It's terrible, Doctors just dont have time these days. Even my doctor who I now like, says that her clinic is only allowing 20 minute appts. I had to demand several tests, and when I had my gall bladder out, I was in such pain I saved up my money to get a test that I read about on Web MD! And that is when I was diagnosed with COPD, they kept sending me to get lungs Xrayed they would not let me have my gall bladder surgery until my lungs were clear. Then after words the surgeon came in to admire his work, (not really see how I was doing) and I asked him about those films. He said casually, oh you have COPD.
That was in 2003. I was going to a sliding scale clinic then, no health insurance, they said if I had an official diagnoses I could participate in a University study. But a surgeon simply telling you that- is not an "official diagnoses". Here I am now, I have a good doctor, I still do not have health insurance per sey,but I am in a different program. And still have to demand tests and mention things, over and over, a person has to be VERY proactive about thier health these days. Yep.
Thank you for lettting me share.
