Thank you.
Yes, I am in the process of formulating some questions for the doctor when I see her in March. My former rheumatologist will be of great help with the important questions I will need to ask. She too, although retired, has been doing some research for me which has been very helpful. I have realized that when my PCP asked me a couple of weeks ago if I wanted a new doctor that that was "doctor speak" for "I don't know how to treat you, or your condition is too complicated for me." I told him I did not want a new PCP and that I will continue to work with him as well as my friend, the former rheumatologist, who he too knows and respects.
In all honesty, this "disease" I have feels quite daunting. Now that I have the appointment I have waited so long to obtain, I find myself wondering or perhaps worrying that the "wait and see" approach which was taken up until this point, has caused further problems. I usually do not get anxious about my health, but now I am beginning to feel somewhat unsettled, perhaps it is my fear of the "unknown." I am scheduled to have an abdominal CT scan next week for significant pain I now have just to the left of my epigastric area. Also, my doctor is now consulting with a hematologist to discuss some of my lab results, which is only causing me a sense of heightened stress for lack of a better word.
I actually called Sutter yesterday and spoke to someone in patient services to tell them about my experience. More specifically, I was concerned that other patients with liver disease may be told the same thing I had been told about seeing a liver specialist in the local area. I did this not to cause problems with my doctor, but to alert them of my experience as well as the difficult time I had getting the referral that I secured.
Long answer to a short question. I appreciate your kindness and concern.