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It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:16 am
by leggo_my_legs
I just wanted to thank everyone who has been gently and persistently encouraging me to go to a specialist or quality of care center. I have been realizing how idiotic it is to allow myself to continue to be miserable, or at least to not know which of my current health symptoms are due to undertreated PMLS vs whatever else is going on with me.

I reached out to Dr. B tonight via email and I have decided to call his office on Monday to schedule an appointment for whenever I can get in, whatever the wait. It will be worth it to fly to southern CA to know that I am in good hands.

The last straw tonight was when I was listening to his Q&A webinar and he said he would never put people on daily Norco due to the unnecessary tylenol and chance of liver problems or kidney problems down the line. My sleep doctor has me on Norco because SHE is uncomfortable prescribing straight hydrocodone; I already have a liver concern! In other words, I am on a suboptimal med for me because of her concern about herself. That's baloney. :evil:

And also she put me on methadone without doing a baseline EKG. She didn't even seem aware that it was needed. Whereas I am already on some meds that can cause prolongation, the effect can be cumulative I read, and heart concerns are an additional risk factor...and I have mildly leaky heart valves.

I am seeing red tonight. But glad because it has given me energy to seek better care.

Previously I was planning on continuing to see her for sleep medicine and just get my meds elsewhere. Not anymore because I don't want to deal with her judgment.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:29 am
by badnights
I have to say, that is the best move you could have made! Dr B knows how to treat this disease. And his background is as a pulmonologist, so he can deal with your respiratory issues intelligently too, I would think.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 1:52 pm
by Rustsmith
This is a decision that you will not regret, even though the travel part can be a hassle. It is a great feeling when you finally get to meet with a doctor who "gets it" and who you know that you can have confidence in his/her recommendations for your care.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:29 pm
by ViewsAskew
I so wish I were already in SoCal for good. I would love to meet you. Next visit :-).

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 5:20 pm
by leggo_my_legs
Thanks so much, you guys.

Yes, next visit, Ann!

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 8:50 am
by debbluebird
Let us know what happens.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:39 pm
by leggo_my_legs
My appt is booked for Oct 30!

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 11:18 pm
by Rustsmith
Wonderful news, that was really quick.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 10:18 pm
by ViewsAskew
YAY!

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 3:00 am
by leggo_my_legs
I got lucky, I think he had a cancellation. Next opportunity would have been Dec or Jan.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:44 am
by ViewsAskew
I rarely have to wait longer than a few weeks to get an appt. But, I am not a new patient, either. Likely has something to do with it. It is one of the reasons I like going there.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:04 am
by leggo_my_legs
This is tomorrow/today!!! I am so excited I can't sleeo! Plus I have to get up in 3 hours. Crap!!! I set like 5 alarms.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:37 pm
by Polar Bear
I get the bit about the 5 alarms. lol...

Can't wait to hear how you get on today.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 6:58 pm
by debbluebird
Let us know what happens.

Re: It's settled! Seeing specialist!

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 7:27 pm
by ViewsAskew
Looking forward to the results!