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New Primary Doctor
I had the same primary doctor all throughout my childhood, teenage years and early twenties. He was great and had a lot of experience working with patients with disabilities, but eventually I did age out of his care. He treats primarily children and teens, but because I knew him so well he let me stay a little longer.
For me, my pulmonologist is the one I see the most, but I still need to have a primary physician for checkups and such. I’m going today to see one, and hopefully this person will work out. It took several tries to find one who was accepting new patients and who had some experience working with patients with disabilities.
Do you all have any tips for this transition? I think most of us become so comfortable with our doctors that switching physicians/offices can be kind of a hassle.
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4 Replies
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I just got back from the appointment. It went well. The doctor was very easy to talk to and down to Earth; and though she didn’t have much experience working with SMA patients, she listened well and appeared to grasp all of the important issues.
Really I only need a primary doctor for things like quick checkups, physicals and if I get a cold or something. I still see my pulmonologist and neurologist the most, but I’m glad to officially have a primary doctor so I can check that off the list.
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To be honest, when I was growing up, the only time you saw the doctor was when you were sick. Now that I’m getting older, I’m starting to see my internist a couple of times a year, and of course, I’m now seeing my neurologist on a more regular basis now that I’m on active treatment.
I’ve never had to transition from one doctor to the other. I guess I am more the exception than the rule. I will say that I am more knowledgeable about what I want and need than I was when I was younger.
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My primary doctor never really totally agreed to become my primary physician, I just kept going to him. He’s certainly not an expert on SMA. Lately I think he’s been trying to pawn me off by referring me to a couple specialists. Unfortunately they were worthless to me, so I’m afraid he’s stuck with me until he retires. Glad to hear your appointment went well. A good rapport is most important.
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My Primary is just a generic doc, but he figures I’m the expert in my own health, listens to what I need, and is easy to work with. Really what you need in a Primary. And only a 5min drive away!
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