Very Disappointed with my surgeon....

As you know, I've had some problems with headaches of late, so I thought it was best that I call my WLS as he would know what was best.

He was very nice, but he kinda blew me off and said to see my PCP.  Excuse me, but my PCP doesn't know squat about WLS.  It wasn't like I was asking him for the world....

So now I wonder if I should consult my neurosurgeon or if I should see the PA instead.  I've only seen my PCP twice and I can't even pronouce her name!! (I had no choice - she's been the third doctor I've been given since 1994).

I wasn't like I was asking for the world, nor was I asking him to be my PCP.  I just wanted to have relief from my headaches and not screw up my pouch at the same time....

I love my Cardiologist, but I would not want him to treat me if I had breast cancer.  Your WLS is trained to do surgery, and it would be unfair to you for him to attempt to treat you for your headaches, as it would not be fair for your neurologist to do WLS on you, especially given your neurologic history.   You are also not being fair to him to criticize him on a public forum for that.  If you have a neurosurgeon, he would be the most appropriate to evaluate your headaches, again, considering your history.   It would be up to him to be knowledgeable about medications.   You are most likely not the ONLY WLS patient he has ever seen.  You also need to find a PCP, that you feel comfortable with, and should know LOTS about WLS, mine does.  We are not given doctors, we have choices.   I do not know of ANY HMO's that only offer a few physicians.   You just have to shop around and find one that meets your needs.  

I would be P.O'ed that he blew me off too!  I understand that he is your surgeon, but I also get that he should have made you aware of what MAY be causing it, could it be related to your surgery or the vitamins you have to take or maybe a lack of?  I would have simply said that I was asking him because I was concerned that it could be WLS related.  Then he could have told you to go to your PCP, but he still should have been able to help instead of having you run around, IMHO!

Call your pcp and get to know her.... I can't pronounce my pcps name either, she is russian.  But I make it a point to see her and to talk to her as much as I can so she is familiar with me.   I am pre-op, so bare with me..... I had SEVERE headaches, to where I couldn't see literally.... It came down to having an ear infection.... I was stunned.... But give your pcp a chance....If you still aren't comfortable ask for a new dr, you will always have that right.

If your pcp don't help, then the neurosurgeon would be my next step, as long as you have a history with them....

My best to you and I hope that things straighten out.....

♥
Chris

Ok, a bit of background - I've had the headaches since I was 13, stopped about 19, then came back when I was 28  Both epelipsy and migraines run in BOTH sides of the family.  Put on Anaprox DS (and NSAID).  My headaches were in my right temple most of the time.

EEG was ok, but a CAT scan showed a cyst.  Went to the neurosurgeon, had an MRI, said it was a tumor, but couldn't tell if it was cancerous or not.  Surgery was the only option.  Had the surgery in 1990 and left me disabled, and it didn't solve the headaches.

Had my surgery on September 15, 2005, no problems.  Since I could no longer take the Anaprox DS, I did OTC - Excederin Migraine.  Unfortunately, I would have to take twice the required amount to get the relief I needed.  I knew it wasn't good for my stomach.

When I was having some oral problems last year, I asked my dentist if he could give me Tylenol 3 with Codine in liquid form.  It worked!

The headaches may be triggered by TOM - and they insist I am not going thru perimenopause or menopause itself, even though I am 47 (and damn proud of it too!)  I don't think it has to do anything with my WLS.  I've been on Depro Provera for 13 years and just recently switched back to Kariva, and that's about the time I was having more headaches.

I am not asking so much for my WLS to treat my headaches, but he would be able to tell me what I could or couldn't take.  He said that I could take an anti-acid with the Anaprox DS, but there is a heavy coating that just doesn't dissolve without the stomach acids.

I do not go to the doctor for every little thing, and I put this off as long as possible, however, I would like to get this address before TOM comes in about 2 1/2 weeks.

 

You said

"I am not asking so much for my WLS to treat my headaches, but he would be able to tell me what I could or couldn't take.  He said that I could take an anti-acid with the Anaprox DS, but there is a heavy coating that just doesn't dissolve without the stomach acids."

I thought this is what I would expect him to tell me, helpful--but not really....
 
I am so sorry that you are going through this, just know that there is an answer, somewhere....

Also, I would actually check with the neuro.   They know your history and with the assistance of your WLS surgeon they should be able to come up with something that you can take, that will work and will not hurt your stomach....

Call them to get an appt and make sure that you inform them of the switch from depo to Kariva.  Any kind of change in that can effect you, in one way or another.....

From the Kariva website---Possible side effects of this medication include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. 

and since you already have a history of headaches, this may actually make them more significant in strength.

(((hugs)))
Christina

Some docs don't have good manners!  Even if he didn't want to prescribe he could have given you some options to ask your PCP for.

I'd see my PCP and make sure he/she understood that you had WLS.  I'd also double check whatever is prescribed with the pharmacist.  They know more than the docs!

If your more concerned with the why of the headaches are flaring up I'd see a neurologist with your history.

Good luck to you!

I understand what you are saying. I have a son with kidney disease and you bet your sweet a$$ I am not going to give him anything for any ailment without consulting his nephrologist. AND if I didn't his I would be in trouble.

I do not think you were unreasonable for wanting to know what things you can and can not take prior to having someone else prescribe something. Assuming the neuro or PCP knows something about WLS is asking a bit much. I know that most of the other drs my son sees know nothing about kidneys. It isn't their specialty plain and simple. Granted you may not be the first WLS they have dealt with, then again....you may. And just like every surgeon has different pre and post surgery protocol, the other docs may not do what your surgeon would like. Maybe he was having a busy or bad day... I dunno. And after all he is the surgeon. There may be someone else in the office better suited to ask, like a PA or nurse.

Good luck to you! I hope you get relief soon.