Cystic Fibrosis News Today Forums Forums Support Groups Adults​ ​With​ ​CF When do you know it’s time to think about switching doctors?

  • When do you know it’s time to think about switching doctors?

    Posted by William on October 13, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    It’s not that my doctor is bad. I love my doctor and she’s been my doctor since I was 4 or 5. However, I’ve slowly grown frustrated with the team around her. I know it’s not her fault, but when is the right time to make a switch?

    paul-met-debbie replied 2 years, 5 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • jenny-livingston

    Member
    October 14, 2021 at 9:12 am

    William, this must be so frustrating! I’ve never had to make a decision like this, personally. I’ve been so fortunate to have an entire team that is a great fit for me. Does your doctor or the team know you have these frustrations? Is it possible to reach out to other doctors or centers for a consult before making the switch? Hopefully someone on the forum with more experience in this area can chime in with a bit of helpful insight.

  • paul-met-debbie

    Member
    October 18, 2021 at 2:41 am

    As you say, William, you love your doctor. It’s (like) an intimite relationship indeed. So, when do you know it’s time to divorce? When there is still love even. But you have the feeling that your best interests are no longer taken care of by this person. That you can’t trust him of her with your life anymore. That you don’t understand each other anymore. That you have tried everything to improve the situation, but it’s hopeless.

    It’s a sad feeling. It’s not about finding another doctor that might be better – that only comes after. It is about this relationship right now and how to work it out. Certainly when you have been together for so long, a lot of effort is due to try and save the relationship. In the end, it’s your intuition that will tell you what to do. Doubts will resolve and the way to go will be clear. But don’t force this by thinking it out, let it work out itself. It will, be patient.

    I actually envy you when you say you are with this doctor ever since. In most countries it’s my understanding that pwcf switch from pediatric to pulmonology on reaching adult age. But you didn’t, which has certain advantages. Your doctor must know you and your anamnesis very well. That is very important. I still regret having to let go of my pediatric doc when I was 20 years old. He had an holistic oversight of my situation that no doctor after him ever got.

    Don’t focus too much on the team. Real team play in my experience is hard to find in cf care anyway. Most doctors are on their own, at best they consult others but these are still islands mostly with a lot of distance between. It might not be better in another place. It’s important that you trust your main specialist. As Jenny suggested, perhaps there are ways to discuss your concerns about the team with your doctor or even with the team and find some ways around this problem.

    Good luck.

  • paul-met-debbie

    Member
    October 18, 2021 at 2:50 am

    As you say, William, you love your doctor. It’s (like) an intimate relationship indeed. So, when do you know it’s time to divorce? When there is still love even. But you have the feeling that your best interests are no longer taken care of by this person. That you can’t trust him of her with your life anymore. That you don’t understand each other anymore. That you have tried everything to improve the situation, but it’s hopeless.

    It’s a sad feeling. It’s not about finding another doctor that might be better – that only comes after. It is about this relationship right now and how to work it out. Certainly when you have been together for so long, a lot of effort is due to try and save the relationship. In the end, it’s your intuition that will tell you what to do. Doubts will resolve and the way to go will be clear. But don’t force this by thinking it out, let it work out itself. It will, be patient.

    I actually envy you when you say you are with this doctor ever since. In most countries it’s my understanding that pwcf switch from pediatric to pulmonology on reaching adult age. But you didn’t, which has certain advantages. Your doctor must know you and your anamnesis very well. That is very important. I still regret having to let go of my pediatric doc when I was 20 years old. He had an holistic oversight of my situation that no doctor after him ever got.

    Don’t focus too much on the team. Real team play in my experience is hard to find in cf care anyway. Most doctors are on their own, at best they consult others but these are still islands mostly with a lot of distance between. It might not be better in another place. It’s important that you trust your main specialist. As Jenny suggested, perhaps there are ways to discuss your concerns about the team with your doctor or even with the team and find some ways around this problem.

    Good luck.

    • paul-met-debbie

      Member
      October 18, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      … and very important: if and when letting go announces itself, make sure it comes from acceptance and not from resistance. Check your mindset carefully. If you first fully came to terms with it and are in peace, then the chances of finding a benevolent continuation are far more conducive. Your next doctor is already there, finding is much more easy then.

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