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Who(m) can you trust?

Posted by shmerdloff @shmerdloff, Sep 11, 2025

I'm with a terrific multi-billion $ healthcare firm. Great doctors and staff.
My cardio guy is rushed. He stethoscopes me. Reads me my stress test and echo results , shakes my hand and leaves, saying he is looking for afib. He'll let me know.(7 days no contact). Didn't check my swollen feet.
The on line report says no bruit, no swelling.
My internist has been monitoring my bruit for a few years, including regular ultrasounds.
My gastroentorologist examined me, scheduled an endoscopy, and said, "Do you know your feet are swollen?" My gastro knows. I know, but my cardiologist doesn't because he never examined them!

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shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | Sep 13, 2025
In reply to @pml "I'm so sorry that you are having such an awful experience with your doctor! Perhaps you..." + (show)
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I'm so sorry that you are having such an awful experience with your doctor! Perhaps you should find another doctor if that is possible.

My husband had lung cancer. I kept a record of all his on going symptoms and the research I did about them including the side effects of his medications that could be causing a current problem. Plus I included his ongoing activities such as taking the garbage down when he was still able to do that, etc. and his blood pressure and blood sugar levels. I wrote all of this up and shared it with the doctors, (he had several doctors) at every appointment with my suggestions of what might be done giving the research as an example. Many times they agreed with me and would change a medication or discontinue it or add a new one based mainly on my research which was always documented. (Documenting everything was the best thing I ever learned in graduate school!) His doctors really appreciated my efforts because they were just too busy to do all the research that was needed. I think my research helped because my husband lived 14 years with lung cancer. He died in 2024.

It might be a good idea if you also documented all of your symptoms and presented it to your doctor at your next appointment. At least he'd have to take the time to read it. Plus he would have a much better understanding of your physical situation than what he is allowing to take place now. It is a lot of work but could be beneficial for you. I do remember commenting to my husband, "Why are we paying $700 for each appointment when I'm doing all the work?" But it was well worth it since I had 14 more wonderful years with him!

I hope things work out well for you. I'll say a prayer for you.
I wish you the best.
PML

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I don't like AI. It can be wrong, but I put my test results in, and it turns out my doctor is doing the correct protocol, even without the warm fuzzies.
Maybe he's using AI too😁

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pml | @pml | Sep 13, 2025
In reply to @shmerdloff "I don't like AI. It can be wrong, but I put my test results in, and..." + (show)
Profile picture for shmerdloff @shmerdloff

I don't like AI. It can be wrong, but I put my test results in, and it turns out my doctor is doing the correct protocol, even without the warm fuzzies.
Maybe he's using AI too😁

Jump to this post

Hi,
I'm glad to hear that your doctor is actually doing the right thing for you. That's great! I don't like AI either. I don't trust it and it's getting too much information on us. But then, I don't do online banking either. I don't trust the bank that much.
About your swollen feet, my mom had pulmonary emphysema for 10 years and her feet were often swollen. I took care of my mom and had her often sit with her feet elevated as the doctor had suggested. It seemed to help. He also prescribed Furosemide ("water pills") which really helped a lot. Her feet were swollen because she was retaining water. You might want to ask your doctor about getting some kind of medication for your swollen feet next time you see him. I hope it all works out for you.
I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

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