1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Do Doctors Really Listen to the Patient?

Posted by chzuck @chzuck, Jul 4 8:17am

Last week I went to a new ENT doctor specializing in the nose and sinuses. I have had ongoing issues where my nose closes up at night and causes issues breathing with my cpap mask. I mentioned that I used Neo Synephrine a good bit. Well, that seemed to where his focus went. I mentioned an ear ache episode where the ear drum burst and the swelling on that side actually dislocated my jaw and that ever since then I have extreme post nasal drip for a couple of hours after I get up. No response on that. Why would he not recommend a X-ray or better yet an MRI to see what could be going on? He then prescribed a different Fluticasone Propionate, Xhance, after I told him I had been using that steroid since 2012 with no noticeable good. His prescription would have been $600 and it was from a "special pharmacy", no mention that I could get it through my current local pharmacy with my Rx plan, I refused it. Many of my questions went unanswered, why? This is the fourth ENT that I have been to for the problem of nasal congestion at night. All through the day I am fine. It is in the evening when it starts and it seems to go away in the morning an hour or so after I am up. Anyone on here have a similar issue?

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danny67 | @danny5 | Jul 8 6:57pm
In reply to @chzuck "I have tried the nasal strips with little success. The congestion is further up the nose...." + (show)
@chzuck

I have tried the nasal strips with little success. The congestion is further up the nose. I am usually open all day. Around 8pm or so, I notice some stuffiness and I am not in the bedroom. I had a blood work allergy test that showed nothing. I do keep my cpap accessories clean. You tell me how a doctor can analyze his patient in 5 to 10 minutes. I know he was not listening to half of what I said. He heard Neosynephrine and jumped right on that. I told him I had taken the generic Flonase since 2012 and noticed no benefits and yet he perscribed Xhance, which is the same stuff in a high tech applicator at $600. I did not accept that Rx. I guess I look for #6 ENT doc.

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$600.00 prescription?? he's trying to meet his quota with the big pharms. that's what it sounds like to me. d 💙💙
p.s. it is time for #6. sorry.

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1 reply
chzuck | @chzuck | Jul 8 8:31pm

SinuCleanse seems to work the best for me. I use it in a Ayr squeeze bottle. Going to a NeilMed squeeze bottle because it is a little larger (8oz vs 6oz) and I am going to try a hypertonic mix. I warm it in my microwave for 24 seconds. Just warm, not at all hot. Maybe a little above body temperature. My procedure is the same as yours, med first, add water, and shake.

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chzuck | @chzuck | Jul 8 8:33pm
In reply to @danny5 "$600.00 prescription?? he's trying to meet his quota with the big pharms. that's what it sounds..." + (show)
@danny5

$600.00 prescription?? he's trying to meet his quota with the big pharms. that's what it sounds like to me. d 💙💙
p.s. it is time for #6. sorry.

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I think so and he sent it to a "special" pharmacy and not my usual one. Ever hear of ASPN Pharmacy?

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1 reply
celia16 | @celia16 | Jul 9 4:49am

Is there a secret to the nasal rinse? I decided to try it, then remembered I did try it long ago. (Before my current problem,) The water did not flow through the way most people describe. Maybe, I’m built differently. My ENT never mentioned anything off though. It goes in one side and out the other right? Fir me, it stops.

Oh, last weekend, I had left nostril congestion, even at my country house. I’m disappointed.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 9 10:25am
In reply to @chzuck "I think so and he sent it to a "special" pharmacy and not my usual one...." + (show)
@chzuck

I think so and he sent it to a "special" pharmacy and not my usual one. Ever hear of ASPN Pharmacy?

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Here is what I found about ASPN Pharmacy:
https://www.aspnpharmacies.com/ASPN
It sounds like another pharmacy benefit manager, but maybe one geared to helping the patients find lower-cost options?

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1 reply
dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | Jul 9 12:14pm

My primary provider is a PA and he is wonderful. He takes his time and listens to me like no other doctor has ever done.

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danny67 | @danny5 | Jul 10 2:41am
In reply to @sueinmn "Here is what I found about ASPN Pharmacy: https://www.aspnpharmacies.com/ASPN It sounds like another pharmacy benefit manager,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Here is what I found about ASPN Pharmacy:
https://www.aspnpharmacies.com/ASPN
It sounds like another pharmacy benefit manager, but maybe one geared to helping the patients find lower-cost options?

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i had them also. and no they don't help find lower cost options. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover them because of the high cost. so it came out of pocket. but, at the time it was not $600.00. maybe half. it did not help. i wasn't gonna finish the bottle of 20 or 30 capsules. that you pull apart and dump into the squeeze bottle. than add water. imagine having tremors in both hands trying to do this. OMG. even put a small funnel in the end to put the med in the bottle. yikes. but all i can say is good luck @chzuck. with whatever you decide. Daniel 💙💙.
P.S. for that price. i did finish the bottle. i maybe crazy. but not totally stupid. d. 🤣🤣

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danny67 | @danny5 | Jul 10 2:52am
In reply to @celia16 "Is there a secret to the nasal rinse? I decided to try it, then remembered I..." + (show)
@celia16

Is there a secret to the nasal rinse? I decided to try it, then remembered I did try it long ago. (Before my current problem,) The water did not flow through the way most people describe. Maybe, I’m built differently. My ENT never mentioned anything off though. It goes in one side and out the other right? Fir me, it stops.

Oh, last weekend, I had left nostril congestion, even at my country house. I’m disappointed.

Jump to this post

it sounds like you have some sort of blockage. it goes in the left. comes out the right. and than vice versa. you do both nostrils. half a bottle of med & water each side. and @celia, use a squeeze bottle and not the Neti pot. because you can control the pressure you squeeze the water through. the Neti pot just pours through without the controlled pressure. understand?
just MY guess would be nasal polyps. have the ENT do an exam. mine was packed with them.

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1 reply
celia16 | @celia16 | Jul 10 3:29am
In reply to @danny5 "it sounds like you have some sort of blockage. it goes in the left. comes out..." + (show)
@danny5

it sounds like you have some sort of blockage. it goes in the left. comes out the right. and than vice versa. you do both nostrils. half a bottle of med & water each side. and @celia, use a squeeze bottle and not the Neti pot. because you can control the pressure you squeeze the water through. the Neti pot just pours through without the controlled pressure. understand?
just MY guess would be nasal polyps. have the ENT do an exam. mine was packed with them.

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My ENT examined my nasal passages in October last year and all was well. I wasn’t able to use the Nettie pot some time ago…..several years ago. I will ask him about it again at my appointment next week. Thanks for the explanation.

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dorajak | @dorajak | Jul 12 8:36am

I agree with you as far as the doctors not listening. I went to an ENT for my pulsatile Tinnitus. His response was there is nothing you can do about it .He sent me for an MRI in February.. Nothing, no report no follow up, just nothing. I really do feel that there are many doctors , specialists and General practioners who do not listen to their patients. SO annnoying

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