Frustrating phone tag with doctor...

I'd suggest setting up a telemedicine appointment with the doctor. Or zoom call. That way you both would be available and able to talk at the same time. Does the office offer that? It has helped me a lot over the past few years of medical issues. Hope you get some help soon.

Hi Kimmiesue,
What an awful time you are having with the itching and not being able to connect with your doctor! Can you email your doctor? I go to the University of Washington Medical Center and they have an email system so you can contact your doctors. You might want to check and see if that's available with your doctor. Also can you call and talk to your doctor's assistant if you can't get in touch with the doctor? Doctors are very busy and deal with life threatening situations which probably explains why she didn't get back to you when you thought she would. But it's still frustrating. She did try and reach you but kept missing you. My husband died of lung cancer a year ago and his cancer doctor never even called me when my husband died! But our primary care doctor who also is in charge of the clinic, sent a very nice email and called too offering condolences about my husband's dying. Miriam's suggestion of a telemedicine call is a good idea if you can figure out how to do it. I've never done that.

About your itching, I recently had Shingles and that involved some itching. My doctor suggested putting Vaseline on the itchy area. It did help. It's very soothing but also messy. So put it on carefully.

Prayer always helps. Just tell God all your problems and cares. He will take care of everything for you. I'll say a prayer for you too.
PML

kimmiesue, The medical field is so different now due to overload, burn out, shortages and doctors retiring early.

I would do a zoom call.

Ask your doctor what he thinks about a prednisone taper for itching. It works wonders.

Praying for you to get relief.

My doctor does not take me seriously. Simply states take a Xanax & relax. Would love to find doctor who listens!

At least you had a couple of call backs. Count yourself fortunate. I almost always get a voicemail whenever I call any of my doctors. So, I leave a message. Naturally, I rarely if ever hear from them. So, don't be too hard on your doctor. They are calling you.

I am very fortunate. I am more frustrated with the situation itself. I have excellent doctors. Of course, nothing moves as quickly as we'd like when we're not feeling well. I am sorry you don't get responses. It is much easier to navigate the process with effective two-way c
communication. Blessings

I'm so sorry to hear. It is so much more helpful when HCPs can see things from our point of view.

Does your doctor have a patient portal? I have 9 different specialists, so I completely understand the phone tag dilemma. Most are good at persisting until they get a hold of me, but others are not. Using the patient portal helps to avoid all of that, as you can have complete communication between your doctor and yourself during office hours or after. It has helped to relieve a lot of stress for me, and gotten me answers in a timely manner. I hope that the doctors can find an answer for you soon. Take care of yourself and know that there others who are pulling for you.

Yes...we do have a portal and she or the PA usually respond within a day. (Great, I know!) There are just so many moving parts right now that I think it would be a very long email. I'm not opposed to setting up an appt to touch base. It's becoming apparent to me that I've been receiving such excellent service with this network of doctors and other HCPs, that I can get frustrated when there appears to be a hiccup. In other words, I'm spoiled and need to be more patient 😉

Also Aveeno Oatmeal baths can help soothe itching as well, if that’s something you’re interested in trying. It’s over the counter and available at most pharmacies. My D found it helpful when she had rashes.