When is it time to find a new doctor?

The headaches and nausea have returned, with a vengeance. 3 in the last week. So I decided to go see the doctor.

I take pills for high blood pressure, which I forgot for a few days, so when I went into the doctors office he took my BP twice and told me my headaches were because of the excessively high blood pressure. While I can understand that the blood pressure isn’t helping I really don’t think it is the root of the problem because I have had the headaches when I do take my medication.

I rationally explained this to the doctor (while my head was pounding) and he once again said, must be because of the blood pressure, he went and got me some of my regular pills and said take one. I did and asked him if they are really that fast acting, he said it would be. Finally I asked him again why this would have happened when I was taking my pills and he muttered about how the body sets a new artificial normal high BP when you get off your pills, not really an answer.

The headache faded a bit into the night, but has returned this morning and, despite taking the pills is still there, so I find myself considering looking for a new doctor.

My doctor has been good, but I really don’t think he listens. If the problem I have is straight forward, like an infection, allergies or even high BP he is OK, but things like this where high BP could only cause some of the issue, he seems to gloss over what doesn’t fit.

I am a huge fan of the TV show House, MD. I know this is not real medicine but something in the show last night struck me, he is always complaining if he has a disease and only some of the symptoms fit. If he can’t make them all fit he isn’t satisfied. Shouldn’t most doctors at least try to make most of the symptoms fit?

So I am left with the decision about choosing a new doctor. I work 30 miles from home, I really would prefer to get a doctor nearer home, but everyone who recommends anyone to me is usually related to my work, so is to far away.

I could just look at the list of available PCPs and pick one at random but that hardly seems right.

What I need is a web site or list somewhere with lists of specialties and doctor reviews, but I suspect such a site would either be sued out of existence of filled with people who are unhappy that their self diagnosis was not filled with the TV advertised drug-du-jour.

Today’s questions are…..

How do you know if your doctor is not working for you?

How do you find a new doctor?

How fast does Diovan really work?

And Lastly, what is causing High BP, Headaches, seeing stars, Nausea, Muscle ache and Fatigue to the point I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus?