 3,565 Thanks: 1,486 Thanked 3,328 Times in 1,870 Posts	Social skills ftw. __________________ Be mindful even if your mind is full. -J. De La Vega

10-21-2011, 04:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
Captain Cannabis safety word: more Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: m.i.a. Posts: 13,922 Thanks: 2,705 Thanked 3,174 Times in 1,812 Posts	i had similar experiences with "the system" years ago with some scary stuff. some things can't be explained by doctors. this can cause different reactions in different doctors depending on their personality. they could give up and refer you to someone else. they could try to give you pills so that you might placebo yourself into thinking you feel better and most importantly leave their office. they might be interested in doing all kinds of tests. or they might be interesting in helping you live with the problem comfortably. if you don't feel like a doctor is trying to help you, you are probably right. getting a second or third opinion might seem like a lot of work, but in the end your health is all you got and you have to make sure the choice you make is right for you. __________________ fuck the monkeys

10-21-2011, 07:58 AM	#11 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	the only problem is most insurance companies will not allow you to try several doctors. My Neurologist wants me to see a 3rd pain management doctor. My insurance said they will not cover it. __________________ Coming Full Range

10-21-2011, 08:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
profit restore the republic Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,255 Thanks: 818 Thanked 357 Times in 237 Posts	if you have med conditions take meds for them if you have to and cannabis cannot solve all your problems. but do not take poison: SSRI Stories ..evar. __________________ Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. follow https://twitter.com/#!/curtiswm - sub http://www.youtube.com/user/66sicksfishstix

10-21-2011, 09:08 AM	#13 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	Ummm of Profit... thanks... I think __________________ Coming Full Range

10-24-2011, 01:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,742 Thanks: 1,852 Thanked 1,466 Times in 1,093 Posts	Yea I can't get a new insurance company it doesnt work that way. __________________ Coming Full Range

10-24-2011, 01:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
mothernature ancientbongmaster Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,232 Thanks: 1,201 Thanked 809 Times in 487 Posts	This really sucks. I'm sorry for you. __________________ Sometimes sleep is the best revenge- Luke

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10-24-2011, 02:31 PM	#18 (permalink)
Dhomnley YaHookan Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 434 Thanks: 19 Thanked 112 Times in 84 Posts	Don't be surprised that there is contradicting advice. Most doctors are quacks because all they are taught in med school is prescribing meds and performing surgery. They don't update themselves either on new meds unless it's in their speciality. What medications do you take? Your answer will likely reveal the problem. Doctors will only harm you unless you have an obvious medical condition that is treatable. Otherwise they will do moneymaking tests on you and give you unnecessary meds.