Our primary doctor is leaving.

[Sara]

I got a letter yesterday stating he's leaving as of June to pursue an academic position in South Carolina.  He was the best primary doctor ever.  The first time he met Joe was when his kidneys finally failed and he sent him to the ER, and every time he's seen him since then they've joked about it.  He took such an interest in Joe's health, and mine too.  I felt like crying when I read that letter.     He's in a group practice so some of his partners are taking new patients, but I don't know any of them and I am particular when it comes to my doctors.  Typically once you've seen one they don't let you switch and I don't want us to be stuck with a doctor we don't like.  I am so bummed. 

[kianhu]

My PCP left twice, I followed her the first time.  Then the second time she went to Hospice.  I told her that I would not be following her that time.     It is sad when a good doctor leaves.  It is almost like a relationship ending.  You have to start all over forming a new one.  Hopefully you will find a new doctor that you like.

[Rerun]

Sara you should call him and ask who he would send his brother to.  Get his honest opinion.  It might save you some foot work.

[Sara]

Sara you should call him and ask who he would send his brother to.  Get his honest opinion.  It might save you some foot work.

Good idea, and I sort of tried that, but I got the standard "oh they're all good."    BS!

[stauffenberg]

I never cease to be amazed how little my primary care physicians know about renal failure.  On a scale of 1 to 10, if the knowledge of kidney disease by the average nephrologist is 9, and the average layman's is 1, then the average primary care physician's knowledge is around 3. When I have to select a new one I just look for someone I can point in the right direction to write the prescription for me that I want.

[Sara]

Well, we just got the news that now Joe's neph is leaving in August.    

[MyssAnne]

First your primary and now your neph? That is frustrating!!!  Darn it all!! What's HIS excuse?

[Sara]

His neph said he was moving because of his wife.  I think she's also a Dr. but not sure.  This just really, really sucks.  I hate when you finally find Dr.'s you trust and build a relationship with and then they up and move.   

[MyssAnne]

I hear ya Sara. It takes both time and effort to find someone good. And darn it all, that takes energy, which few of us have anyway!!! Tell your neph if he is gonna desert you, HE has to find you a (good!) replacement!!!. I'm joking (almost).

[tweetykiss]

This does really suck Sara....and I dread the day that Mike's GP and Neph also leaves but I don't forsee that or should I say wishful thinking.......

I would ask your doctor and neph for recommendations and make it clear you just don't want to just see just anyone.....tell them how you feel and have a heart to heart talk....

Meantime I will pray for you....