Connect
← Return to MGUS I need help understanding my lab report.
Discussion
MGUS I need help understanding my lab report.
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jan 20 9:58am | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
Thank you, Patty, for the good advice. My doctor just doesn't have time anymore. I've tried to write the patient portal, but have received no response. I've just assumed that if there are any issues, she would let me know. I know to be my own advocate, and I've read quite a bit about MGUS, but have gotten more confused than when I started. LOL. As I said, the doctor seems to be allowing the nurse practitioner to take over more. I saw the NP once, but the next time, I expressly said I wanted to see the doctor. I completely understand there are many patients who are far worse off than I am, so I'm reluctant to take up too much of the doctor's time.
I'll be seeing her next week for recent labs, which were done in two different labs. A partial one at her office by one lab and one by Quest, who did my cardiac labs.
Thank you for all your good advice.
Nan
Replies to "Thank you, Patty, for the good advice. My doctor just doesn't have time anymore. I've tried..."
Stress is not good for patients. This doctor has to find time to respond to your messages. The Mayo location I use has what is called a Cancer Navigator (Social Worker with additonal training.) I have used this Cancer Navigator on several occasions when I needed help. This has been a great help for me and my husband as we ourselves "Navigate Things." This might work for you. Signing off as a full day of things to do. (As always, smile)
Connect
@nsnipes11, I think you should've gotten a response to your questions on your Portal. I really don't think you should take a back seat to patients who are worse off, in the sense that the doctors and clinics must organize their time to take care of EVERYONE who needs their care. That's up to them.
I've been struggling, myself, with wanting answers but not wanting to be a pest. But as Patty said above, we patients are entitled to explanations about our lab work and plan of care, given in a face-to-face visit. I honestly didn't realize that myself, but my sister, a retired nurse, has made a point of telling me that - over and over! 😂
So don't feel bad about asking the doctor for that. The lab results are YOUR information about YOUR body, and you have a right to understand what they mean. We can't get an MD degree from reading online, and that's what the MDs are getting paid for, anyway.
Take care and let us know how it goes! ❤️
Nancy