Are blood tests really that important in follow up care?

[rhondalea]

I had to laugh at some of the comments. I couldn't comment myself because they were already closed, but I loved the ones who thought it wasn't the fault of the earlier doctors for not figuring out that Betsy was taking the supplement.

I take a bunch of supplements. Each time I go to the doctor--any doctor, every doctor--I take a list of every single one, including dosages and the times of day they're taken. None of those doctors look at my list. Even when I started chemo and the pharmacists went through the list, several antioxidants were missed. It was only because I understood that "antioxidant" was the operative word that I knew what additional supplements I needed to give up for the duration.

I had this conversation with my PCP a few months ago. She does try to listen, but she says it's difficult because doctors just don't have time any more because of managed care. I don't know if I believe that, though. After all, my gynecologist doesn't take insurance at all, but it seems to me my endocrinologist spends more time with me than she does, even though I know for sure that he has more patients.