Are all GP's this clueless

[baddabingtim]

I went to my GP yesterday and asked him for my blood test results - this was a few weeks back before my ENT mentioned sjogrens - I told him what was going on - how I got another blood test and lip biopsy -

He goes on to tell me that does not mean anything - so I have to explain to him that the blood tests are usually 30-40 % accurate and the lip biopsy is the most accurate - he steps out of the room to go look up sjogrens - and comes back and says - yes your are right -

He is a good guy - but I have to be honest, with the Internet and all - I have come to the conclusion that going to a GP may be a waste of time - For example, if I have a skin issue - why not just call a dermatolist and then call the GP's office for a referral -

[eyeamdry]

I can't speak about your GP's intelligence (or lack of) but my GP is pretty good about knowing about a broad range of ailments.  He does, however, like to keep you "there" and have him treat as much of your illnesses as possible.  It keeps things under his umbrella, in his pocket, and in one place.

After much trouble with neuropathy, I finally said to my dr that I want a referral to a neurologist.  Whether you can make the appointment with the specialist on your own depends on your insurance company and the specialists' policy.  Sometimes I can call a specialist and make an appt with no problem and others, it's the referral thing.

Lucy

[MusicGuy]

All in all, I like my GP and the care he's given me.  He went to great lengths to try to figure why I had an unexplained blood clot.  he told me that sometimes, for guys my age, that sometimes they find cancer hidden somewhere.  took awhile, and it was very small, but sure enough, the thyroid did have a small bit of cancer.... itsy bitsy.  he also was the one to think sjogren's and made the referral to an out of town rheumy. 

he also tolerates, very well, the fact that I read lots on the internet and frequently prints out info or gives me links for my reading pleasure.  he doesn't feel threatened by it at all.  He is quick to tell me, and I believe this too, that the lay person really needs to becareful how they interpret what they read about medical info. 

Tim... I believe you did the right thing by informing him of what you knew...and he didn't. 

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

The main thing is - is your GP willing to learn? I've found a few GPs who don't know much about SjS - but then why should they. They may only see one patient with it in their professional career. That's what the specialists are for,.

I have a GP who is very willing to learn and who will look things up and is also a good listener. Usually I don't want all that much from her, other than repeat prescriptions and she's referred me to the right people but I like that all my 'notes' get fed back to her and she can track and coordinate what's going on.

Take care - Scottie 

[JannaLee]

My husband's GP's (there are a slew of them in that office and none of them remember ever seeing him in the past) are completely useless unless the medical problem is one in their set of usual ailments.

Flu shots, sinus infections, maybe the odd wart removal case...these are the things they can handle. 

Unfortunately our insurance requires a referral from the primary care GP for any other medical care.

Grrrr....

[Epson]

Newbie,

Yes, you will need to educate a lot of doctors and nurses.  This  article at this site http://dry.org/fox20020816/guide.htm is an excellent article to hand out to doctors and other medical professionals.  If you have Sjogren's, you will need a rheumatologist, neurologist, dermatologist and an opthamologist and a good ENT that understands Sjogren's.

[baddabingtim]

I guess if I were a GP - I would want to learn about everything - since he sees about 30 patients a day - 5 days a week - you would think he would have some knowledge -

I am comlaining because I had an appt yesterday and waited 1.5 hrs for him - I have went to an ENT and Oral Surgeon and waited about 15 minutes -

Here is a funnier story - about 10 yrs ago I was having sever anxiety and went to a physcholigist - I spent about 10 weeks going to him - in the end I spent my half hour listening to his problems - which I found out where he was losing his license because of having an affair with a patient - and the only money he was getting paid because of this was the co-payment - Thats when I said - Man - maybe I should open an office and hang my shield

[irish]

There are some good docs out there and then there are the kooks. The problem is sometimes it is hard to tell which one is the kook. Irish

[Billydude]

My GP knows I like to do my own research and welcomes it.  If I'm off target then he'll tell me.   We need to have GP's that work with us as a partnership and not be impressed by their own knowledge.   If you sense that your GP is not taking you seriously in what you have to contribute then RUN!!!!
Steve

[Seeker]

I agree with B.D., a GP needs to be willing to work with us.  Unfortunately there are too many GP's out there that have the attitude "Me doctor You not".  A Physician has to deal with a broad scope of ailments.  It's too much for a Physician to handle without our input.  If a GP thinks they know it all, then that GP is to good for you.  Run as B.D. suggested.


Seeker

[ruby52]

I can relate to this.My GP admitted he doesn't know alot about Sjogren's and I understand that.He is willing to help me find a way to cope with issues that come up and the Rhuemy shrugs off.Now the frustrating thing is that I still haven't sorted out who to call for what.The Rhuemy acts like I've betrayed him every time I have consulted with the GP and update him at 3mo. visit.This last time I mentioned I was on an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he had another snide remark to make about not liking that antibiotic.He cut the visit short.It took me awhile to figure out I had offended him again.His nurse has asked why I'm not calling the GP when I called there at the beginning.Well,I will have to sort it out with him next visit it's just so confusing.