Family Practice vs Internal Medicine?? (some TMI, sorry)

I need some advice, please....

I have been having some issues with dizziness and fatigue for awhile and my doc told me it was probably dehydration.   Last week I had an issue with black stool so I called my surgeon's office right away.  They had me come in to have my hemoglobin checked.  In June it was at 13 and now it's at 9.2.  The first thing they thought of was an ulcer so they had me increase my iron from 1 pill a day to 2.   I had an Endoscopy done yesterday.  They found nothing.  Today the surgeon called and told me it doesn't look like it has anything to do with my surgery and to follow up with my PCP.  Well, I don't really care for my PCP because she did not agree with me going thru with the RNY and would not help me out with a recommendation letter or anything.  She always seems to be in such a hurry and doesn't seem to listen to everything I have to say.  So.... I'm looking to switch and am wondering if I'd be better off seeing someone that specializes in Internal Medicine rather than a Family Practitioner.  

Hey you 

Obviously, you need to switch docs.  I don't personally think their specialty matters as much as how well you 'click' with them, and unfortunately, sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs, ya know?

One thought - have you had any female issues that might be contributing to it?  I did years ago and had similar symptoms, so that rang in my mind. 

Thyroid?  Mine went to hell years ago, and that made me really lethargic, plus I lost my eyelashes and my hair got really thin.

Low Blood Pressure?  Could be a number of things, you just need to have a thorough exam, some labs taken, and go from there. 

If you know anyone who goes to the same clinic you do, ask for recommendations! 

GOOD LUCK!

Hey Darla!

Yep, I had the Mirena IUD inserted in June and have been having problems with heavy bleeding and irregular periods.  That issue seems to be under control right now, hopefully that issue has been taken care of.  So I can see where that would bring the levels down. 

I had a partial Thyroidectomy about 17 years ago and have been taking Synthroid ever since. 

My blood pressure has also been low since I've had the RNY.

I am definately going to switch providers and have a thorough exam done.  

Thanks,

Brenda

If you have an EAP program through your employer, you could always check with them and they may have a recommendation for you as well. Or, a nurse triage line through your healthcare insurance is another good resource.