Is my PCP a jerk? I'm thinking so!!

As directed, I made an appt with my primary care physician to discuss my current medications being transferred to liquids or whether or not they could be crushed. I also wanted to discuss my lab results. So, after waiting over an hour for my scheduled appointment, he whizzes in, speaks and says he just came in to print off something's for another patient. He then turns to me and says "what did you need anyway?" But he really didn't want to know because he jetted out. So about 10 minutes later, he's back and I ask about liquid and crushed meds. His response, "I don't know of any liquid medications and do they make pill crushers?" Uhmm, yea duh! Then he asked me was the Gastric Sleeve the one where they put a ring around your esophagus???? Wth?? By this time, I'm annoyed. So I asked his opinions on vitamins and supplements and he says they don't make much of a difference, I need to get what I need from fruits and vegetables. I'm screaming on the inside "you idiot! I won't be able to eat those things right away!" So I move on to my lab questions. He thinks I shouldn't worry about being pre-diabetic because surgery should help. Ok, I agree with that

Jerk?  Not sure.  Uninformed Idiot?  For sure!  Perhaps it's time to find a PCP who has some experience with weight loss surgery patients!  Tell us where you live, and someone may have a recommendation!

Duh!  I thought your town, etc. was posted, but in the reply view I couldn't see it!  Hopefully someone from Charlotte will have some ideas!

He was the one that recommended WLS so I am stunned. I live in Mint Hill (suburb of Charlotte) NC.

I kind of ignore my PCP. She asked last year why I just couldn't get the weight off without surgery. And when I just revisited her to get new labs, she didn't say anything positive about my life, how I look completely different, am off all of my meds and am now fit.

I think she's jealous, as she looked quite puffier than the last time I saw her.

But yeah, they all aren't as informed as we'd like. My buddy's PCP was against his surgery and instead recommended a book to read, entitled something like "Just quit eating and do some exercise".......

Hi... I'm still in pre-op so I don't have much experience BUT I'm thinking you may need to find a PCP that has more experience with bariatric patients. I'm not a doctor but even I know the importance of supplements. SMH

The Doc's not the right one to ask about crushing. I called my Pharmacist, and she was wonderful. I take almost 20 pills daily. She not only called me back and gave me the info over the phone, she made a print-out of all my meds, notating which pills could be crushed and which could not. For the ones that could not, and liquid forms were not available, she made recommendations for me to take to my Doc. Ended up my two meds which were extended release could not be crushed, so instead of Diltiazem XR 180mg once a day, she suggested Diltiazem 60mg three times a day. Instead of Glipizide XR 10 mg once a day, she suggested Glipizide 5mg twice a day. 

I had an appt with my Doc for clearance for surgery, so planned on discussing this then. Of course I forgot, too much on my mind. Called my Doc, gave her the info, she called the new meds in to my Pharmacy. All done.

As for the supplements and vitamins, my surgeon is the one directing me in that regard. 

Your Doc doesn't seem to be well informed on the different bariatric surgeries, but that's why there are specialties. Maybe he knows all the latest about STD's and treatment for the flu; your surgeon might not be up on all the new treatments for skin fungus, etc. 

He certainly lacks in the bedside manner department. If you don't feel a connection, find another PCP. i love all my Docs. Just had to change Cardiologists to find someone closer to home to monitor my constant bloodwork. But I am  completely happy with all my Docs, after making several changes. 

My previous primary doctor was NOT supportive of surgery and was always rushing around me and I had had enough. I needed her to sign off on the paperwork and she did that, and I quote, "only because you meet the medical definition of necessary, I don't think WLS works for anyone and I've never seen it work for any of my patients, it just causes problems", she didn't elaborate or anything when I asked. Whatever. I bit my tongue, she did the tests I needed... and I never went back. She was one of those big box medical centers and I'll NEVER go to another one.

I found someone in solo practice that was younger (honestly, unless they keep up with the trends, I like younger doctors better because they know the fresher information), kept up on stuff, was supportive of WLS and wasn't rushed. I found THE most awesome primary now. I adore her and she never seems rushed, always seems to care about me and I don't groan when I have to go.

My point? Don't settle for less than what you deserve. And you deserve more.

Candy is right on--find someone who is younger, or who is at least up to date on information!  I am really lucky in that my PCP is in practice with one other doctor, and neither of them have a nurse or PA--they do all their own patient care.  They are very hands-on and have great relationships with their patients as a result.  My doc is totally supportive of my decision to get sleeved, and actually recommended the sleeve when I asked her about WLS back in January.  She told me that I was a perfect candidate for the sleeve and recommended a surgeon for me. 

Your healthcare team should include people who are going to be supportive of your goals.  Don't settle for a professional who is dismissive of what you are trying to accomplish.  This is your health, and you only get one opportunity to get it right!  Good luck finding a PCP who will be supportive of you and work with you instead of against you.

I've been with my PCP for 15 years.. and I adore him.. however, in the past, I have found the best way to find docs... ask the specialists.  They deal with PCP offices all the time and know who is good and who is not.  I found my current PCP after a trip to the ER.  Told the ER Doc I didn't like my PCP, he said he wouldn't take his dog to where I was going... gave me a reccomendation for my current PCP, and it was spot on.  Similar situation with my Endo... my OB/Gyn recommended that Doc to me.