Beth has hypothyroidism. Her doctor had a difficult time regulating her meds so last year she had a radio-iodine treatment to kill her thyroid. She'll be on meds for the rest of her life, but I think it was worth it. She hasn't had any symptoms since the treatment.
The last time she saw her doctor he told us that everything looked good and he wouldn't need to see her for 6 months. During those 6 months, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law and her doctor no longer accepted her medical insurance. Oh joy.
I've spent the last couple of months looking for a new doctor, contacting her old doctor, getting the referral, answering a lot of questions and filling out a 6 page Patient Medical History form. I had to do it over the course of a few days cause I just didn't have time to do it all in one sitting! I thought her former doctor would have faxed all that info over but, oh well. It's done now and she had her first appointment on Monday.
A new complex, new doctor, new procedures... and I forgot my phone so no pictures. :(
The doctor was very friendly (a female this time, last doctor was male) and spoke directly with Beth, only looking at me if Beth didn't answer. I think we're really gonna like her.
After the appointment, we went to the lab so she could have some blood drawn and while we're sitting in the waiting room, she tells me I can wait for her. "You don't want me to come in?"
She points to the crux of her elbow and says, "You don't like this." I agreed that I don't like to watch people getting shots, but I usually just look the other way.
"You can wait here."
Well!! So when the nurse called her name, she handed me her purse and went in without me! Remember, this is a new office with people she's never met before.
I can hear her tell the technician, "My mom not like these."
She laughed and told her that she understood, some people can't watch. I sat in the waiting room listening to my painfully shy daughter speak with a complete stranger, laugh with her and have a perfectly normal conversation.
It was the best blood draw I've never been to!!
5 comments:
It sounds to me like you found a great doctor for Beth--I liked that she spoke directly to Beth.
Over the last year, it just seems like Beth is coming into her own. She is feeling more comfortable with herself and who she is. It's been wonderful to hear about her growth!
Such empathy from Beth! This is amazing and lovely. And the doctor sounds OK too.
Oh Yes - love this post. :)
I think that I like this new doctor--treating Beth like the fabulous adult that she is!
I agree---Beth is really becoming a great advocate for herself!
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