The Ignorance of (Some) Doctors

I just got back from seeing my GP.

I have to see her every three months because she doesn't do prescription repeats over the phone. Although I've been on the same asthma meds for over nine years she will only give me a three month supply every time I see her. I'm sure it has to do with getting paid through the provincial health care system, but it really is a pain in the a$$.

Anyhow, she asked me about the "fertility clinic" I go to and about what our next steps were. I've explained to her what Napro is, but she doesn't seem to understand that it's ONE doctor who is also a GP who also takes IF patients. But I digress.

I mentioned that I wanted to get my thyroid and vitamin D levels checked and then she went on an ignorant diatribe about how there isn't any clinical reason to test me. I told her about my consistently low estrogen and progesterone levels and she just brushed me off. She said that because my weight has been stable and that my energy levels are good AND because there was no family history she thought that it would be a waste of time and money. What I wanted to say was, "Sew got her thyroid fixed and now she has a baby growing inside of her!!!!" But I didn't.

It took every ounce of my being not to yell at her.

I could've brought up the fact that she ignored my symptoms of endo for YEARS and that if I listened to her about my crazy bleeding and pain issues that I would still be on the pill.

But I didn't.

I also got a lecture about how taking too much vitamin D was a bad thing. Apparently there's a ton of research that my Napro practitioner has told me about regarding a deficiency of vitamin D and low hormone levels. She also wouldn't test me to see what my vitamin D levels are.

Can I tell you how thankful I am for my Napro doc, Dr. T? I'm sure that she is going to be much more receptive when I ask her to get my thyroid tested. I won't get a lecture and I'm sure that we will have a good discussion about it. I see her on June 17th and that appointment can't come any sooner.

I know that I have to continue seeing my ignorant GP, I just have to remember to focus on what she helps treat: my asthma. I have other doctors (including my gastroenterologist) who are so much more open to new trains of thought. My GI was so happy to learn about how much going gluten-free helped me! I'm almost certain that she's mentioned it to her other patients!

I wish that it was easier to find a GP in my province. I know that if I were to leave this doctor that I would be hard pressed to find another. I just have to remember to not tell her anything when she asks.

Argh.