Groups > Menopause-The Joys and Surprises

Mockingbird, I ask for a copy of the blood work / lab results to be sent out, keep them in my binder at home. I like to see the actual numbers on everything. One time they said everything was normal, I asked for my cholesterol numbers and the nurse said "OH"...as in oh, they didn't run those. Someone forgot to check that box off when they did the blood draw.

As Carol suggested, make sure they checked your thyroid.

Ordinarily I'm really on top of things but the past two months haven't been so hot. I also usually get copies of my records every once in a while for other doctors and keep a file for myself. I've had doctors nearly kill me as well as hospitals so I try really hard to be a good medical consumer and not stick my head in the sand like so many people do.

I work in a hospital and even I don't trust them! There are too many variables to one's care and every element is compounded by human error. Please, please, for your own sakes...always take someone with you when you go to an ER or a doctor's appointment, even if it is only a so-so friend or a caring neighbor. If you are given pain meds or have an allergic reaction, you need a spokesperson that will make sure that you have immediate and appropriate care. It doesn't matter who you are, your intelligence, your ability to pay, etc. People make mistakes...and healthcare mistakes are the deadliest!

Lovely goddess,

I agree 100% with you. People who are generally not in the medical field feel overly and wrongly confident in the care that they are going to receive in a hospital. I have had life and death situations occur several times by doctors and nurses and once was molested by a doctor. It is not a safe place and that doesn't discount all of the viruses roaming about everywhere. When anyone I know, let alone a family, must be hospitalized, we set up a 24/7 schedule so that one of us is always there in the room, walking to CT, etc. When doctors want to try something new/different, we convene a caucus for them to reckon with. I worked in hospitals for many years in the mental health divisions but of course got to know the scoop on everyone. I feel that I've seen it all and it scares the crap out of me! The last time I was whisked off to the ER was because my doctor ignored the warnings of drug interactions in my file and rx meds that had a terrible neurological toxic effect. Within 10 minutes of my arrival, my eldest son was there with me and my other son and both daughter in laws were calling constantly on their way to the ER. I have taught them well I believe. One dil is an attorney which always helps some.

When I have been hospitalized in the past 12 years or so, very few times, I read my own chart since I know how to. The hospital staff doesn't like this. But the chart legally belongs to me and I am most aware that a little knowledge in the wrong hands can be a dangerous thing but I know much more than the regular lay person. So I make lists for my doctors of questions and if I have a doctor that doesn't like my style, I fire them. Its my life and I am the consumer and must be an educated one or have people about me with my best interests who are.

Sorry for the rant. Got it out of my system, but people please, and I'm sure the Goddess with agree, tons of mistakes are made at hospitals. They are understaffed and not always with the best educated staff. Most of the doctors you see are either young residents who know very little about anything or older doctors who've not kept up with the "times. Most of the nurses know more than the doctors but I've had a few that were quite scary.

One really important question Goddess: Are teaching hospitals better than private hospitals in terms of care and patient advocacy? I am a patient of the ginormous system of North Western in Chicago and I am really concerned.

Thanks!!

Rant away! It's good for the soul! I liked what you said about firing your doctor. Too many people place too much trust in the man/woman with the MD on their badge. Too many people feel that they don't have the right to question...if something doesn't feel right, ASK! Any physician worth anything will take the time to answer you. If he/she gets frustrated, balks, demeans, or ignores, you have the right to speak to someone who will properly care for you.

That being said (I ranted a little, too!); I have worked for private, county, and teaching facilities....I like the teaching facilities the best. Yes, there is a chance that you will have someone at your bedside who looks twelve, but they are learning and asking questions. The system is designed to provide them with mentors and more experienced physicians to guide them through your medical care. There is always a higher source to utilize as a resource. At the private hospitals, the MD's are treated like Gods and are never questioned and there is definitely a "good old boys club" in place that will protect the incompetents when/if they screw up...not a comforting thought! County hospitals are fine (these are state supported to treat the uninsured and indigent.) The main concern with these places is that the equipment is not upgraded often and the staff is almost always overworked and underpaid.

Please, everyone...be your own best advocate. Ask questions. Know your meds. Do research (WebMD is my personal favorite.) Don't be afraid to go see your physician and definitely don't try to heal yourself if there is something truly wrong. Just go in armed with information, guard up just a little, and a spokesperson. It truly could be a matter of life and death.

I totally understand about the gaining weight. I was always a size 4 now I have gained 20lbs. also as far as not trusting hospitals/doctors I understand that you need to be on top of things and ask questions. Yet you need to trust your doctor. I am about to under go my4th back surgery. My nerves are damaged and have been on pain meds for over a year,.If you can't trust your doc who can you trust?

I am glad you found a physician you can trust. It is so important! I have found that most MDs are wonderful, intelligent, caring people who are devoted to saving lives and healing. I ranted previously about the scary few that are out there who shouldn't still be 'practicing' medicine. It is rare but can be dreadful if you happen to need care and you don't have a choice. That's why it is so important to be able to rely on a friend or loved one to be an advocate for you.

I am sorry about your back. I, too, suffer from spinal issues as does my husband. He has had to have surgery twice; I have been able to avoid it so far and hope to continue to do so. Be Good To You and Good Luck with your surgery. May healing be quick and pain be minimal!