Doctor Visit

 

I had to go to the doctor today.  I hate doctor's offices.  I actually go a clinic called Three Lower Counties adult medicine.  Though I have had no problem with TLC,  I think one has to be aware that places such as these often miss things.  I call it a "treat em and street em place"  You come in, you get seen, they give any meds you need, they check you out to make sure you are still alive, then they send ya home.  I like places like this sometimes because you basically get whatever you come for that day.  Need asthma treated? We will listen to you.  Got a cold? We will give you cough medicine.  Need a band aid we have one.  It's a decent though lack luster way of dealing with people with crappy and no insurance.  Most People with Medicaid or PAC are in this group.  Be careful here though.  You need to be a good advocate here or have a good advocate.  If they are not getting a symptom correct, keep talking.  Remember treat em and street em often misses stuff.

I also don't think these clinics are good if you have complicated medical conditions.  I have a friend who goes to TLC.  But she has a rare condition.  Her condition is called Addison's Disease.  She has a rare form and even though she can walk, she is much more disabled than I.  Everyone who knows her is frustrated by her treatment.  In some cases we feel their lack of knowledge of this disease will cause her to die much sooner than she would have without treatment.  Her body does not make an essential hormone.  We all need this hormone to stay alive.  The man made version of this hormone is not the same as what our bodies make but its the closest we have.  She is in constant pain and has a pharmacy full of pain killers at home.  Yet when she goes to a hospital she is never given doses of the hormone or the pain killers high enough.  TLC is not legally allowed to write prescriptions for this level of pain management.  And pain management places kick her out for taking too much.  Yet if she stays in pain she will use up all of that hormone and die.  Infections are dire.  Even small ones could kill her.  She cannot maintain any job or any amount of stress.  Yet she has to go to a place that sees too may people to give her the individualized care she needs. 

I'm glad I'm just run of the mill CP with a few minor secondary conditions.  Anyway take care and speak up!