I need to find a PCP that is willing to learn & Understand, know of a good one? (endocrinologist)

[maryluna]

I just came from my PCP today and I am devastated. I had a weightloss surgery that is not as well known as the lapband or gastric bypass. I had it out of state so I needed her to run the lab tests and follow ups for me. I also have more malabsorption than the RNY so I need more labwork and testing than those patients do. Well my doctor was extremely hesitant to do the extra labs I asked for. She also seemed very unwilling to learn anything about my surgery. She kept trying to prescribe me fat soluble vitamins even though I have told her time and time again I don't absorb those, that I can only use the dry form of Vitamin A, D, E, & K.

This is the second time I have seen her and every time I come out of her office, frustrated, defeated, and very sad. I do not think this is the way it should be when you go see your PCP. I just want a doctor who will listen! Who will take notes! Who will be willing to read an article or two to see how my surgery works.

If anyone knows of a PCP that is more than willing to hear their patients and maybe learn a thing or two please let me know! It doesn't have to be an expert in my surgery, just someone that will hear me out and maybe even be willing to call my surgeon and talk to him!

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

~Mar~

P.S. If the doctor has any WLS patients it would be an added plus.

[ShaneSA]

I sent you a private message.

[cwcavazos]

Dr. Nora Valdes in the medical center has always been very understanding with me. She will sit down and talk with you. (I have been to docs that when I call in I tell them I need refills and when i get there the doc walks in with the scripts and says do you need anything else with the door wide open!!) There are certain meds that I do not like to take and she has been accepting of my suggestions. I also needed to experiment with different sprays/cremes for dandruff and she listened to the problems I was having and was patient until I found one that worked. Get a 9 or 10 am appt because I have waited up to an hour and a half to see her when I get an afternoon appt. 210-614-0000
Also, I was referred to her by a co worker who has lupus and needs tests run often and her son in is a wheel chair with complicated health problems. Dr. Valdes listed to her son's extensive history and has been accepting to the mom's suggestions.
Hope this helped! Sorry to ramble. I had my tonsils out today and pain meds are working!

[TXRose]

consider seeing an internist. I've found that they provide more comprehensive care especially in these type of situations. The GPs I've seen are great if you go in sick with a singular issue, but don't always excel at treating chronic conditions.

[danandand]

TxRose, No disrespect intended, but how do you know the pcp is a 'gp', which by the way is not really a specialty. I know of many 'family physicians' who do wonderful chronic care, and many internal docs who don't have good bedside manners. It really comes down to the individual.

[maryluna]

The doctor I was seeing is an internist. I picked her specifically because of that and it backfired on me. She did not have any desire to learn about my procedure and kept wanting to refer me to other people instead. First a bariatric surgeon and then an endocrinologist. I would have hoped she would at least read a little bit on my procedure and gone from there but she didn't even do that much, although I printed the information for her and took it in. I even tried to explain it on my own, but her eyes would just glaze over and she would mention referring me to someone else. If I am going to be constantly referred for everything, then why do I even need her?

So my conclusion is, it doesn't matter as much what "kind" of doctor they are- either general practitioner, family doctor, internist, etc. What truly matters is what kind of person the doctor is.

[wacat]

You are right that it All comes down to the individual but on average internists treat complex medical issues better than family practice. Also vitamins a d e and k are fat soluble, whether or not they come in a dry or liquid form. So maybe there was some confusion there. Good luck, there are lots of great doctors in town.

[UnhappyNeighbor]

I would highly recommend Jenny Sprute MD - Family Practice - for a PCP. She is wonderful, always willing to learn new ways to help her patients. I may be a little biased as I worked for her for 6 years but she has been my PCP for the last few years since I left. She is closely acquainted with
T. Duperier MD and M. Seger MD weight loss surgeons. Incidentally, Duperier did the gastric sleeve surgery on my dad who has multiple medical issues. The surgery went great and Duperier has wonderful followup. I find it's best to have a PCP who works closely with coordinating things with specialists. Dr. Sprute likes to be the "coordinator" of her patients care, therfor she'll communicate with all of your specialists to provide the best care. Best of luck to you.