I hate my PCP !

I went to my primary today for the pre op exam.  When I mentioned to her back in May that I was thinking about surgery, she wasn't very positive or supportive. She gave me an RX for Xenical and told me to try that.  

I changed clinics back in 2005 after receiving poor pre-natal care at the clinic I had been seen at for over 20 years.   I've only seen this doctor a handful of times and thought I liked her until a few months ago when she seemed to be not very pro WLS.

So today, she's griping about my iron level (i forget the term) but it's a few points below normal, sort of suggesting I shouldn't have surgery until those levels are up.  I think my number was  like 11.7.   Insinuating that the surgeon should have told me that and she was surprised he wouldn't postpone the surgery until my levels were up.  Then said "But I suppose with your surgery next week you're not going to want to delay it."   They took some blood work, and checked my Thyroid. It was last checked in July and my medication was reduced then.  She says if my Thyroid levels aren't normal, (hyper) she doesn't think I should have surgery until they are.   And then referenced the surgery as elective, as if it was a boob job.  That really upset me.  She was talking about all the risks, it's like HELLO, I'M OBESE, isn't that a risk ?  I understand I'm choosing to have surgery, but if it was "elective" would insurance be covering it?

Ugh, she really has me upset. I can just imagine how I'll feel if I have any issues post WLS, she won't be supportive I'm sure.

Does anyone have a PCP in the south suburbs or Northfield that they just love? Preferably a female, but male would be ok.  I really want someone who is FOR WLS.

My thyroid and iron levels were not right before surgery either but my surgeon never said it was necessary to delay surgery over the numbers.  I think as long as your sugeron is comfortable with where your at I'd feel comfortable proceding.  But it does sound like you might want to look for a new PCP one that you feel comfortable with.  It took me a long time to find a doctor I was comfortable with I think I went to about 7 different ones before I found my current PCP. 

I'd want a new PCP too after that!

I see Erin McCarville at Fairview Eagan and she is an absolute gem. She wasn't involved in my surgery decision because she was out on maternity leave. Dr. David Yehl at Fairview Eagan was my substitute PCP this summer/fall and he was all for the surgery.

Both doctors are very kind and understanding.

I go to Allina/Crossroads in Shakopee/Prior Lake.  They have other south offices, too, but I don't know where.  My PCP is Sandra Morris and she was VERY supportive of my WLS.  I was a "lightweight", and she was still very supportive.  From the treatment you have described, it sounds like I have been very fortunate!  Good luck to you!

Kristy,

I am so sorry that you had to deal with this, this is the last thing you need only 8 days before your surgery.  I had low iron levels prior to surgery, but they just had me take a multivitamin with more iron in it and it was fine, honestly some people just naturally run a bit low.  The thyroid thing I am not sure on, but I did learn in Abnormal Psych that when stressed it can affect the thyroid, so maybe it is off due to stress, I am not sure of your medical history to suggest more than that. 

I started going to the Park Nicollet in Eden Prairie, on 212 and Praire Center Drive, they are super nice there and there is a PA there that is super nice, although I can't recall her name off hand.  I know that you work near me, so maybe try PNC I know that I had to switch PCP because mine took a sebatical right around the time I had surgery.

I hope you have a better day.  Feel free to email me if you need to vent any more!

Hugs,
Nicole

I don't know any providers in the south metro.  But I just wanted to chime in and tell you that I think your PCP is a jerk.

This whole process is difficult enough for you to go through.  And now you have to deal with her prejudices?  She's a twit.  Ignore her.

Find a new PCP and then write a letter to the clinic telling them how disappointed you are with her unprofessional behavior.  Or, if you are really mad, send something to the medical review board or something that ties in with her license.

Drink OJ and take an iron supplement.  It should jump up quite quickly.  Heck with 11.7 I think you can still donate blood.  Oh well.

She's a twit.  Ignore her.

k

Yeah, you don't need that from your PCP.  Healthy caution?  Fine.  Negativity?  Not helpful.  I wish you would have thrown your reactions straight at her face, such as the "HELLO, I'M OBESE, isn't THAT a risk??"  Sometimes doctors think they're above reproach.   Sometimes they need to have a reality check, a little bit of a mirror shoved at them so they can see themselves from someone else's perspective.

I've been blessed with a fantastic PCP, but he's up in Maple Grove.  If he leaves my clinic, I'll follow him around like a groupie...

I was thinking about telling her my feelings at the end of the appointment and asking if there are any other doctors in the clinic who would be supportive of my decision. But I kept my mouth shut.

GREAT new pictures by the way!

I also go to Allina Crossroads-in Chaska.  Have been a patient there for 15 years and love it.  I have yet to meet a provider who wasn't excellent in their group.  They do have several women providers.  I strongly recommend their group.  Good luck to you!

GRRRR!!!!  That so irritates me!!  I had a PCP that told me that I was obese because my priorities wern't strait!!!  She is a single doc so um DORK!

I really hope ya find a good PCP!!  You have been given some names and I hope one works for you!!! DON'T SETTLE!!!
Hugs