First things first: whether you celebrate Christmas or any other holidays, or just want a pick me up during this unseasonably warm and wet winter, we want to let you know that there might be something fun for you on the blog this Friday.
Now onto a more personal matter.
I hesitated about sharing this, because I try to keep personal things off the blog lately. However, it might help someone, and since my friend helped me, I should pass it on.
Gordon and I have had our annual doctor visits in November. We were less than satisfied with those, because we had to wait an hour and each of us got 10 minutes with the doctor. It was like a conveyer belt. Most of us are HMO plan patients, because that’s what you can get off the exchange in Texas.
Prediabetes has been a concern for me for a while. Predictably my A1C and fasting sugar numbers were not stellar. My A1C wasn’t higher or lower than last year, but it was still in the prediabetic range, so I made zero progress. I got the same note from our doctor I do every year: try to lose weight, adhere to a better diet, and exercise more. Word for word.
When I asked my doctor what else I can do to improve my numbers, since I have changed what I ate and how much and have gone to Mordor and back on my elliptical and have the receipts to prove it, which I showed him during our visit, he said that he doesn’t handle weight loss related issues because it’s too much hassle with the insurance and suggested I see someone else.
Gordon just got handwaved through his appointment.
So I complained about this to a friend, who clued me into something called concierge medicine. Basically, you pay a monthly fee to an internist directly. At that point, I was frustrated enough to try it. We had some additional questions about our blood work results and our regular doctor office just informed us that we have to make 3 separate appointments, one per each question, since they are technically different health issues.
Yeah. Each of us had an hour with the doctor. Do you know how bad my numbers truly are? My insurance, which nickels and dimes me every chance they can, approved the diabetes medication for me. They bypassed all of the usual try this, try that, we are not paying for this expensive drug. It was straight go to the pharmacy, pick up your meds, we need to lower your blood sugar now.
And Gordon is going to undergo some tests this Friday, because although he lost weight – as I mentioned, we both worked out regularly this year and changed our diet – his cholesterol suddenly spiked into a dangerous range.
We both needed urgent medical intervention. I, especially. If I let this go on as it was before, I would suffer serious medical consequences. None of this was addressed in our previous visit.
My new doctor texted me to check up on me. She texted me. She remembered I existed and she checked on me. I didn’t have to make an appointment or send her messages through the special system, where I would be told I have to schedule a telemedicine appointment for a 5 minute phone call 3 weeks in advance.
I called my friend and told her that she probably saved my health.
So. This is a small PSA: if you didn’t know, concierge medicine exists. And, if you have a feeling that you are not getting your questions answered, try a different doctor, concierge or not.
As for me, I’m on a draconian diet, I’m taking my meds, and I’m working on trying to readjust my life about this new scary development. I will let you know how it goes. I’ll be honest with you, although this was not the best news, my state of mind is so much better, because I know someone with a medical degree is actually paying attention to my health.
A note for the comments, just in case: please remember that BDH is not a substitute for medical professionals. We appreciate you keeping recommendations for miracle cures to a minimum.
We have been using a concierge for the past few years – I cannot recommend them enough! I was very sick while out of town this summer and my doctor looked at test results, phoned in prescriptions and kept up with my progress while I got better. I had more attentive service from her long distance than the local emergency room where I was staying. Good for you for taking matters into your own hands and finding a solution that’s working for you!
Night and day, isn’t it?
Blessings to you, Ilona.
At least you found a doctor who will listen to you about your health. When a doctor only wants 5 minutes to talk with you about your health, the doctor is in it for the money. A really good doctor will take the time to listen.
I tried walking on a treadmill long ago since I noticed I was gaining weight and needed to do something. It really didn’t work for me. After my mom passed, I decided to get into strength training. I’ve been doing that for 8 years and haven’t looked back. I also do stretching like yoga or Pilates after to help with flexibility. I wasn’t doing it to lose weight (which I have over time), but to get the strength in my abdominal area, in my lower back, and my arms.
Thank you early for the Friday gift. Early Christmas present to the BDH!
I have the same conveyor belt doctors’ office situation here in Texas. It’s dreadful. The only way I’ve been able to get care was to develop a relationship with a PA who is the only one I’ve seen at that office. I was also in pre-diabetes range and went on meds which are unfortunately not covered by insurance. It’s so frustrating especially since we see how across the world people are not in bankruptcy due to medical/health issues.
If my PA goes then so do I.
Fun Blog Friday would be great!!
Hope you have found the help you need. I think we all feel your pain.
My wife and I have both given up on traditional medicine. We now use Integrative and Holistic medicine providers. I have gotten great results with Bitter Melon pills to control blood sugar. I also use Red Yeast Rice to control cholesterol. The downside is that these practices are not covered by most health insurances, so we just switched to a plan with a medical savings account, some of the costs can be paid for that way.
William, we are here, at BDH, have grown fond of your posts. We want you to be around for years to come. I am glad that you choices are working for you but I strongly urge you to also have a medical provider who can do your annual physical and bloodwork and make sure that all of the age-related screenings are scheduled and followed.
This thread is now closed as I do not want to enter the alternative vs established medicine debate. 🙂
I appreciate your concern. I get a very extensive blood test every year along with a saliva hormone test. My integrative medicine provider is a physician.
Good for you guys for taking matters into your own hands! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and an even healthier New Year! We love you guys and want you to stay around for a long, long time❤️
So glad that you found a provider you feel comfortable with and you feel heard. That is so important!
I would add that maybe do some research on perimemopause/menopause. I am 46 and have taken a deep dive this last year when I felt broken and like I was going crazy. Short answer, hormones control everything!
Hoping for a very healthy and productive new year for both of you! Thank you for being brave enough to share.
I highly recommend the book Estrogen Matters. What women aren’t told and doctors don’t know about perimenopause is devastating
It has seemed to me, that often a diagnosis, even a not good one, is better than the wondering and worrying.
I’m glad that you’re able to get on a health path with someone knowledgeable by your side.
Thank you for sharing and thank you in advance for our Friday treat! 🤗
Glad you have someone actually doing their job to protect your health! It’s insane how many hoops people have to jump through for basic healthcare.
Switched to concierge last year. Listened to me and trusted me when I was vague but insistent that I was unwell with a cold this spring. Turned out I had drug resistant pneumonia and she saved me a hospital stay and even possibly my life. Checked in with me by text a couple times a day during the worst of it and even offered a home visit if I wanted.
I will never get back on the conveyer belt doc system again.
Glad you have someone properly in your corner helping you navigate the hellscape that is healthcare. Best wishes for getting everyone on the path to better health and improved living state – physical and mental alike!
Cinnamon is good for blood sugar. It goes with practically everything, too. I’ve been averaging about half a teaspoon a day for several years now. It does help that I’m fond of cinnamon and not allergic to any food or spice I know about.
My fasting blood sugar levels come in as high; but that’s because the normal range changed, not my results. My A1C is pretty much in the middle of the range.
I would suggest you finish the changeover of doctors before you try anything new; and good luck with your blood sugar levels.
I was very disappointed with just about every aspect of corporate medical care available to me. My current medical provider has a private practice and is a preferred provider. I am so happy with the level of care I currently receive.
Doesn’t it surprise you when the doctor calls personally? WE have a PPO and I’ve had several doctors call when things go wonky
I might have to try that. I need a new doctor and I just haven’t worked up the enthusiasm to ghost my old one yet. I am a larger lady with a couple of invisible illnesses that I mostly manage to keep off the bloodwork (go me and genetics!). I got sick a year ago. Kids and illness go hand in hand. turns out it was covid bout #2. I started complaining about shortness of breath, increases in migraines, tons of fatigue, pain, stomach pains, etc.
my diagnosis? I was fat and needed to exercise more and eat better. I do not have enough middle fingers to stick up at the health care industry around here. thank goodness for my neurologist who saw me after I had migraines for a month straight and said “that sounds viral.”
it was another 3 months before I smacked myself upside the head and went “you have long covid you knucklehead”. and what do you know, when I stopped trying to stubbornly push through the fatigue to exercise and actually listened to my body and rested more I started to recover. sometime in October a metaphorical brick dislodged from my chest. I didn’t even know it was there. Just last week I started getting the good kind of restless to move.
and at some point in all of this I got ticked off and did a bout of Noom (i have very productive rage coping mechanisms sometimes) where I tracked all my meals and discovered that I actually tend to eat less than 1400 calories a day so my body locks down all the calories like fort Knox. I upped my calorie intake so it stopped treating the calories like precious items and lost weight. So yeah, not enough middle fingers for the medical industry.
So glad that you found the help you needed. It sucks when you take the time to schedule a visit have to wait an hour to see the doctor and leave feeling really pissed off that you didn’t get your questions answered. Without health insurance that 15 minute office visit would have cost me over $300 for a regular family medicine practitioner.
Yeah, diabetes is a b*tch to your body. I was of average health a couple of years ago until I was diagnosed with cancer. It came with a huge side of diabetes (autoimmune response to so other stuff happening during the covid shutdown). I’m in remission now but I have two types of insulin and other medications for the diabetes that may or may not get better as I recover from the cancer. The Nightmare in the Closet has been unleashed and now eats with me at the kitchen table. Good luck to you.
I have used concierge medicine for several years now. I highly recommend it. I can get an appointment when I need one, often the same day. My doctor remembers everything. My lab results are usually sent to me within one to two days and annotated with her comments. She explains everything. Best doctor I have ever had and would follow her anywhere.
Concierge doctors have more time to spend with you because their practices typically limit the number of patients enrolled as opposed to ones who are often pushed by the insurance companies to see as many as possible and can be restricted on how much time they are allowed to spend with you. A concierge service that is also attached to a large medical center, as mine is, is the best of all possible worlds.
So glad you and Gordon found this. Hope you, ModR, and all of the BDH have a very merry Christmas and a fantastic 2024.
Glad you are both getting the care you need!
I am currently fighting with the health insurance company to have them cover a newer ADHD medication for my hyperactive-type ADHD son. There is no generic for it yet, and they said it’s too expensive to cover. They recommended a completely different medication.
I tried going to the medication website to get a “savings card,” but I haven’t been able to get it properly activated, despite trying both online and via telephone (long menu of automized choices.)
SMH.
I wish health care in the US wasn’t so difficult and expensive. Usually you can get two out of three– fast, done well, or cheap– but health care seems to be a zero for three.
Glad you got the new medication covered and hope it works well for you!
Sometimes drugs are cheaper at the costco pharmacy – you don’t need a membership to use it. You can check goodrx.com to see where it’s cheapest.
I’m glad you were able to get substantive help. The medical system in this country is a mess, and I’m happy we are all able to help you afford the extra level you needed. Please know I’m happy to buy your work in multiple formats to keep you off of insulin.
Hope you have a great holiday, and are you going to/did you already post your decorations? They are always so wonderful.
This posted in the wrong place, it’s a reply to Ilona. Ooops!
This might not be of any interest but I can’t not mention it. My dad is pre-diabetic and for the last three years my parents and I have been following Bright Line Eating – no added sugar, no flour, specific serving sizes, and set meal times with no snacking, and no exercise for the first three months. It sounds awful and, at first, it is. It became a habit after a couple months and we get far more enjoyment from our meals now. Collectively, we lost 170 in nine months and have kept it off for two years. Our health has drastically improved. Our habits are currently more in line with maintenance but after the holidays are over, we’re going to make a push to reach our goal weights.
I hope this was helpful!
Good luck!
Emily, thanks for your post! I was getting ready to mention Bright Line Eating, too. I feel so much better when I don’t eat sugar or flour and do eat lots of fresh foods, especially vegetables!
Even though I googled concierge medicine I still feel a bit confused, but I will say that whenever I read all of the comments about the US healthcare system on here, I instantly forget all of my issues with the NHS and just feel hugely grateful for it.
I write this as I place my repeat prescription online with my GP practice for two types of asthma inhaler, three neurological medicines and my ‘as needed’ sumatriptan; and after a hard day of watching my 1 year old niece who was this time last year in UCLH NICU having arrived two months premature and just 3lb 7oz.
I absolutely dread to think if I could afford all my medication if I wasn’t here in the UK and lord knows what would be going on with my brother and sister in-law after my nieces surprise arrival.
(Or is this one area where you don’t have to pay? Because premature birth is stressful enough, if they’d have had to think about future debt my brother would have gone crazy).
The only area where you don’t have to pay here is vaccines. Good insurance plans pay some hospital costs, but good insurance plans cost more upfront.
Thank you in advance for the Friday treat!
please continue to monitor your health care on the diabetic meds and diet. mother was diabetic and it was discovered when she went fully diabetic if the doctor had paid attention to my mother concern about her symptoms she might not have turned fully diabetic, My grandson became type 1 diabetic when he was 13, so now we still deal with his A1C numbers daily for the past 10 years. so please please do be aware and careful with your health, and tell Gorden the same thing about his heart health take care and believe that you two can manage and maintain your health.
Type 1 diabetics are born that way. Type 2 is acquired later.
I am actually able to keep my blood sugar levels within normal range through a combination of intermittent fasting (in my case, only eating two meals a day, no snacks) and limiting carbohydrates.
There’s a fantastic book by Toronto nephrologist Jason Fung that I highly recommend, called THE DIABETES CODE.
I’d love a Dr that actually cared about my asthma. Please post links of how to find concierge doctors in the United States. I’m in Wisconsin and the only time I’ve felt heard was at my midwife with my last baby. I’ve coughed up blood the past few winters and my health is getting worse. maybe this is tmi but I’d love to know some options to help.
I am so sorry to hear about your issues, Carina.
You can start with a simple online search. If you search “concierge doctors near me,” you’ll likely have plenty of options to consider. House Andrews cannot recommend specific ones, but this will allow you to browse practices and ask about their practice models before you make a final decision.
Good luck! 🙂
My miracle cure: (just a sec, let me find it) I wrote it down somewhere here…
Nope, not there. Maybe over here.
I got nothing.
Hang in there! I have had the same problem. I get everything under control, then they change my meds. Then I get prescribed meds that are too expensive for me, even with insurance! I am then back to square one! someone told me I should just go on insulin because that has a price cap! I do not want to go that far. My husband passed from complications of type 1 diabetes. I know what to do and what not to do from taking care of him, but it is a constant battle. I have found that counting carbs helps. Good Luck!
Family doctor here. I’m so glad that you found a practice and physician who is listening and actively working with you – that is invaluable.
This isn’t intended as critique, only additional commentary as I see some references to greed as the reason why primary care physicians in the traditional system don’t take enough time with patients. Greed isn’t the motivator (if it were, we would go into specialty! …mostly kidding,but not completely, given that specialty reimbursement is 2-5x greater than in primary care). The driver of short, hard to find appointments is simply that there are too many patients per provider. Americans are getting older and more complex, and there are fewer primary care physicians per capita trying to take care of more and more patients.
Concierge care is lovely for the patients and physicians within it, because everyone gets the time they want/need to promote health and manage complex conditions. Unfortunately, it’s wildly unsustainable from a systems perspective. Concierge care physicians take care of 200-500 patients, physicians in the traditional model take care of 2000-3000 patients. There simply aren’t enough of us to provide that personalized care that, honestly, we all want and need. And concierge does peel away physicians, leaving those of us in the system with even more patients to try to care for, which in turn leads to more burnout and more people leaving clinical medicine.
There are some interesting pilots trying to show that concierge model care, if offered to a wider population including lower socioeconomic groups, could reduce overall healthcare costs through better prevention (a model we know works from looking at…pretty much all other industrialized countries), but it’s very hard to make the numbers work out to make those models sustainable.
That’s maybe more than anyone wants to know about primary care staffing models but this is just to say, your pain is our pain too.
Edilee,
Thank you for being a Primary Care physician!
I understand that the number of the patients is too high and physicians are stressed. It’s not that my original doctor was incompetent or didn’t care. I don’t believe that. But I do feel that he was very focused on checking off certain things rather than looking at the overall trend because he was processing a large number of patients.
For example, during our appointment I was asking him questions about diabetes and my rising platelet count and his focus was mostly on the fact that although I had a colonoscopy last year, the results weren’t forwarded to him. I feel like – and this is purely a patient perception – when he identifies an issue, he will send you to a specialist, but it has to be glaring. I would have to have full blown diabetes for him to take action.
Again, I don’t believe that it’s due to greed at all, but the end result is the same. I didn’t get the care I needed and neither did my husband.
I started at an Integrated Medicine place. It is out of pocket but was able to have blood work done regular docs won’t and have found out so much!! Also helped with hormone issues. No rush visits and great service. Wished family physicians operated in this manner. Glad y’all found a good place.
In the realm of rampant speculation – just wondering if the Friday treat might be a build-out of the Augustine/Diana snippet from a while back? I noticed that the plastic-like HR lady in the beginning of the snippet had “small white snowflakes, a nod to the holiday season” on her nicely manicured nails. So I’ve been hoping that meant an Augustine/Diana holiday short story might be on the way – for this holiday season, or even next holiday season. Although really hoping not to w**t until next year…
Fingers crossed!
We shall have to w**t and see 😉
And all the BDH collectively yells “NOOOOO”! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m just very glad that the two of you are getting better medical care now. ❤️❤️
I am soooo glad you got the care you and Gordon needed.
I have been very lucky in the 20 years that I’ve lived in Pittsburgh that I have a PCP who spends AN HOUR with me at my annual visit. She basically sits there and goes through my history, what’s changed in my life, what’s my mental state look like, and adjusts things as she sees fit. AND she messages me back on the Portal whenever I have a non-urgent question, within a day. I’ve been able to send her pictures of unexplained rashes, etc., and done telehealth visits with her. She is amazing, and I’m loathe to send anyone to her cuz it may make her overwhelmed!! haha!
I experienced not so great A1C news last month too. Which was a bummer but it’s been inching that way for a while.
And I guess I’m lucky because my doctor spent a lot of time with me, discussing it and what it meant. He didn’t suggest medication at this time, but explained why and also what could make it a different conversation next year. We talked about retesting, specific changes to diet, and when I should test again. There is no history of diabetes in my immediate family, but there are other rather close relatives who are diabetic. So I was really glad that my doctor took this seriously and was helpful.
Unfortunately, my new insurance starts January 1st and I have no idea if I can keep that doctor yet.
Which brings me to: Thanks for this post. I may need this info in 2024.
Hello! Not sure if you will see this, but on the subject of Insurance changes.
If you are going from one company to another, and have not done this yet, let the doc’s office know. They may be able to get with the new insurance company and be added to their coverage list, especially since you are an established patient. I was in a similar situation, and that’s what the office did.
Hope you can keep with the same person; good doctors are hard to find!! 🙂
My insurance changes too and the doctors in the one system I mainly use do not take my new insurance.. I contacted my new I stance but have not heard back from them yet. I will be calling the Dr off to see what the cost is so I can calculate out of network cost for me to see if I can afford my January appts.
I hear ya on this. Second opinions are *always* on the table. And I agree; if what your doctor is saying is not adding up in your head, get another doctor to look and give their thoughts. My feeling is if your doctor can’t spend more that five minutes with you to be sure they answer questions, the office takes days to respond to emails/messages, and an ’emergency’ appointment takes a month, find a new doc. I may not always be scheduled with my own doctor, but his office will have me in front of someone within 24 hours for an emergency. And that is the absolute longest.
I lucked out when my Diabetes was first diagnosed. My current Primary Care is an internist (not a GP) by specialty and *knew* that my numbers were cr@p. I still spent a weekend in the hospital, because previous doctors had always looked at the results, spent three minutes to say “Not my specialty”, then run before they had to explain.
I am a retired (thank God) Nurse Practitioner. My patients loved me because I listened. The flip side of that is I was never fast enough to please my employers.
Personally I knew I was headed for diabetes due to family history and all of the ‘metabolic syndrome’ symptoms – hint to those of you that can’t get metformin er covered have your pcp use that diagnoses. I strongly requested metformin early on before I qualified for a dx of Diabetes.
Most medical providers think you will lose weight if you exercise and reduce calories. Yet it has been conclusively proved that there are a group of people that are called ‘non-responders’. I’m one of them. I exercised 8 hrs (yes, 8) every day for 3 mos and did not lose one pound.
Being on Medicare is a whole additional challenge. Try and get into a psych clinic – no one takes Medicare.
That being said you all have to be VERY PROACTIVE with your health care regardless of who you are with. There is a diabetic med that will also help you to lose weight. It is ridiculously expensive and of course ins won’t pay. I am desperate enough I’m going to buy it from Canada where it’s much cheaper.
Speaking of drug ins, the next time a pharmacist from the insurance calls and wants you to change to a cheaper med, ask them if they have prescriptive privileges (they don’t). They have no legal right to ask you to change to a med they request. They have no right to bully you into changing to a cheaper drug. There is a reason you are on the med you are on. They don’t have all of your information.
Turning to happier thots, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Nurses do listen – I am very thankful for them!
Thank goodness you found a doctor that listens to you! Here’s to you and Gordon’s improved health! Wishing you the best!
I had a very similar experience a few years back. I got a new primary care doctor. She sent me to an endocrinologist who helps with my weight loss. I found her to be so helpful and really helped me get my numbers in order. You may want to try that route.
I am glad you are working on getting healthier!! I have many friends and family who are not, and it scares me. I have had the most success by being relentlessly upbeat and supportive when they make good choices.
I truly value your wit, wisdom and your ability to articulate ideas and stories and a worldview that I cherish. I would like you to be able to do that for many years to come so I can throw more money at you for being wonderful.
+1000
Here, here!!
Selfish of me, but you two are so wonderful to read.
Happy wishes for all
I’m happy you guys were able to find someone to take your health seriously! Doctors who listen are everything. Never heard of concierge doctors. We just have basic family doctors here -middle of no where. But they are all really good and listen. Probably because they’d be ran out of town if not.
I really think it depends on the doctor you have slash network you’re in. I also live in Texas, and my network is a major one in the area (I dunno if it’s ok to say which one). My doctor spends a minimum of 30 minutes with me every visit. I have a lot of health problems too, one of which is prediabetes, climbing numbers, etc etc. She has told me what I need to do and has worked with me to give me options to do those things. I also like that she remembers things about me visit to visit, things that aren’t in my chart (I had told her I’m mildly agoraphobic, so it was hard for me to come in to see her). The only thing I don’t like about her is that she is popular, so it can be impossible to get in to see her. So I just see other doctors in the same office for minor things like upper respiratory infections, etc. I’m glad you found a health care option that works for you and hope your health issues improve.
I am so glad you did this, for both of you and your childrens’ sakes. I hope this new medical support brings you both better health.
There is a reason why I love the movie “The Incredibles”. As much fun as the family dynamics, SL Jackson, Edna Mode, and nods to the East Bay Area are … the #1 reason I love that movie is because the show the despicable sides of the insurance industry. Mr. Incredible’s punch was extremely satisfying as someone who watched her parents go through insurance hell after a natural disaster over 3 years. HMOs have, IMO, moved from “efficient, sharing best practices, and holding down costs” into “going to kill a lot more of us” territory.
Always advocate. For yourselves, your family … sending you best wishes for the Holidays and many, MANY New Years to come!
Glad to hear you found amazing medical care!
Thank you for sharing this Ilona. I’m so glad that you have found the care you need. Corporate run medicine is failing us all. have been thinking about taking the same steps myself, not only for myself and my husband, but also for my 80 year old parents who can’t get good care in their small town and what they can get isn’t comprehensive, coordinated and taking their age and myriad health issues into account. My mom shouldn’t have to call multiple times and wait days to get in to the clinic only to wait an hour to see PA not the doctor or worse, as you experienced, have to make multiple appts to get all her questions answered. It frustrates her and she feels entirely powerless to do anything about it. Your post has galvanized my resolve to switch.
I’m glad you found a doctor who is interested in working with you and cares about your health. Your other plan sounds ridiculous. I usually see my doctor quarterly and often have a list of questions to be answered. Thank you for our Friday treat. Have a lovely and relaxing holiday!
Everytime I hear stories on usa public heath I get horror distopian suspension of disbelief. Im from a country that was called a third world country many times but since the 1980s we have a national united heath sistem sure its full of problems and you might die waiting for medical care if you need surgery or cancer treatment if you cant pay for health insurance but anyone that need diabetes or hiv or other tipes of medicines that you need 2 survive you can get for free using just your personal indentification document and the prescription some of those drugs we can get for free even in some big store pharmacy chains since they have an agreement with the goverment.
You have my empathy. I’ve been a type 1 diabetic for 50 years. I’m doing okay but I too am tiring of the type of medical care covered by insurance. It’s good you can go to a concierge practice. My elderly mother has been receiving concierge care for years and has been very happy with it.
I hope you and your husband can resolve these issues, mostly for selfish reasons. I love your stories!
Modern medicine, American style, is frustrating at best and dangerous at worst. I found a few good doctors over the past couple years who actually listen to my concerns, and then when I have to see others it’s noticeably worse. Good luck.
Sending you all the love and best wishes for improvement. It is a true godsend to find a doctor that actually listens. It makes a world of difference.
Not concierge, but a regular Dr. My husband went for his annual checkup. His BP was high, even though he’s taking meds. This was a first visit with this Dr. Gerardo liked him. He’s now checking his BP twice a day. It’s looking better. The point of this story: The Dr called him yesterday! Not a nurse, but the Dr! He was checking on his daily BP results before renewing his medicine. I was shocked!! There are good Drs out there. 🙂
I am very glad that you have found the medical support you both need. Our family has often said that we are thankful we don’t live in America. We are a family of diabetics, 3 of us living together and 1 son living at the other end of our country. 2 insulin dependent, I tablet controlled and 1 diet only. The mere thought of the cost of medicines we all take for not just this but other health issues makes us all shudder!
Good luck with both of your health problems/issues.
May you and yours and all the BDH have an enjoyable holiday.
Diabetes and cholesterol are tough especially when trying to eat for both. Also find the medication that works for you one size does not fit all. Good luck on your journey.
Having a Dr who pays attention is so amazing. I have had rubber stampers and Drs who listen, the difference is immense. So glad you feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Well, here in Europe/Hungary our healthcare is in steep downhill from goverment cuts, but you still get better care: The official (home)doctor of your address code, can and will get you the necessary checkups from specialist if your symtoms make it necesary.
It takes (more and more) time, but if you have such basic problem the solution is fast and without delays (if you have exotic or rare condition, things can change).
Also if you got medication for high cholesterol, be aware:some cholesterol medication, sometimes have the sideeffect of losing musclemass. If taking the medication you experience general muscle weakness, you need a different drug like my aunt did…
No miracle cure. I’m a Type 1, and I wasn’t diagnosed until I was almost 40.
While it’s new and scary, just remember that, once the freak-out phase runs its course, steady habits will keep you on track.
Oh, “net carbs” are bullshit on packaging. Look at carb / protein ratios, instead.
I had a friend whose concierge doctor saved her life. Her liver values were a *little* off. Any other doctor would have said nothing to worry about unless it gets worse. The concierge doctor said let’s do follow up diagnostics. Turns out she had liver cancer. Luckily it hadn’t progressed too far and surgery and some chemo and she’s been cancer free for ten years.
I am so glad you finally got the medical attention you needed, and am once again thankful I live in a country with free universal health care (not without its own niggling issues of course, nothing is perfect).
Can’t wait till Friday!!!!!
I’m just happy it’s Christmas and I got a cat protecting Christmas tree and the Christmas presents
My elderly aunt pays extra for her geriatric specialist and his concierge service. It really can be a life saver.
I know from a medical billing class that doctors have to double-book appointments in order to pay the bills(and staff if private practice), so I’m not surprised by the conveyer belt of medical care. My sister had no clue about all the double and triple-booking that medical professionals have to do.
So nice to hear you were able to get some actual ‘me’ time with a physician. I’ve been dealing with the onset of spiking cholesterol levels; apparently age is actually more than just a number & once one gets to be a certain age the way one’s body works does change, mainly due to changes in hormones. Men are not exempt from this, BTW. For women, changing estrogen levels can open the door for issues with heart health, cholesterol, blood pressure etc. Diet & exercise help, but are sadly not a ‘get out of jail free’ card the way they might have been when one was younger. Good luck on your journey to the best health you can get; don’t be discouraged, just keep doing your best to help yourself.
Can I ask how does one find a Concierge. Hubby retired from Active Duty last year and finding care has been a nightmare. Not just for me but for the kids too. My daughter has been using her school therapist since we cant find one that takes our insurance or that is taking new patients here in NJ. Because he is retired the base facilty puts us on the waiting list. We have yet to get a call back for anything even as simple as vaccinations.
try a Google search with “concierge doctor” and your zip code.
I’m glad you had such a great experience with the concierge! I’m in the military, so I’m stuck with what I got (and gods bless them, overworked and understaffed, but still keeping the mission going).
As you continue on this health journey, remember to have compassion for yourself! Sometimes you can do everything right, but hormones and genetics keep pushing your numbers outside of normal. And lord knows society likes to keep pushing out those disordered thoughts about health, diets, weight, etc.
We’re all just trying to do our best and find peace where we can. Some days the struggle is real and I eat donuts and don’t care. Other days I stick to my meal plan and yay for me. I stopped beating myself up about it. And now I go to therapy, which is still the ultimate taboo in the military, and I don’t care anymore. I can’t lead anyone effectively if I don’t learn to deal with my own feelings.
Anyway, all this to say hang in there and be proud of yourself! You’re doing the best you can and you kept advocating for yourself and found a doc you deserve. You and Gordon are awesome and every single one of your series helped me find some peace and joy in 2023. I read KD and IC twice—so double the joy! All I can give you in return is this overlong comment and my endless gratitude!! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thank you for all you do, including the plug for therapy. It has to be said, over and over.
we never had better care than with our concierge doc. we have since moved and haven’t established another one yet, but they are worth their weight in gold. I also am working on my health. it is slow and tedious but I am trying to change a lifestyle and change is uncomfortable. best of luck to you guys with all the health stuff. 🙂
I’m very glad your friend told you about concierge medicine and that you both found the help you needed!
My GP was already an amazing doctor who tried his best to spend the time needed to listen and address issues but ended up working ridiculous hours, affecting his own health and life.
He switched to the concierge model instead of quitting his practice which would have been oh so much worse for his patients. He dropped down from a high of 6000 patients at one time in his career to 400 patients who get 24/7 access to him and it allows him to have a life again.
Yes it costs more as it’s on top of paying regular insurance premiums but with my very complicated medical issues, it’s been worth every penny as I’m in the best shape, physically and mentally, of my life.
“If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.” — a lot of truth from PB!
FYI, MDVIP is one of the concierge medicine companies with a large number of doctors nationwide. And, no I don’t work for them but my doctor is part of the group.
Sending best wishes on your healing journey. So pleased that you found people/ doctors who will listen to you!
You are awesome. Thank you for any snippet or treat that arrives on Friday. <3
Bless you both. So glad you got it all checked out. X
getting what you need from the health care delivery system:
If you don’t get the answers and support from your health care provider CHANGE. if you need more resources:
medlineplus.gov info for consumers. no scare tactics and in Spanish
1. when you visit your provider bring a trusted partner. you won’t remember half of the information. their job is to remember the other half. they can also do the complaining if your provider is unhealthy
2. when you get your results look up the abnl stuff; this helps with being prepared for what should come next
3. come prepared to take notes; know what to expect from the treatment;
4. every december insurance changes. check with your provider and your pharmacist for surprises
5. “complimentary” and “traditional” medicine can work well together. they both agree that water is your best medicine. both are discussed in medlineplus.gov
(also Mr Gordon should get coronary calcium score, C reactive protein (CRP), and assessment for sleep disturbed breathing (associated with elevated blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, mood and appetite issues). check with provider and the above website)
I totally understand this! I switched from a conveyor belt practitioner and fortunately found out an old and close family friend was practicing in my area and it was night and day in terms of care. She sees me immediately, spends as much time as I need with me and is always available via email. She really cares and it is such a relief
Not medical advice, but I will say that getting a continuous glucose monitor has been a tremendous help for me in managing my blood sugar. I am a diabetic and have been for years but the dexcom has really helped me fine tune my diet and lower my A1c. I still take medication but I do not need as much.
Good luck to you, I’m so very glad you tried the new doctor!
thank you for sharing. learned recently that insulin resistant can happen as we age, especially for women going through menopause and early menopause. I’ve changed my diet to improve my resistance to insulin. cutting back/out the sugar is so hard as is upping my daily protein intake. I hope you both are able to improve your health, and I will consider concierge healthcare in the future.
I am very glad you both are now getting the care you should have had all along. I’ve been in healthcare for a long time and I am so sorry you both had this experience. Well done finding a provider who cares!
So glad you’ve found a physician that works well with you. I’ve never had to deal with an HMO, having always had the option of a PPO. Even that can be a hassle with the paperwork, but it’s way better than what I hear about HMOs. My semi-annual PCP visits had brief wait times and enough time with the GP to go over everything. He referred me to good specialists as needed. For minor stuff in between I went to the urgent care place he recommended, which was a huge improvement over the one closest to my house. And during COVID he instituted telehealth appointments, which he still uses if you prefer.
Now I’m 100 miles from there, and the new PCP seems OK after one visit. We’ll see how it goes. Dealing with the federal marketplace, since VA didn’t have a state one when I moved down in June, was a massive pain. For instance, the most appropriate plan would only pay for a 30 day supply of BP med, rather than 90 days like my MD plan. This cannot be any more cost-effective than it is convenient. Now VA has set up a state marketplace like MD had. That goes into effect January 1st. I’m cautiously optimistic. We shall see.
Much of this pain stems from the move in the 1980s to shift hospitals from nonprofit to the private sector. The theory was that the private sector would be more efficient. That worked out well! Even before then, though, the insurance industry was gumming up the works. What a mess.
I am so thankful that you sought a better doctor!
When I first started reading I feared worse news. This is actually good. You have time to do something about it, and you are being provided the tools to help you.
Merry Christmas!
When it comes to your health, you are an employer, and your doctor and office are your employee. You have the right to fire them. After my primary provider left, I fired 3 before I found someone I meshed with. That’s super important. We had a great conversation 2 weeks ago at my “well” visit. I also have an amazing endocrinologist. If you are pre-diabetic, might not want to mess around with a PCP or anyone else. Ask for an endocrinology consult. They will do tests that someone else won’t think to do. They have been so amazing, and helped me lose 50 pounds during lockdown when I couldn’t walk through my house without a cane and while my thyroid took a permanent hike. They have the tools and hook you up with a nutritionist who can help you identify the foods and combinations of foods to eat or not eat. It was a revelation. I’ve been in healthcare (in a non patient area) for 33 years and know how to navigate the system. You almost need someone who knows this kind of thing and can act like a medical matchmaker. I do this for my family, and can’t imagine not knowing how to navigate the system.
wow….another reason to get the hell out of Texas. there are many issues that made me leave Louisiana , politics being number one, but when I lived there the health care was first rate.
I also could have avoided full blown diabetes but my doctor missed the signs. I am in Australia so medicines are easier if they sell them. I was told to go on insulin to better control my sugar & oh once you are on insulin you will simply need to take more. Definite no to that. I am now better controlled by eating 5 times a day making sure I have fruit or nuts for mid morning afternoon. I also walk 10-15 minutes after eating – just around the house. I found toning the muscles also helps (Pilates for me). High protein foods help with weight & diabetes
Good luck with everything it takes a lot of finger testing to work out which foods raise your levels the most
I’m sorry about the cookies, but they will be great to re-gift because the can is pretty.
Hi Kelly, did you mean to comment under this post? I’m not sure which cookies these are 🙂
I am glad you got a second opinion who gave you good information. I see a Nurse Practitioner and she is the best doctor that I have ever had. She LISTENS and she doesn’t shrug off symptoms.
My NP is the same way. Love her!
I am so glad you shared this! This could literally save lives. I hope your quality of life improves just by having someone who heard your needs and concerns and could do something about. Best wishes for a healthier New Year!
I am pre-diabetic myself. I kind of know how you feel. it sucks. I almost completely gave up sugar. I have it to where I am eating 26 grams a day and that is my limit. and that is not easy to do because everything has sugar in it. My doctor visit this year was better. I’m still pre-diabetic but I’m getting farther away, but I have not lost a single pound so it doesn’t really feel as if it’s helping. I also don’t drink soda. Bread and potatoes is the hardest for me because I love them, and can’t give them up completely.
My husband and I have been discussing this exact same thing- and we have a diabetic child on our insurance. Due to that I was reticent, but now I may at least look into it. Thanks for the info/review.
I have a concierge doctor and spent almost 2 hours at the first appointment. In emergencies not requiring ER or urgent care, we can text. She is part of a standard hospital system so if I need hospitalization she has privileges. If you can afford it, I think this is a good alternative to insurance controlled “healthcare”.
Horrified for you that you have had to deal with such low-level healthcare and happy that you have found Concierge Medicine that will work for you. Your attitude sounds wonderfully upbeat and that is grand! Best of luck thru this next year!
Have been using concierge medicine for the past few years. With mine I can get my meds for wholesale cost. Which saves me lots.
It makes me so sad to hear this. I’m a pediatrician, so children can be vastly different from adults but I cannot imagine spending so little time with my patients. It’s hard to hear that some doctors are this way, and it can sour people for other doctors.
On the other hand, it’s wonderful that you found someone who takes the time and seems to care about your health. Every patient, regardless of age or concern, deserves someone who cares. May your holidays be a little brighter now that you’ve found the right doctor for you!
And thank you for all your wonderful books! They help me with my own health and wellness.
If it’s in the budget and you can find someone you like, I highly recommend two things additional 1) ask for referrals for an incredible physical therapist, ideally in-network, and develop a relationship so you have someone you know and trust to talk to about aging and bodies etc. They should be amazing at massage/bodywork and at assigning stretches/exercise. AND I would hire a strength coach/personal trainer. Get someone you both like who comes to the house at least once a week, or you meet at a pleasant gym. These will not cure diabetes but help a lot with health and enjoying life. Godspeed!
Ilona, I’m so glad you found medical care that you can believe in.
A few months back I met my new Dr because both the NPs I had worked with had left the practice. He made me feel like I was just another box to be checked off, a hurdle between him and his dinner (we did a video call and he was at home with a person wandering in and out behind him…ok but isn’t there such a thing as HIPAA and patient privacy?). Told me that my constant headaches were to be expected and they’ll go away in a few years when I get through perimenopause. Um, you are not helping.
I decided to pay for concierge service when we found out how long waiting lists in our area are- there are very few doctors taking new patients. Our concierge service is doing a partnership with Amazon where Amazon Prime members pay $9/month for this service (YMMV). Got a next day appt with an NP who actually listened to me, walked out of there with orders for lab work, a referral for an ultrasound for the weird lump on my neck, a head MRI in the works, and a referral to a headache clinic. That and their labs for blood work are all drop in, no appt needed, with some open on the weekends…wow this is such a difference. My NP responds to my texts and is thoughtful in her care.
I am at once gratified to get this care and appalled that it is not available to everyone.
Thank you for sharing! I tipped over into diabetes in September. I have fought it most of my life virtually everyone in my family is diabetic. It is a deadly and serious disease but they understand the mechanisms better and there are good solid options for treatment. I need to look into that concierge doctor thing! I am looking forward to Friday! Thanks
Ilona, I’m so glad you are getting the medical attention you need. I don’t know if you have used this before, but my father (who is diabetic) and my husband (who has borderline high blood pressure) have been using the Free Style Libre blood monitoring system by Abbott. It allows you to see what impact different foods have on your glucose levels. I hope everything works out well for you and Gordon!
Thank you for sharing. thank goodness you complained to your friend who had a solution. makes me sad to think there are a lot of people not getting helped.
I have had exactly the same experience with concierge. Best money I ever spent. After going over my blood work my doctor said, “Christine, I went back through your charts for the past 8 years. I think we should change from the highest dose of Lipitor to 20mg of Crestor.” I am 77. No doctor has Ever said they reviewed my charts before an appointment. BTW my next blood work had a significant improvement. You must be your own advocate for your own health.
I am happy you found a medical professional that actually listens and takes action without all the hoops. I agree that if you file you are not getting the help you feel you need, that you should look for another medical professional. My partner also struggled with his doctor who just waved him and is vague health issues off everytime and wouldn’t even do tests (we think hebthought my partner was hypochrondiac). Then he switched to another doctor who actually listened and took him seriously and did tests right away. Turns out his thyroid is not working properly and he was put on life long meds immediately. Also saved his health from a lot of thyroid related issues in the future.
Thank you for taking good care of yourselves -you’re important to us and your sweet family.
Hello,
I wanted to share my weight loss experience in hopes it might help someone too. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, causing hypothyroidism, in 2012. Although the meds worked for a while, over the years my weight slowly crept up until I got obese. I changed my diet, reduced my portions, and do HIIT exercise 3 hours per week. Got bunch of tests done, doctors also kept telling me to do the same things. Nothing was helping.
I stumbled upon a practice called carb cycling, where you rotate between high-carb/low fat meal days and high fat/low carb meal days (lots of info and tips online). For the first time in 8 years I finally made it to 172lbs, where I had been over 180-188lbs (I’m 5’2 and 41 years old). I almost cried. It’s a slow process, but it actually got me below my upper plateaus.
I have a new doctor and we’re doing a round of tests (including gut bacteria) to see if there are any other underlying issues, but I thought I’d share the light at the end of my tunnel.
I hope you will both be on the road to recovery now you have the medical help you both needed.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year xxx
I am sorry you had to go through this and appreciate you found a solution that works for you. My concern, and it is truly a concern that keeps me awake at night, is how do we take care of everyone with the same quality even when they cannot afford concierge? How do we change the mafia that are the insurance and drug companies? and how do we treat healthcare as the human right it is and not as a commodity?
Sorry for the downer of a comment, but your story is just too sad. Stay safe and healthy and congratulations for a healthier 2024.
Thank God, for your friend! A word in season makes such a difference. I am so glad you had options, and that you explored them.
(That’s a happy holiday for the BDH, for sure!)
I’ve lost 60+ lbs in the last 9 months through diet and exercise. My diet is something close to Keto. And because that actually needs to you eat a lot of veggies I’ve have a lot of health gains. I 100% approve of concierge medicine. The difference is amazing.
Miracle cures – I feel much better when I take supplements and the loss of weight and different eating help me get much better sleep and more sleep. That has improved so much about my mood or health. Miracle cures might not exist but a few supplements may help you sleep better or recover quicker from working out. Putting all supplements into the same crazy basket is not helpful.
I’m so happy to hear that you finally are receiving proper medical care. Best of health in 2024.
Well, I AM a medical professional, and the behavior of the first physician you mentioned was deplorable. I strongly suspect serious burnout on their part. It doesn’t excuse what they did though.
On the idea of concierge medicine. It’s a great alternative for some folks. I’m VERY happy that it’s working out for you!
Thank you
My mom has a similar problem with blood sugar and the doc just waves it away. I did find that getting her to eat more beta glucans (oats and barley) got her numbers down enough that they aren’t scaring me. She takes two beta glucan supplements per day too. I doubt it is as effective as real diabetes medication and she will not change her diet (lots of candy, especially this time of year). I knew about the concierge doctors in texas. They are not in our area, but there are some who will do telemedicine. Meanwhile I work on my parents’ diets and mom started doing the sit-down eliptical. That has helped her walking as she doesn’t drag the one foot as much. She picks it up and doesn’t fall as much. She still drops glass dishes though…
Glad you are on the road to being healthier. We love you both!
I can relate, I fought for a diagnosis this time last year and anyone to beleive me.
I had a good feeling of my issues being something but I was deemed 2 years too young for menapause. I saw 4 gp’s before I finally met one that really listened.
I finally got a set of tests to look for fibroids and put on menapause treatments.
It’s felt like a long road but I finally feel more me with a doctor who seems to listen and remember me. it makes a huge difference to feeling like a number.
Ugh – it is so sad when medical systems are so terrible that people have to seek out options like this. Our system is maybe slightly better from a cost perspective in Canada, and you still see the same problem with family doctors hand waving and not actively managing health. I am glad you found a service that was affordable and helpful for you! I’ve also found having a good family doctor removes a lot of mental load and stress, because you know your health is in good hands vs. feeling like you have to do all the management and worrying yourself.
I wanted to mention something that worked for my mom and me, and got us both off the prediabetic list and lowered our cholesterol and we both lost weight. We started intermittent fasting. My mom is 83, and she fasts for 14 hours a day. I am 60, and I fast for 16 hours a day. It was hard at first, but now I am used to it, and feel great. It was my doctor that suggested it. It is not a cure all by any means, but it did make a big differences for my mom and me.
I have tried it for a year with a 6 hour eating window. I had no benefits from it.
Diabetes is scary but completely controllable IF you have the right medical team. I have had it for 20 years and after a team change 2 years ago am consistently in the 6’s for A1c. Good luck to both of you. So glad you are finally getting the help you need!
I am SO. GLAD. You are now receiving better support medically! Keep on keeping on – you’ve got this. The BDH supports you!!!!
My mom and dad started going to a doctor that did not accept insurance, she took a flat payment – they received excellent care and looked at them as people
Not numbers
I once went to a new medical provider office and the office staff…all of them… were too busy doing their “job” to look at me. At check out, with the 4th person who was busy on their computer I said “Wow! 4 for 4. Not one single person as looked at me all visit!” He looked up at me, shocked. Then when I said there was no need to make a return visit since I would not be back, he was dumbfounded. The problem is I am a medical provider also. There is a way to include patients when you are busy charting…you turn the screen and do it together! It’s their chart after all. Then you can look back and forth from the screen to them.
I lucked into a great NP a few years ago in a well run office. Thankfully she’s younger than I am, so I’m hoping I never loose her! The tone comes from the top, and if the docs are burned out and don’t really care, the staff finds it hard to care as well.
Sadly, I get why those MDs are so exhausted. The type of plan you’re on pays a lump sum per year, and it’s barely enough to cover basic medical care. MDs have to see a ton of patients to keep all the staff required to manage the paperwork required by the insurance companies, see enough patients to make an actual living and pay off school loans, and try to minimize referrals (for which they are often dinged and payment reduced.) It’s a lousy system, but what we’re stuck with.
So glad you found a great alternative!!
I’m really glad you got the help; I’ve been on the pre-diabetes meds for almost a year now and have lost 62 lbs, feel a million times better, and my A1C is staying where it needs to be. I didn’t do draconian “diet” though so much as just ate smaller portions (because honestly, I just wasn’t hungry). I hope this works for you, too — it was just such a relief to get the weight off after fighting for YEARS and years.
(I was giving two years of infusions which included steroids for a rare autoimmune thing, and that packed on the weight and I just could not get it off, no matter how I ate / dieted / exercised. It was so depressing.)
Thank you for the info on the concierge medicine thing—I had not heard of that.
*given
This is exactly what happened with me. I had been seeing several doctors for years trying to figure out why my GI issues were so bad. They never did bloodwork and gave me a lot of platitudes. I finally found someone else that, after hearing what I had been through, yelled about Doctors treating symptoms not the disease, and ordered bloodwork. We found I was not only diabetic but also had IBS.
I’m sorry you had to go through that, but I’ll second your thoughts. While it was not great news, I’m glad I found out what was happening. And if you don’t have a doctor that’s listening to you, change doctors until you do.
Guys;
I went all the way to type 2 diabetes, I wish you all the luck in the world in postponing it. And I have kidney failure, as well- so FB has ‘helped’ me with ads for myriad ‘cures’ that would embarrass a snake oil salesman. They’re good for a laugh, though.
I am so glad I am a Canadian. I see my GP annually and he is very proactive. I also see my diabetic counsellor quarterly (she works out of my doctor’s office.). My GP stops in to check on me when I see her.
Really? What province are you in? I hear so many stories of people not being able to get GPs. In BC I just heard a clip on CBC of two docs starting something to support the many on wait lists.
I’m with you. Got diagnosed last April with diabetes and put on a medication. Went back in Sept and my numbers were worse! So now I’m on 2 meds and working, literally, my ass off. Changing my diet has been really rough but enlightening. I never realized how much of my previous diet contained processed carbohydrates.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you during the holidays – so many cookies
Congrats on being an active participant in your own health, looking for better and getting it!
Blessings
I’m so glad to hear you and Gordon found a better healthcare path and are following a process that will help you get your numbers back under control. As we age, keeping an eye on this stuff is so crucial. The HMO process you described is simply awful but all too familiar.
We had a similar eye opening experience with our annual checkups this year, also. Our response was to switch to a Mediterranean diet and are already seeing good results. Brisk daily walks, included.
I wish you, Gordon, and the rest of your family a healthy, peaceful holiday season.
I would also recommend advance practice nurses, especially in private practice.
I feel you Ilona and Gordon, last year after finally got diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension after 3 hospital visits, and feeling like the doctors were not listening to me. Now on the right medications I am starting to feel normal again
So glad to hear you are getting the care and attention you need.