Frustrated with weight, pain, Doctor, trying not eat the frustration

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soummer
soummer Posts: 52 Member
edited March 2016 in Motivation and Support
Have had to change doctors 3 times now because they keep dropping Medicaid/Obamacare. Have seen this newest Dr twice, each time asking for help with weight issue and arm pain. He told me to use MyFitnessPal on the first visit, with no other weight advice except that I was to do research on weight loss medication. Disregarded the arm pain entirely.

Second visit, will not talk about weight until third visit in one month. Took me off Lasix, which is a "water pill" that my cardiologist put me on for congestive heart failure, said unless I was having a CHF episode I didn't need it. Did schedule me for an MRI for the arm.

One week later, I've gained several pounds, my ankles are swollen, my legs feel heavy; Medicaid will not authorize the MRI until I get physical therapy. Contacted my doctor, who told me we would discuss that at the next follow up... which is not until March 29.

So 3 more weeks flailing in the wind. I really wish I could back up a doctor or two :/

Replies

  • JLG1986
    JLG1986 Posts: 212 Member
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    So sorry to hear about your struggles with doctors :( I really have no advice, just want to offer support. I hope someday our American healthcare system will be more focused on HEALTHcare, rather than just Crisis-care.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    You will have some swelling after going off a water pill. It should subside before your next doctor's visit. You will also lose those extra water weight pounds. Bonus!

    http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/womens-heart-attack-symptoms

    Regarding research on weight loss medication, I can save you a lot of frustration. You can tell him you did your research and you don't see the point in taking anything that is ephedrine or caffeine based. You might as well start your day with a cup of coffee.

    Do MFP daily so you can show your log to the new doctor.

    Physical therapy for what? The arm?
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
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    With CHF, I would look around for a specialist for your heart. Not all GPs have the most current information, or even get much in-depth information for different things, so for a specific condition, you might be better off seeing a specialist once a year or so.

    And I have no idea how limited you are for doctors with Medicaid, but I would keep looking for a doctor. Sounds like he's not really listening to you or dismissing some of your issues because you're a woman (not all male doctors do this, but a surprising number do). Keep going to him until you find someone you're comfortable with and will listen to you, but keep looking.
  • soummer
    soummer Posts: 52 Member
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    JLG1986 wrote: »
    So sorry to hear about your struggles with doctors :( I really have no advice, just want to offer support. I hope someday our American healthcare system will be more focused on HEALTHcare, rather than just Crisis-care.

    Thanks, I was feeling really down for a while. Now I'm just angry ;)
  • soummer
    soummer Posts: 52 Member
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    jgnatca wrote: »
    You will have some swelling after going off a water pill. It should subside before your next doctor's visit. You will also lose those extra water weight pounds. Bonus!

    http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/womens-heart-attack-symptoms

    Regarding research on weight loss medication, I can save you a lot of frustration. You can tell him you did your research and you don't see the point in taking anything that is ephedrine or caffeine based. You might as well start your day with a cup of coffee.

    Do MFP daily so you can show your log to the new doctor.

    Physical therapy for what? The arm?


    I will have to check out that link, thanks for providing it. I know, the weight loss pills are a joke, especially for long term major weight loss. MFP is my daily habit! Yes, PT for the arm.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    Is physical therapy covered by your plan?
  • soummer
    soummer Posts: 52 Member
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    dubird wrote: »
    With CHF, I would look around for a specialist for your heart. Not all GPs have the most current information, or even get much in-depth information for different things, so for a specific condition, you might be better off seeing a specialist once a year or so.

    And I have no idea how limited you are for doctors with Medicaid, but I would keep looking for a doctor. Sounds like he's not really listening to you or dismissing some of your issues because you're a woman (not all male doctors do this, but a surprising number do). Keep going to him until you find someone you're comfortable with and will listen to you, but keep looking.

    The cardiologist I mentioned is for my heart, am i misunderstanding?

    I am limited in how often I can change doctors, so that's an issue. Fortunately for me, my future husband has excellent private insurance. I just need to survive until then! Bonus, he, goes to the doc i tried and like, but who stopped taking the medicaid. So i can go back to her!
  • soummer
    soummer Posts: 52 Member
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    jgnatca wrote: »
    Is physical therapy covered by your plan?

    Yes, it is, I am trying to determine whether or not a physician referral is necessary. I know it is not for some services.
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
    edited March 2016
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    soummer wrote: »
    dubird wrote: »
    With CHF, I would look around for a specialist for your heart. Not all GPs have the most current information, or even get much in-depth information for different things, so for a specific condition, you might be better off seeing a specialist once a year or so.

    And I have no idea how limited you are for doctors with Medicaid, but I would keep looking for a doctor. Sounds like he's not really listening to you or dismissing some of your issues because you're a woman (not all male doctors do this, but a surprising number do). Keep going to him until you find someone you're comfortable with and will listen to you, but keep looking.

    The cardiologist I mentioned is for my heart, am i misunderstanding?

    I am limited in how often I can change doctors, so that's an issue. Fortunately for me, my future husband has excellent private insurance. I just need to survive until then! Bonus, he, goes to the doc i tried and like, but who stopped taking the medicaid. So i can go back to her!

    I wasn't sure you were still seeing them, my bad! And seriously, if your cardiologist tells you to take something, I would consider that overrides what a GP says. At the very least, your GP should be in contact with your cardiologist so your records can keep up to date.

    And I hear you about insurance! I had none until I got married, so there were a lot of things wrong that I was finally able to get checked out after we were married.
  • honnie43
    honnie43 Posts: 17 Member
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    That's so frustrating I know my moms got dementia know has insurance with Obama care but we have had three doctors in 9 months they keep changing on if take it . The new one she sees I don't care for but trying to make it work for her. Hang in there if you need to vent your welcome to add me dear .
  • soummer
    soummer Posts: 52 Member
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    dubird wrote: »

    I wasn't sure you were still seeing them, my bad! And seriously, if your cardiologist tells you to take something, I would consider that overrides what a GP says. At the very least, your GP should be in contact with your cardiologist so your records can keep up to date.

    And I hear you about insurance! I had none until I got married, so there were a lot of things wrong that I was finally able to get checked out after we were married.

    No worries :) Honestly, I do not trust the GP to reach out to Dr Cardio. I may stop by his office in person and chat with the ladies at the desk. They are the real movers and shakers!

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