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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by susan C on August 6, 2001, at 12:11:29
I started with my current p doc because my old one wouldn't listen to me after 12 years and my new one came highly recommended by a good, longtime friend. I got only one recommendation locally, who took 6 months waiting time, so now drive 1-1/2 hours and am very happy with current pdoc. I think he has been doing a good job of listening, evaluating and explaining.
Now, be aware I have followed the complaints/opinions on homeopathic/natural cures. I agree. Scientific investigation is best. However, I have myself in a pickle.
My nurse practioner who works with my long time GP, said the answers to my questions would not be in her office. The nurse recommended going to a naturopathic doctor (NPD) for dietary evaluation because she had seen some great results from this doctor. He is a pretty sharp guy. He spends time with me and is willing to explain things. The idea is we are maximizing body function, particularly in relation to menopause symptoms. My pdoc made it very clear he did not deal with this area. I have made it clear to NPD I want to use him to coordinate all my health information, he said he could do that.
BTW both the pdoc and the NPD ran tests that uncovered areas of concern. Some of these were tests that should have been part of my annual exam by nurse practioner.
However, the NPD also gives his opinion that the depakote I am taking is bad and he could investigate natural treatments and work with me on it. I asked him if he had experience with bp, and he said no but he could learn. He is friends with the only good pdoc in town. Now I am wondering if I should ask him to tell me in writing why depakote is bad.
So, here I am, the clash of the Titans, between a rock and a hard place, I started with NPD to have everything in one place and get his perspective, and he is disagreeing with my pdoc, of whom I have a high regard.
so, do I leave the NPD? Do I go back to Nurse Practioner/MD? who never seemed to have time? Do I find a new general practitoner MD or Nurse Practioner, because I still need an annual exam?
What questions do I ask if I do?
It is like sets in mathmatics, sometimes these doctors just don't intersect.
I guess, realistically, I don't expect people in the field to all agree, I know I can't expect myself to understand all of this in detail, yet I feel I need to, but then to end up in arguments with my doctors? and between my doctors? I feel like telling them to Call each other and hash it out.
What is the usual procedure for doctors when they are caring for a patient and they don't agree, do they consult with each other? and, in this case, when they are totally differently trained, will they even talk to each other?
Posted by Willow on August 6, 2001, at 14:44:39
In reply to Clash of the Titans, posted by susan C on August 6, 2001, at 12:11:29
You can listen to what they say. Weigh it against your own knowledge/experience, and then make a decision. But honestly if the natropath hasn't any experience with bp I wouldn't let him use myself to learn on, if I was in your situation. Any chronic illness when it flares can be exhausting emotionally to our self-esteem. In my opinion I would stick with the proven stuff.
Just one of my many opinions.
Willow
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on August 6, 2001, at 22:33:24
In reply to Clash of the Titans, posted by susan C on August 6, 2001, at 12:11:29
> I started with my current p doc because my old one wouldn't listen to me after 12 years and my new one came highly recommended by a good, longtime friend. I got only one recommendation locally, who took 6 months waiting time, so now drive 1-1/2 hours and am very happy with current pdoc. I think he has been doing a good job of listening, evaluating and explaining.
>
> Now, be aware I have followed the complaints/opinions on homeopathic/natural cures. I agree. Scientific investigation is best. However, I have myself in a pickle.
>
> My nurse practioner who works with my long time GP, said the answers to my questions would not be in her office. The nurse recommended going to a naturopathic doctor (NPD) for dietary evaluation because she had seen some great results from this doctor. He is a pretty sharp guy. He spends time with me and is willing to explain things. The idea is we are maximizing body function, particularly in relation to menopause symptoms. My pdoc made it very clear he did not deal with this area. I have made it clear to NPD I want to use him to coordinate all my health information, he said he could do that.
>
> BTW both the pdoc and the NPD ran tests that uncovered areas of concern. Some of these were tests that should have been part of my annual exam by nurse practioner.
>
> However, the NPD also gives his opinion that the depakote I am taking is bad and he could investigate natural treatments and work with me on it. I asked him if he had experience with bp, and he said no but he could learn. He is friends with the only good pdoc in town. Now I am wondering if I should ask him to tell me in writing why depakote is bad.
>
> So, here I am, the clash of the Titans, between a rock and a hard place, I started with NPD to have everything in one place and get his perspective, and he is disagreeing with my pdoc, of whom I have a high regard.
>
> so, do I leave the NPD? Do I go back to Nurse Practioner/MD? who never seemed to have time? Do I find a new general practitoner MD or Nurse Practioner, because I still need an annual exam?
>
> What questions do I ask if I do?
>
> It is like sets in mathmatics, sometimes these doctors just don't intersect.
>
> I guess, realistically, I don't expect people in the field to all agree, I know I can't expect myself to understand all of this in detail, yet I feel I need to, but then to end up in arguments with my doctors? and between my doctors? I feel like telling them to Call each other and hash it out.
>
> What is the usual procedure for doctors when they are caring for a patient and they don't agree, do they consult with each other? and, in this case, when they are totally differently trained, will they even talk to each other?I hear you, Susan; opinions concerning optimal health and the ways to get it can be as varied as
the stars in the sky. I hope you will find
resolution as soon as possible.Best wishes,
Glenn
Posted by mila on August 6, 2001, at 23:57:11
In reply to Clash of the Titans, posted by susan C on August 6, 2001, at 12:11:29
Hi Susan,
definitely find a new GP for your annual exams and for holding all threads together. Once you find one the rewards are immense. Specifically ask them for referrals to the specialists on menopausal health issues (gynecologist, endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist, etc.)
The NPD sounds fishy as you described him. psychiatry doesn't seem to be his area of expertise, yet he has some bold opinions there. I would avoid a specialist of this sort. The less they know the more definitive they sound. I read and heard of some who work wonders but I do not know a single person who was cured or helped personally, and when I see them on tv against 'traditional' doctors they usually sound very pale and unconvincing. I guess, they do not enjoy as much funding as the traditional medicine does, so their claims are much more questionable from the scientific point of view.
best wishes
mila
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