Well, I just got back from my appointment, and I must say I have never been treated so poorly in all my life. First off, my doctor basically read me the radiologist report word for word. Mind you I was told without this appointment I would not know my results.
Before I went in, I made a list of the symptoms I've been experiencing over the past weeks, which are a lot of the same ones as before but increasing in severity and occurence. I know how busy the clinic is and I try to be prepared so that I don't forget anything and so that I don't have to waste time trying to think of everything off the top of my head.
He has completely ignored nearly everything I've said to him and told me I need to get exercise. I've been exercising the only way I can currently which is in the pool. I go out 3-5 times a week. Basically what his attitude is telling me is that I am being dismissed as an overweight, ex-smoker hypochondriac. That dismissive attitude has been present since day one.
The one possibly good thing that came of the appointment was a referral to an ENT. The ONLY thing he actually was curious about symptom-wise was the sore inside my cheek that has now been there for at least 14 months. I'm also pretty sure the only reason I got the referral is because he doesn't remember me telling him a few months back that it had already been biopsied. Believe me, I am very thankful that he at least looked at that, though it very well could take another 3 months for that referral to go through. It was biopsied and had fully healed back in February, but has since opened back up with a whole new kind of anger.
I was so happy when I finally found out I was approved for insurance because I truly thought in no time I would be finding out what is causing all of this. I am truly feeling defeated right now. My doctor lied to my face more than once today. The first was about the ultrasound. He said a neck ultrasound includes the thyroid...for those of you out there who need one, it does not. The thyroid US is a completely separate procedure and because it was not specifically ordered the tech refused to do it. When I told the doctor that, he said with a smile, "That is because there is nothing wrong with your thyroid." Then I asked him to do the thyroid panel which he said we needed to do in 6-8 weeks. It has been three months. He said, "It is too soon". All of that while sarcastically smiling and backing out of the room while I was still trying to talk to him.
Has anyone experienced such a thing? I know I haven't. I've never much cared for going to the doctor, but I never would have expected that. Anyway, sorry for venting. I am just so sad. I feel like I am losing the will to fight and I don't even know what I'm fighting yet.
