Here's an excerpt from a post I wrote for BlogHer* on Tuesday about couples and yearly check ups:
I don't have a primary care physician. Instead, I have in my contacts list** (in alphabetical order) an:
-Allergist (2-3 visits yearly)
-Breast surgeon (2 visits yearly)
-Dentist (2 visits yearly)
-Dermatologist (as needed, but usually once every four or five years)
-Gastrointerologist (as needed, which hasn't been for over a year, but at one point was once a month)
-Gynecologist (1 visit yearly)
-Ophthalmologist (1 visit yearly)
-Podiatrist (only used once, after I stepped on a sea urchin in Hawaii)
-Reproductive endocrinologist (2 appointments to determine whether I had PCOS, but I keep the name just in case, sort of like the podiatrist)
With all my various parts cared for, who needs an internist? For the first time in four years, I visited a primary care doctor back in August, but only because some forms filled out to enroll in school. That is when I discovered that my "regular" doctor left the practice at least two years ago. Ooops. The new doctor managed to screw up my vaccine schedule, which makes me less inclined to return for care. Whenever I need a new doctor for any of my organs, I usually can just turn to friends for advice. (If I count my doctor friends, I also have two pediatricians, another dentist, another OB-GYN, another breast surgeon, and multiple colo-rectal surgeons in my contacts list. Plus one primary care physician who I would never trust, but that's another story.)
Probably it would be good to have a primary care doctor to coordinate all my files and keep track of what is going on with me and my team of specialists. Ironically, though, I hate doctors. The thought of adding one more doctor whose job it is to just follow along seems like such a waste of time. I have good cholesterol, my blood pressure is nice and low, and my sodium is a-OK. My weight is healthy for my frame, and I don't smoke, do drugs, or drink. I am the picture of good health, except for all of the specialized health problems that I have...
*And thank you, Zandria, for being the sole comment on that post! :)
*Also, I could use a good therapist to deal with my stress and frustration levels, if anyone in New York City has a recommendation... Anyone?
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"Probably it would be good to have a primary care doctor to coordinate all my files and keep track of what is going on with me and my team of specialists."
ReplyDeleteHahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Oh, you were serious. I had the same PCP for the entire 8 years I lived in NYC. He always seemed surprised when I told him things like "My incisional biopsy went well" and “Are you sure you want to prescibe that for me? I’m *still* allergic to penicillin.”
If you are serious about needing a shrink, let me know. I had a good one who is not too far from where you live, and takes insurance.
Also, I have a new insomnia trick for you, should you need it.
I don't have a primary care doc either. My gynie doc says she can take care of everything, and I go to urgent care for stupid stuff like sinus infections that anyone with a medical degree from a 3rd rate school in the caribbean can diagnose (note: I am not saying that there aren't some very fine offshore medical schools. I just don't know which ones they are).
ReplyDeletewhat other colorectal surgeons do you know??? i'm jealous.
ReplyDeleteOnly the people that I met through you! No need to worry - my ass is yours, Dr. P. :)
ReplyDelete