Our physician in Florida, Pawel Kalvinski, sent me for an x-ray after our doctor at home had ignored my symptoms for 3 and 1/2 months. I had pneumonia. I was 73. I could have died from it.
My wife had been suffering for 2 years from a variety of symptoms. Kalvinski looked for rheumatoid arthritis, which no one else had even mentioned.
That's what it was.
I had been suffering from bursitis in the right shoulder for 25 years. The man put a horse doctor's needle in the joint. I didn't feel a thing. A week later my pain was gone and 2 years later it has not come back.
He retired last year. Dang. Sure am going to miss him.
First, how did I not know this publication existed??
On the topic of doctors retiring, same thing happened to me last year. My GP, whom I've been with for over 15 years, retired. On my last visit, I was like, "Do we hug or....? I felt left out in the dark.
However, months later, I found a new doctor — a woman in her 40s. I admit I felt a wave of relief because at this stage (52 and heavily hot flashing), a woman in tune with other women is what I needed.
Andrea- for what it’s worth… I’ve started seeing two separate doctors for my GYN needs. The first is an integrative doc who specializes in Menopause and prescribes HRT and all of that. I chose a practice called Parsley health and they can do most via Zoom, but also have an office in NYC (and other cities too). They take insurance but charge a membership. Then, I have my person who does my annual checkup, orders breast screening and all of that. I’ve found it very difficult to find someone who can provide both functions well. It’s not ideal but gets the job done.
A suggestion: I think you should contact her and explain your position, and ask her if she would be willing to keep having you as a patient (perhaps phrase it a bit more informally... if you might consult her for a second opinion, or whatnot)... Some doctors do that with a few select patients after retiring, because it becomes too boring to do nothing at all. But of course they don't advertise it. Even if she hasn't thought of it before you asked, she might like the idea. It's worth a try!
As you say, the good ones are few and far between.
I feel the same way about my hairdresser, the beautician who tattoos my eyebrows just right, my dentist, and of course my ob/gyn—who delivered both of my children 24 and 21 years ago. Probably in that order, too. I know, it’s all a bit ass-about-kite, but no apologies. I’d feel utterly bereft if any of them left me.
Ohhhh Andrea, thank you for the shout out! I peed just reading that! TMI? Anyway, I never had a good lady doc but I feel your pain about yours retiring. I'm sad FOR YOU! And the picture you choose of the doctor walking off was 🧑🏻🍳💋. Exciting for your writing prompts!
While, of course, I respect your opinions about your own medical care, I had to come and say that my nurse practitioner is the best "doctor" I've ever had. Just saying. If you went to that Her place and occasionally had to see an NP, you might still be better off.
Oh crikey. I have different health care here in Scotland but after my medical hysterectomy neither my male GP/Doctor or the male consultant thought to mention I might have "effects" afterwards. Months afterwards I arrived at the GP/Doctor's office wailing and almost out of my mind with all the symptoms (as I'd had an injection months before the hysterectomy to stop the hormones because of the risk of bleeding from fibroids). Six months of a plunge into menopause with no residual ovaries/hormones! The GP mentioned he could refer me to Menopause Nurse. Wowsa. I never knew such a person existed. When I met her, the relief washed over me. Gentle yet forthright and straight-talking, she had an explanation for every symptom I was experiencing and we worked our way through solutions. I only needed to see her a few times as her explanations/education prepared me for everything to come. PS I'm doing great! Seek out what you need - I'm sure that person is out there. Good luck.
Our physician in Florida, Pawel Kalvinski, sent me for an x-ray after our doctor at home had ignored my symptoms for 3 and 1/2 months. I had pneumonia. I was 73. I could have died from it.
My wife had been suffering for 2 years from a variety of symptoms. Kalvinski looked for rheumatoid arthritis, which no one else had even mentioned.
That's what it was.
I had been suffering from bursitis in the right shoulder for 25 years. The man put a horse doctor's needle in the joint. I didn't feel a thing. A week later my pain was gone and 2 years later it has not come back.
He retired last year. Dang. Sure am going to miss him.
Damn. I was gonna ask for his number!!! Great docs are SO hard to find.
First, how did I not know this publication existed??
On the topic of doctors retiring, same thing happened to me last year. My GP, whom I've been with for over 15 years, retired. On my last visit, I was like, "Do we hug or....? I felt left out in the dark.
However, months later, I found a new doctor — a woman in her 40s. I admit I felt a wave of relief because at this stage (52 and heavily hot flashing), a woman in tune with other women is what I needed.
Ha! Best kept secret?
I feel the same. Still on the hunt for someone duking it out with her own endocrinology!!
Good luck! If you'd like a slightly different avenue, check this out, maybe it will be of some use: https://wellnessmama.com/?s=menopause
Andrea- for what it’s worth… I’ve started seeing two separate doctors for my GYN needs. The first is an integrative doc who specializes in Menopause and prescribes HRT and all of that. I chose a practice called Parsley health and they can do most via Zoom, but also have an office in NYC (and other cities too). They take insurance but charge a membership. Then, I have my person who does my annual checkup, orders breast screening and all of that. I’ve found it very difficult to find someone who can provide both functions well. It’s not ideal but gets the job done.
Thank you, Sara. I’m going to look into them!!
A suggestion: I think you should contact her and explain your position, and ask her if she would be willing to keep having you as a patient (perhaps phrase it a bit more informally... if you might consult her for a second opinion, or whatnot)... Some doctors do that with a few select patients after retiring, because it becomes too boring to do nothing at all. But of course they don't advertise it. Even if she hasn't thought of it before you asked, she might like the idea. It's worth a try!
As you say, the good ones are few and far between.
Good luck.
I feel the same way about my hairdresser, the beautician who tattoos my eyebrows just right, my dentist, and of course my ob/gyn—who delivered both of my children 24 and 21 years ago. Probably in that order, too. I know, it’s all a bit ass-about-kite, but no apologies. I’d feel utterly bereft if any of them left me.
I’m in mourning! It’s strange as hell to think about finding someone new at this point in my life!!
Ohhhh Andrea, thank you for the shout out! I peed just reading that! TMI? Anyway, I never had a good lady doc but I feel your pain about yours retiring. I'm sad FOR YOU! And the picture you choose of the doctor walking off was 🧑🏻🍳💋. Exciting for your writing prompts!
Do a quick internet search with your OB/gyn name and “menopause”. I know some MDs who have left practices and can’t mention their new plans
While, of course, I respect your opinions about your own medical care, I had to come and say that my nurse practitioner is the best "doctor" I've ever had. Just saying. If you went to that Her place and occasionally had to see an NP, you might still be better off.
You might be right.
I’m nervous because I have a cousin in that job (and she isn’t very good at it. Lol.)
I should maybe give them a chance.
Oh crikey. I have different health care here in Scotland but after my medical hysterectomy neither my male GP/Doctor or the male consultant thought to mention I might have "effects" afterwards. Months afterwards I arrived at the GP/Doctor's office wailing and almost out of my mind with all the symptoms (as I'd had an injection months before the hysterectomy to stop the hormones because of the risk of bleeding from fibroids). Six months of a plunge into menopause with no residual ovaries/hormones! The GP mentioned he could refer me to Menopause Nurse. Wowsa. I never knew such a person existed. When I met her, the relief washed over me. Gentle yet forthright and straight-talking, she had an explanation for every symptom I was experiencing and we worked our way through solutions. I only needed to see her a few times as her explanations/education prepared me for everything to come. PS I'm doing great! Seek out what you need - I'm sure that person is out there. Good luck.
Wow, what a story!!
Glad you’re doing great now!