My New Doctor was in Prison

[AndrewIrish]

Okay,

I have my new doctor's appointment in 8 hours from now (I'm up late...)

I was researching information on him and found out a few things.

1) He was sent to Federal Prison in 1998 for two years due to feloncy convictions of recieving 'kickbacks' and 'fraudulent medical claims' for Medicare.

2) He lost a malpractice lawsuit in 1995 and paid 6k

3) He worked at Home Depot until 2009 since his release from Prison in 2000, only recently getting a licent back in Indiana (It's still suspended in every other state he had business in. I also found his denial from this year from Ohio.)

I read alot and saw court documents about his cases... he really seems greasy to me... this a good thing or bad thing from me as I'm trying to get meds?

 

[MarkyMark]

That's funny......my doctor should be in prison

 

[seizurrific]

I'd say skip him and find someone withOUT malpractice on his record. That's pretty serious!

 

[frshbeat]

Not sure I understand this scenario correctly, except for your trying to get your med situation squared away. Are you also trying to explore the possibility of trying new meds?

After reading what I read, I'd think many people would be basically telling you to run the other way and don't walk. However, there's a chance this doctor has been genuinely remorseful and has done a complete turnaround due to his incarceration.

So, given the fact he's paid his dues to society, can he still give you competent medical advice for your condition? Has he stayed abreast of all the latest medications and treatments? Ask him questions about your situation and the drugs he's considering for you, and what other options may also be available. Ask as many questions that are relevant to your condition and take notes. After your visit, you should have a much better feel if this doctor is right for you.

Who knows, while sitting in the gray-bar hotel, he could've gone to some extreme lengths, like swearing he'd become one of the best in the field of neurology. His every waking hour would be dedicated to researching every piece of information he could get his hands in regards to controlling seizures. If all that were true, you'd be in pretty good hands. However, nobody knows for sure what's really going on with him.

So, the appointment is set, and you have the choice to follow through. Just go with a measure of caution if you do. You have quite a few facts about this person, and not too many nice ones. The malpractice is the one that really concerns me.

If he's advising you to transition onto a new drug, I'd ask him many more questions as to how the transition's going to work and so on and so forth. After your appointment, check back here to let us know how it went.

If your situation is financial, and your choices are limited, I certainly understand as I was in the same boat many years ago. Matter of fact, I lost my insurance at one time and know that whole deal along with the "pre-existing" stigma. I had to get very creative.

Good luck with your visit.

 

[LJ-Bain]

I know the lengths that you had to go to see even this guy and that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures...
I'm assuming that by this time you have already seen this Dr.
How did things go?
Did he give you a bad feeling?
Do you think you can trust him?

 

[AndrewIrish]

Yep, I've now seen him...

He wasn't a Neurologist(The Hospital Social Worker couldn't find one of those to accept seeing me as 'pending medicaid' so he was my only shot.) He didn't know what Myoclonus was, what JME was or anything about Epilepsy. So we both sat down together and read through Google and I told him I needed another anti-convulsant and Ativan... so he said until I get my medicaid and can see a neurologist, he'd take care of me and he prescribed me 2000mg of Valproic Acid daily and the ativan.

The ativan is excellent., I needed that, am on a dose right now and I feel great. I think the amount of acid he prescribe dme though is potentially toxic not to mention no pharmacy will fill it since he ordered '500mg' tablets and they only make valproic acid in '250mg' and on top of that the valproic acid will cost me $150 cashprice to get filled which is prohibitive to me. I borrowed the 40 bucks for the Ativan from my mom but she told me, 'You're kinda outta luck with the valproic' lol. So now, I don't know what to do... I had a doctor go out on a limb to get me something, it's even something I think may work - I don't wanna go back and call him and say, 'Yea... this prescription... it's fictitious, they don't make 500mg of valproic acid lol...' and I don't wanna whine and say, 'but the anticonvulsants are far too expensive' - and trust me, I called everywhere for it, walmart, walgreens, cvs, mom and pop stores, everywhere... all between 140-200 bucks for my script of valproic acid... so I'm tough titties on that one... I have my medicaid interview tomorrow though, so who knows, maybe I pass with flying colors and get it real quick and go back with medicaid and get the script but right now... im feeling goood on the ativan but im not feeling very 'protected' not being on any anti-convulsants... and I appreciate the doctor's effort but anytime I'm explaining terms like 'status' and 'myoclonus' to a doctor, I don't think I should take his advice that well - well, he's all I had, he did all he could, it's just a crap situation right now...

 

[Rae1889]

try costco. it has great prices and can be ordered online.

 

[Rae1889]

also let the pharmacy worry about calling him to fix the RX

 

[AndrewIrish]

Thanks, I'll have to call costco right now.

I called them and WOW, it's the place to go... they said yea, the script was probably be supposed to be half of that and in which case, the script's only 40 bucks... GREAT! Awesome tip, thank you!

 

[Rae1889]

No problem! Costco is wonderful and you dont even have to be a member for the Rx

 

[AndrewIrish]

on another note... i don't ever do drugs really so a low tolerance for 'em... im kinda high right now, lol... not like loopy, just very mellow, calm... sedate... sleepy... I feel good... I like Ativan... and no JERKS! No friggin jerks! I just played a game of chess for the first time in ages! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!

 

[JLogefeil]

If it was me I would go to a different doctor. If you do decide to go ask him about it. If he lies then say ok and we're you saw that info on and then get a new doc. That's what I do.

 

[LJ-Bain]

What a relief to have no jerks even if it's only for a little while! A game of chess too? Awesome!
Good luck with the medicaid interview! I hope you do pass with flying colours and get the support you need. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you (in a non seizure like manner)!

 

[MaryK]

I second LJ with good luck on the medicaid interview. It sounds to me like things are really taking a turn for the better.

 

[frshbeat]

...and no JERKS! No friggin jerks! I just played a game of chess for the first time in ages! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!

I know the feeling. Got to be one of the best sensations ever. When I switched to Depakote from Dilantin over 30 years ago, my myoclonic head shakes went away completely. When I had many myoclonic shakes in succession, that continuous shaking would often be a precursor to a Grand Mal seizure. When Depakote came along, it succeeded in controlling my seizures. Finally, I knew what it was like to live without any type of seizures. I was under control after that switch. It was like a miracle had happened.

However, I had to get off the Depakote just last year because of the side effects. Yet, it served me well for many years. And still, I continue to stay very active including running. My nutrition and diet are also very important.

Btw, I was on 1500mg a day, which was six 250mg tablets a day. It was three in the morning and three at night. And, I took the generic version when it finally became available. The doctor eventually would write my prescription for 90 days with 2 refills. However, at the outset, you more than likely will need to be seen more frequently. Costco was the cheapest without insurance. I also had to get my blood work done about once a year.

I'm off the Depakote now and on Zonisamide (Zonagran) because it is supposed to be safer. I don't like the way this drug makes me feel (numbing feeling in mouth), but it's working. Comparatively, it's not as effective as Depakote. Occasionally I'll get one or two myclonic shakes, but it's so acceptable. Nothing close to how bad it was when I was on Dilantin. Still, I'm looking for another option in the interim, but am functioning for now.

Sounds like you're feeling some relief, and that is most important. When the time is right, it's a good idea to try and get an appointment with a neurologist to see how they will weigh in on your progress.

Good luck with everything.