Bipolar Disorder Community

Some of you may know that about a year ago, I had some issues with my pcp (Cathe) - she wasns't as competent as normal and her memory was declining. She has been my PCP for 20 years, and during a majority of that time, she's been brilliant and my biggest advocate. But she's getting older, and I believe that she's at least a year overdue of retiring. She's not totally incapable of doing her job because it seems to come and go - but you don't want a doctor who's skills come and go, you know?

So starting about 2 months ago I've had some medical issues. At first she seemed to be handling it appropriately, then slowly downhill, but nothing major, but neglecting to explain things that she normally would and when I'd ask her (sometimes via email) she would never reply (not like her) Btw, I'm allowed to email her, so I"m not overstepping boundaries by doing so.

So I've had 2 blood tests, both of which showed that my blood is low. When she first saw those results, she reacted totally inappropriatly, i.e. in call caps, HOLY CRAP! YOU NEED A COLONSCOPY RIGHT AWAY!" She told me that I was losing blood and the intestines are the first logical place to look. So I've had 3 different tests to seach the intestinese for internal bleeding, ie. colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy. The first 2 tests results were fine, but we're still waiting for the results of the last one. So I asked Cathe, "Could you please clear this up for me. You said the blood tests showed internal bleeding, but what if all the intestinal tests show no bleeeding, does that mean there is internal bleeding somewhere else in my body?" She said, "no" She said that when one's blood is low, it could indicate internal bleeding, so they rule that out first with the intestine tests. If my last test is normal, then she will refer me to a Hematolgist, blood specialist, to try to figure out why my blood is low.

Well, in meantime, I had to suggest to Cathe to wait to see Hematologist till I've been taking the poly iron for at least a month, then get blood retested to see if maybe my blood levels are normal. To do that rather than just seeing the Hematologist without re-checking my blood. I would have NEVER had to think of something so simple as that because she would have.

Then, in same time frame, I saw cathe for increaed body pain. For the first time in 20 years, she looked at me and said i dom't know what to do. I don't know who to refer you to. That's it! End of appt! So I did research on my own adn found a rheumatolgist who was also covered on my insurance, then emailed Cathe to ask for referral to that perosn. I ended up emailing her at least 8 times and leaeving vmail 3 times; but she ignored me! I was not happy, to say the least. I assured her that I was not TELLING her what to do, but that I was ASKING. I didn't want her to think I was being disrespecful. FInally yesterday she called when I was out and she appologiized and that she had no answer as to why...said this was not like her....said sorry again...seemed almost to be getting choked up toward the end. I emailed her back to thank her and encouraged her to see her doctor if she needs help. She also has bipolar.

She did give me the referral for the Rheumatoligst. I want a complete evaluation because havent had one in well over 15 years. I have new and worse pains and just want it to be reevaluated.

I will soon be asking Cathe for a referral for someone else to replace her to have someone before she retires.
Sorry I talk too much. I'm going to try to edit and get rid of some of these words lol
Debbie