Losing My Doctor

Facebook. It can be a great place to find support and share information. I’m part of many support groups for some of the many conditions I have. One of my favorite groups is my local Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome support group. There’s not much complaining or one-upping. Mostly we share information about different doctors – whether we like them or not, whether they’re helpful or not, and the ones we should absolutely avoid like the plague. It’s a great resource.

But the other day, I came across a post in the group that was really upsetting. Someone had received a letter from the local hospital that our beloved allergy/immunology doctor was leaving the practice.

Good doctors are hard to come by

My doctor, the one who diagnosed and has been working with me over the last few years to treat my hives, is leaving. I was heartbroken. And I hated that I found out through the grapevine before receiving my letter.

Good doctors are so hard to come by. If you had a long search to get your diagnosis of chronic hives, then you know my sentiment. I went through 3 allergy specialists before I found Dr. W. Dr. W was a breath of fresh air. He’s the kind of doctor that keeps searching until he finds the answer.

Sticking by my side

After getting my diagnosis of chronic hives, the pathway to treatment was a very difficult one. I had many long conversations with Dr. W discussing different options and trying different medications before we found a treatment that worked. I’m currently in remission, but there’s already a plan in place for when my hives come back. Or at least there was a plan. But by the end of the month, he will no longer be my doctor.

Weighing my options

So, I have a few options. I guess I could follow Dr. W to his new practice, but the letter disclosing his departure is extremely vague about where he is heading. And from what I can deduce, there’s a chance he will be out of my network, just over the state line.

Another option would be to stay at the hospital and see one of the other providers. The problem with that is, that there is only one provider left to see and he was the second doctor I went through on my way to see Dr. W. I’m not particularly interested in seeing a doctor that I already fired because he was not helpful. My only other option is to find another doctor in the community who can take of my complicated case. I hate starting over. In addition to my chronic hives, Dr. W diagnosed and treated me for an immunodeficiency disorder. That was also a difficult diagnosis and the treatment for it can’t be prescribed by just anyone. I have to find another specialty doctor who can take me on.

Not starting from scratch

Lucky for me, I found a doctor that I don’t have to completely start over with. Dr. W works(ed) at a university hospital and is(was) an attending for the fellowship program. In addition to Dr. W, I’ve had residents and fellows following my case. One of those doctors finished his fellowship a year ago and now practices in the community. I have an appointment with Dr. Fellow at the end of the month. I’m excited that I have a doctor that I don’t have to completely start over with. But I’m also nervous about it. What if he doesn’t agree with the treatment plan Dr. W has me on? What if he has different ideas on how to treat my hives going forward when I do come out of remission? What if he’s just not a good fit for me?

I have so many other questions and feelings about having to move on with another doctor. It’s uncomfortable. But it is what it is. I will keep you posted and let you know how my appointment with the new doctor goes. I’m sure everything will work out fine.

Have you ever lost a doctor? How did you feel about it? Were you able to find another good doctor to treat you? Let me know in the comments!