So I saw my cardiologist today...
- Thread starter propita
- Start date
Slightly annoyed that you only quoted that part of my post and not the rest, since a lot of what you said goes along with the rest of my post. I do agree that people should be more engaged in their own health care as well, one thing I did not explicitly state in my own post.
Talked with Hubby about the doctor. He agrees I should look for another in the near future.
And I will try to keep down the "blogging" threads. Looking objectively at Rii's posts (after drying my eyes), he has a point. I've been house-bound for 2 months studying and this has been my main outlet for any communication. My friends don't want to interrupt my studies and they're busy with learning to be lawyers--I didn't want to bother them, especially since I've been so single-minded (well, dual-minded: Bar and health).
Oh, and it's "propita" with a lower case "p". Inaccurate as it's an acronym, but that's the way it is.
And I will try to keep down the "blogging" threads. Looking objectively at Rii's posts (after drying my eyes), he has a point. I've been house-bound for 2 months studying and this has been my main outlet for any communication. My friends don't want to interrupt my studies and they're busy with learning to be lawyers--I didn't want to bother them, especially since I've been so single-minded (well, dual-minded: Bar and health).
Oh, and it's "propita" with a lower case "p". Inaccurate as it's an acronym, but that's the way it is.
Actually, I barely know propita (though I do like her, of course). It was a response to mini-modding. If you want to discuss it further, please PM me instead of continuing in this Thread.
Sorry, I was actually agreeing with you. I probably meant to quote the whole first paragraph-- it was very early.
Yep. I have been on some from 2002 until February of this year when I ran out and didn't want to see that asshole doctor of mine ever again.
Probably should be on them, but oh well...
I would take as many meds and treatments I could get if I were in your situation.
You're becoming a lawyer right? You think the stress level is somehow going to go down?
It isn't too late to change careers to something more easy going.
You're becoming a lawyer right? You think the stress level is somehow going to go down?
It isn't too late to change careers to something more easy going.
To be fair, I work with someone who does required medical education lectures for doctors, and the rules regarding interactions with pharmaceuticals have really become strict lately. It used to be that the big pharma companies would sponsor lectures and cover the venue, food, and speaker's expenses. Now they're prohibited from direct sponsorships. There is an exception, but it requires the lecturer to submit the entire presentation to a neutral third-party for approval ahead of time to show that the content is not influenced by the pharmaceutical. There's also tighter reins on all the freebies they used to give out.
Most states require doctors to attend a certain amount of continuing medical education lectures each year in order to keep their license to practice. In Illinois, the requirement is 100 hours per year, so doctors really have to stay on the ball and make sure they're getting enough. It was easier when the pharmaceuticals used to sponsor dinner lectures but now medical organizations are having to pick up the tab.
While I agree that it's good to take an active role in your health, you have to be really, really careful when you disagree with an expert. It sounds like you're predisposed towards not wanting to take these medications. You might want to determine why, given your situation, he thinks you should take them. Maybe he has good reasons that you aren't aware of or listening too?
Or, maybe you're right and you don't need them. A 2nd opinion could be good. But, don't dismiss it out of hand.
Also, an example from my grandfather. He had high bloodpressure. And, his doctor wanted to treat it very aggressively. Much more so than the norm for that time. So, he prescribed more than other doctors would've. The medication caused my grandfather to faint a couple of times (too low of a bloodpressure I'd imagine). So, the doctor tinkered to get it just right.
At the time, others in the family were thinking that perhaps it was too much. I had my doubts. However, the standards that this doctor were aiming for are today's norms. He was just ahead of his time. When my grandfather asked the doctor for more information, the doctor went into details about the latest research, etc. So, at the time, he decided to stick with him.
Mr Awe
Or, maybe you're right and you don't need them. A 2nd opinion could be good. But, don't dismiss it out of hand.
Also, an example from my grandfather. He had high bloodpressure. And, his doctor wanted to treat it very aggressively. Much more so than the norm for that time. So, he prescribed more than other doctors would've. The medication caused my grandfather to faint a couple of times (too low of a bloodpressure I'd imagine). So, the doctor tinkered to get it just right.
At the time, others in the family were thinking that perhaps it was too much. I had my doubts. However, the standards that this doctor were aiming for are today's norms. He was just ahead of his time. When my grandfather asked the doctor for more information, the doctor went into details about the latest research, etc. So, at the time, he decided to stick with him.
Mr Awe
propita, just a quick note from me....DO find another doctor. One that you feel comfortable talking to and one that you trust. And it wouldn't hurt to look up their "record" so to speak. I'm pretty sure there are sites that have that information. I need to do this as well...i need to find me a new orthopedic. It is such a pain in the ass to find a new doctor though! GAH!
It can be, and it can be easy too. I recently had to go to a specialist. My question to my GP when he told me this was, "Who would you go to?" The GP then checked my insurance and his office called and set up the appointment. I've been thrilled so far with the new doc.
The mechanics of finding a new doc can be simple (I hope, as I need to find a new specialist, myself), but it's the getting off the dime and deciding to seek another opinion or doc that can be hard. It's like we don't want to hurt the first doc's feelings or something. As much as I dislike my primary care physician (because she's not careful and doesn't listen), it wasn't until my husband said, You're changing doctors, right? that I even entertained the idea. Like, I don't want to be rude . . .
The fact of the matter is, if you trust your doc and have a good rapport, you're more likely to mention passing symptoms and catch stuff early. You won't do this if you think (1) he'll just prescribe some more medications, or (2) he'll blow you off.
The fact of the matter is, if you trust your doc and have a good rapport, you're more likely to mention passing symptoms and catch stuff early. You won't do this if you think (1) he'll just prescribe some more medications, or (2) he'll blow you off.
Well, I'm gonna continue with him for at least a while.
I AM DONE WITH THE BAR EXAM!!!!!
Tuesday at the Bar, I got nervous as anything. I don't like how I answered the three essays and hope I didn't blow it on those alone. I really liked the afternoon's Performance Test, so I'm hoping that helps.
My bp must've soared because it hurt across my chest, down my left arm to my hand. In the afternoon, it hurt down to my right hand, too. It was NOT a heart attack--they don't last two days. Anyway, it was "just" my muscles (which are always tense, scaring some masseuses at one of those Chinese massage places) REALLY tightening up. My fingers wouldn't straighten out. Pain, pain, pain. Lots of very hot showers to get the muscles to relax a bit.
Wednesday was 100 multiple choice questions in the morning, another 100 in the afternoon. Muscles still sore but not as bad. But my bp was around 170/100. Oops!
Thursday...today. Feeling better physically. Almost no pain at all and looking forward to finishing. I liked my answers both morning and afternoon.
The test finishes and I AM FEELING GOOD!! At least physically. Looking forward to seeing how I react without all this stress. Where before my chest was tight, now it's light. Just amazing. I did feel kinda bad walking out, that Dad wasn't there as he had really wanted to be, like a bunch of other fathers were there waiting for their daughters. Cried a little at that, but Hubby said not to worry, if there was any way for Dad to be there, he was there.
So we drove from Pasadena to Fullerton--getting ready to go to Disneyland tomorrow. Dinner at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate and we're exhausted. Gotta stay up a while because I don't want to sleep on a full stomach.
I either passed, or failed by a really close call. I'm not going to worry about it, but I know I'll think about it sometimes. But I don't care right now. It's over and I'm feeling just fine. It's funny, we go out for dinner and the hostess asks "And how are you this evening?" I break out a HUGE grin and say, "I'm just great! It's just great!" What an i-dot! I don't care. I'm happy. Very very happy.
Oh, and Hubby and I are (for now) decided that, even if I pass, I won't work more than part-time. We want to travel and enjoy life and we don't think we can do that (knowing us) if we're both working full time.
Today--life is very good.
Thank you all, each of you posting in this thread and even those who didn't, for your support, advice, and just putting up with me.
(Told you all that you'd see a different propita once this was over)
I AM DONE WITH THE BAR EXAM!!!!!
Tuesday at the Bar, I got nervous as anything. I don't like how I answered the three essays and hope I didn't blow it on those alone. I really liked the afternoon's Performance Test, so I'm hoping that helps.
My bp must've soared because it hurt across my chest, down my left arm to my hand. In the afternoon, it hurt down to my right hand, too. It was NOT a heart attack--they don't last two days. Anyway, it was "just" my muscles (which are always tense, scaring some masseuses at one of those Chinese massage places) REALLY tightening up. My fingers wouldn't straighten out. Pain, pain, pain. Lots of very hot showers to get the muscles to relax a bit.
Wednesday was 100 multiple choice questions in the morning, another 100 in the afternoon. Muscles still sore but not as bad. But my bp was around 170/100. Oops!
Thursday...today. Feeling better physically. Almost no pain at all and looking forward to finishing. I liked my answers both morning and afternoon.
The test finishes and I AM FEELING GOOD!! At least physically. Looking forward to seeing how I react without all this stress. Where before my chest was tight, now it's light. Just amazing. I did feel kinda bad walking out, that Dad wasn't there as he had really wanted to be, like a bunch of other fathers were there waiting for their daughters. Cried a little at that, but Hubby said not to worry, if there was any way for Dad to be there, he was there.
So we drove from Pasadena to Fullerton--getting ready to go to Disneyland tomorrow. Dinner at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate and we're exhausted. Gotta stay up a while because I don't want to sleep on a full stomach.
I either passed, or failed by a really close call. I'm not going to worry about it, but I know I'll think about it sometimes. But I don't care right now. It's over and I'm feeling just fine. It's funny, we go out for dinner and the hostess asks "And how are you this evening?" I break out a HUGE grin and say, "I'm just great! It's just great!" What an i-dot! I don't care. I'm happy. Very very happy.
Oh, and Hubby and I are (for now) decided that, even if I pass, I won't work more than part-time. We want to travel and enjoy life and we don't think we can do that (knowing us) if we're both working full time.
Today--life is very good.
Thank you all, each of you posting in this thread and even those who didn't, for your support, advice, and just putting up with me.
(Told you all that you'd see a different propita once this was over)
So, we're back to our regularly scheduled propita, then? 
Congratulations on finishing. I'm glad you're feeling better-- being happy is the most important thing. When do you find out the results of the test?
Glad you got to celebrate afterwards! Take some time to recuperate.So, we're back to our regularly scheduled propita, then?
I'm hoping this is the "new and improved" propita--the one I should always have been. With some self-confidence and far more relaxed.
Results come out November 19. I may not look at them for a day. I don't know.
It's almost 7 am and I'm ready to hit Disneyland and go to Club 33 and spend some money on useless souvenirs that I want anyway. ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
PROPITA, congrats on getting past the exam and coming out alive!! Enjoy Disneyland and life now!
Awesome, propita! Glad you made it through in good spirits.
Oh, it can't possibly take them that long. They're just being mean.
Just our of curiosity, what did you have to do to get on the list for Club 33?
