I totally understand where you’re coming from here. I’ve had similar experiences—and with endocrinologists, no less! Your line in your OP about finding a “better endocrinologist” made me wonder … is there such a thing? No one in my family (we’ve all got rotten thyroids) has found one yet. Not that that comforts you at all, of course. Maybe this will: Fuck the fuckers! 
I’m sending good vibes your way, Biggirl, and naughty ones to those assholes you’re dealing with. I hope your husband can make some headway with them.
It isn’t right what they are doing. Is there any way that you can complaint through your HMO or insurance company?
You have my sympathy and I hope that everything turns out all right.
I have found a better endocrinologist. Not only do visits to him (I am pregnant with gestational diabetes) not end in tears, he is personable, actually gives my treatment thought instead of putting me on the same dosage as all his other patients at a certain stage in pregnancy, but also his flexible approach has led to much tighter control of my blood sugar this pregnancy. I have better outcome and a more pleasant experience.
Biggirl, I hope you have better luck soon getting an appointment. I am sorry to hear that you are being treated so shabbily.
That’s great to hear. I was beginning to think they’d gone the way of the Sasquatch. Congratulations on finding a good one (and on the new little one on the way!).
I’m so sorry, BigGirl, that really really blows.
I’ve been so very lucky this year… I’ve had nothing but luck with the medical professionals I’ve been dealing with. I feel your pain though. I’ve been where you are right now, in the past. I hope things settle.
Good luck.
Jeezy chreezy.
When I went to my urologist with redoubled kidney stone pain, they set me up for a surgery the next week. And that wasn’t even definitely life-threatening.
Consider going to your GP and requesting him to recommend another endocrinologist. Require that your current asshole provide you with the records – take a trip down to his office if you have to and raise hell until you get all the results of your lab work and tests and that. Take this to your new doctor.
I am not a doctor nor a medical anything. Do not take my advice as anything vital.
I truly feel for you, Biggirl. My grandmother has been going through something very similar. She almost had to flying tackle a passing doctor to get anything done about her problem.
Here is a site that keeps track of asshole doctors: Physician and Physician Assistants Disciplinary and Other Actions
::gives Biggirl major hugs::
I’ve been there. Oh, have I been there. Recently, I waited three days for a callback regarding a potentially life-threatening reaction to one of my psychiatric meds, only to get the brilliant advice of “stop taking your mood stabilizer, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.” Fuckwits.
Due to my insurance sucking, I can’t go to another doctor. That being said. . .I’ve found that the best way to deal with them is by being a monumental pain. I call for followups. Constantly. I leave messages. I call six times a day if I have to. Recently, after two days of waiting for them to fill out a form for my work–which, incidentally, I need in order to get PAID–I just showed up. I called and said that I’d be there at 4:30 to get the paperwork, and I was there until 5:30 (half an hour after closing), and damned if I didn’t walk out with that paperwork.
Granted, I don’t like having to be an asshole in order to get medical care. I’m a shy person. I apologize for everything. But it’s my body, and it’s my life. And if I need to be an ass in order to preserve said body and life, then so be it.
If you can’t go elsewhere (which, to be fair, you should; I’ve NEVER had to wait that long for an appointment), then annoy the motherfucking piss out of them. I know you’re not a teenager look-alike anymore, but sitting in their office waiting room insolently sending text messages does wonders for getting them off their asses.
::hugs again:: Here’s hoping it’s nothing that requires rushing.
My best advice (which I know you aren’t looking for; just venting, I imagine) is to take deep breath after deep breath, come here and rant as necessary, and keep trying to work the system as well as you can. It’s YOUR health that’s on the line; if you give up, the bastards win. It’s time to dig in your heels and make it your life’s mission to win I mean get your health looked after.
(Could they not at least have left a message on your home phone about the cancellation? That is beyond belief.)
DoctorJ, would you say your attitude towards work and patients is somewhat influenced by being a Doper, and having this insight into what is going on in the world of patients that most other doctors don’t have?
It sucks you’re going through his Biggirl. You have my well wishes.
Here’s another place to vent your ire.
Damn, I’m sorry you’re going through this, Biggirl.