A little disappointed with new ENT today

Hondo
Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Well I am a little disappointed with my New ENT visit today, not that they had made a mistake and schedule 4 people for the 8:30am appointment, anyone can make a mistake.

He came in to the room and I could see he was in a hurry but sometimes that is normal. He sprayed my sinus in prep to do a scope, and left for about 20 minutes, when he returned he forgot that he sprayed my sinus and sprayed it again. Oh so I am well and numb now, He started doing the scope and looking at the same thing that he saw 3 weeks before and said, there might be a re-occurring NPC their. I said what; he said it’s possible that you might have a re-occurring cancer. I said Doc, last month MD Anderson did a PET that said I was NED, and a few weeks ago the Mayo Clinic did a biopsy that said NO cancer, you read those reports.

He told me he does not have any copies of their reports, I told him yes you do I gave them to you the first time I came here remember I handed them to you and you read them right here in this room. I am here because of an infection of the Mastoids not for Cancer, I don’t have cancer remember. He looked very confused at that point, I am hoping that it was only because he over booked his self that morning and forgot what he told me on my last visit.

My big concern here is that the doctor did not remember anything from my first visit, not a very good sign and my warm fuzzy feeling is now cold. Did not accomplish anything on this visit but a lot of cost to travel to Houston. I believe I will pray about this a lot more and see if it is Gods way of letting me know I need to look for another ENT.

The only good thing so far about this is that we have found the problem with my head pain and for this I am very thankful.

Take care everyone
Hondo
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Comments

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    Sounds like-
    your ENT was overbooked, etc., Hondo. Musta been kinda awkward, and frustrating. Bottom-line: very unprofessional of him to lose track of the info on the patient he was seeing. Bigtime. And, you're supposed to entrust your care to him? NO WAY!

    My ENT, which is my 2nd since the C showed, told me on an early post-treatment office visit that I should get my PEG out ASAP if I wasn't using it, but might wanna consider keeping the Power Port for the rest of my life. Hmmm. Not gonna live very long, Doc? I told him I had no plans on keeping the Port, because of the monthly flushing hassle, which he was unaware of even being part of having a Port. And, on a later visit, he was all enthusiastic about his determination that I should get the Port out ASAP- like he'd forgotten what was said on an earlier visit.

    And, my first ENT, who did the office needle- he said the first thing he'd do is install a tracheaostomy! I told him that was not acceptable, and explained to him why. And his response was to suggest I go back up to Chicago, where I had a lotta work done on me when I was a teenager. And now, 20-months post-treatment, I never did get the trachea, and here I am.

    Sorry to hear about this, Hondo. MD Anderson! That is disappointing. As for the message from above- yes, and do what your heart tells you to.

    Believe

    kcass
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Kent Cass said:

    Sounds like-
    your ENT was overbooked, etc., Hondo. Musta been kinda awkward, and frustrating. Bottom-line: very unprofessional of him to lose track of the info on the patient he was seeing. Bigtime. And, you're supposed to entrust your care to him? NO WAY!

    My ENT, which is my 2nd since the C showed, told me on an early post-treatment office visit that I should get my PEG out ASAP if I wasn't using it, but might wanna consider keeping the Power Port for the rest of my life. Hmmm. Not gonna live very long, Doc? I told him I had no plans on keeping the Port, because of the monthly flushing hassle, which he was unaware of even being part of having a Port. And, on a later visit, he was all enthusiastic about his determination that I should get the Port out ASAP- like he'd forgotten what was said on an earlier visit.

    And, my first ENT, who did the office needle- he said the first thing he'd do is install a tracheaostomy! I told him that was not acceptable, and explained to him why. And his response was to suggest I go back up to Chicago, where I had a lotta work done on me when I was a teenager. And now, 20-months post-treatment, I never did get the trachea, and here I am.

    Sorry to hear about this, Hondo. MD Anderson! That is disappointing. As for the message from above- yes, and do what your heart tells you to.

    Believe

    kcass

    Hi Kent
    It sad but its life, I need to keep looking and praying to find one like yours. This ENT was not MD Anderson, he was with the Texas Medical Center, my next step is to try MD Anderson.

    Take care my friend
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    Hondo said:

    Hi Kent
    It sad but its life, I need to keep looking and praying to find one like yours. This ENT was not MD Anderson, he was with the Texas Medical Center, my next step is to try MD Anderson.

    Take care my friend

    keep looking, Hondo
    You've come too far to screw around with someone like this. Yes, anyone can be overbooked, anyone can make a mistake and anyone, with a professional demeanor, can get things back under control and not rely on the patient, who may or may not be able to do so, to get things straight.

    Onward you go.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member

    keep looking, Hondo
    You've come too far to screw around with someone like this. Yes, anyone can be overbooked, anyone can make a mistake and anyone, with a professional demeanor, can get things back under control and not rely on the patient, who may or may not be able to do so, to get things straight.

    Onward you go.

    Not giving up mom
    You are right I have came too far to giving up now, I have contacted MD Anderson and waiting on a reply from them for an ENT Visit.

    Will keep you all posted
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    Hondo said:

    Hi Kent
    It sad but its life, I need to keep looking and praying to find one like yours. This ENT was not MD Anderson, he was with the Texas Medical Center, my next step is to try MD Anderson.

    Take care my friend

    Wow Hondo. I don't even
    Wow Hondo. I don't even know what to say to that other than I don't think I'd be going back to him. :(
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228

    keep looking, Hondo
    You've come too far to screw around with someone like this. Yes, anyone can be overbooked, anyone can make a mistake and anyone, with a professional demeanor, can get things back under control and not rely on the patient, who may or may not be able to do so, to get things straight.

    Onward you go.

    Wow Hondo. I don't even
    Wow Hondo. I don't even know what to say other than I don't think I'd be going back to him.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member

    Wow Hondo. I don't even
    Wow Hondo. I don't even know what to say to that other than I don't think I'd be going back to him. :(

    Hi Sweet
    Yep I sure have had some bad luck with ENT’s but its OK I know the right one is out there somewhere it just takes time to find Him or Her.

    All the best to you
    Hondo
  • oldcamper
    oldcamper Member Posts: 27
    Do we have the same ENT
    Hondo,

    Hey do we have the same ENT? Mine gets going but I wouldn't trust anybody else when it comes to surgery time. I am located in Texas so I am sure they are not the same Doc. Mine Forgets what he did but he does keep the paperwork and reviews it before speaking. Most important is hang in there.

    Kevin
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    oldcamper said:

    Do we have the same ENT
    Hondo,

    Hey do we have the same ENT? Mine gets going but I wouldn't trust anybody else when it comes to surgery time. I am located in Texas so I am sure they are not the same Doc. Mine Forgets what he did but he does keep the paperwork and reviews it before speaking. Most important is hang in there.

    Kevin

    Hi Kevin
    You never know this guy is in Houston, but he forgets what he did with the paper work so can’t be the same guy…..

    All I can do is laugh about it so I don’t get mad. Lol

    Take care
    Hondo
  • ekdennie
    ekdennie Member Posts: 238 Member
    Hondo said:

    Hi Kevin
    You never know this guy is in Houston, but he forgets what he did with the paper work so can’t be the same guy…..

    All I can do is laugh about it so I don’t get mad. Lol

    Take care
    Hondo

    where do you live?
    Hey hondo, where do you live? I am in OKC and I have a great ENT. he is supposed to be the best in the region (excluding Texas). let me know if you want his number. he has been a blessing in my life!
    elizabeth
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    ekdennie said:

    where do you live?
    Hey hondo, where do you live? I am in OKC and I have a great ENT. he is supposed to be the best in the region (excluding Texas). let me know if you want his number. he has been a blessing in my life!
    elizabeth

    Hondo
    Just a little personal experience. Look into Mary Bird Perkins Center here in Baton Rouge...(maybe you already have). They have been absolutely wonderful and totally on top of things for me during my treatment and continuing follow-up. I'm sitting here trying to think of at least one mess up on their part, and can't think of one. I, and a bunch of folks I know, have been very fortunate to be patients of MBP.

    Larry
  • nkimber
    nkimber Member Posts: 46

    Hondo
    Just a little personal experience. Look into Mary Bird Perkins Center here in Baton Rouge...(maybe you already have). They have been absolutely wonderful and totally on top of things for me during my treatment and continuing follow-up. I'm sitting here trying to think of at least one mess up on their part, and can't think of one. I, and a bunch of folks I know, have been very fortunate to be patients of MBP.

    Larry

    The right doc
    Hi Hondo, I am so sorry to hear about your experience.... Believe me, I know how important it is to have a doc you believe in, and who believes in you. I am still on a search for the right oncologist and have an appointment with a new one next week, even though I'm in the middle of treatment. I refuse to see my current doc again. I'm praying that this experience with the new doc next week is exactly what I need.

    As for the ENT, I cannot say enough amazing things about mine. He always remembers our last visits (or at the very least reads up on his notes before entering the room), remembers that I don't go by my legal first name, and has the best bedside manner I could hope for. He always listens and he spent almost an hour with me during my last appointment, answering my pleading questions and alleviating my concerns, when he was already running almost an hour late to his next appt. If you want his name I'll be happy to share, if you're willing to come up to the DC area since he's at Johns Hopkins.

    I'll keep praying that you find exactly what you need!

    Nicole
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    nkimber said:

    The right doc
    Hi Hondo, I am so sorry to hear about your experience.... Believe me, I know how important it is to have a doc you believe in, and who believes in you. I am still on a search for the right oncologist and have an appointment with a new one next week, even though I'm in the middle of treatment. I refuse to see my current doc again. I'm praying that this experience with the new doc next week is exactly what I need.

    As for the ENT, I cannot say enough amazing things about mine. He always remembers our last visits (or at the very least reads up on his notes before entering the room), remembers that I don't go by my legal first name, and has the best bedside manner I could hope for. He always listens and he spent almost an hour with me during my last appointment, answering my pleading questions and alleviating my concerns, when he was already running almost an hour late to his next appt. If you want his name I'll be happy to share, if you're willing to come up to the DC area since he's at Johns Hopkins.

    I'll keep praying that you find exactly what you need!

    Nicole

    Ditto Sweet
    I agree with Sweet on this, I would be looking for another ENT. I can understand the error in booking appointments, he doesn't book them, his staff does. But to come into the exam room completely unprepared and so flustered that he sprays you twice, doesn't remember ever seeing the reports you gave him...completely UNACCEPTABLE!!!

    Just my opinion...

    Glenna
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    Glenna M said:

    Ditto Sweet
    I agree with Sweet on this, I would be looking for another ENT. I can understand the error in booking appointments, he doesn't book them, his staff does. But to come into the exam room completely unprepared and so flustered that he sprays you twice, doesn't remember ever seeing the reports you gave him...completely UNACCEPTABLE!!!

    Just my opinion...

    Glenna

    Hondo!
    So sorry that your appointment ended up such a negative note. It is sad that he did not even
    take the time to read your file before hand. Time to move on. Best of luck my friend!
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    SMACK
    Tim,

    I think that he needed a smack on the back of his head. That might have cured his CRS moment he was going through....

    CRS, for those that need further expanation = Can't Remember Sh*t....

    JG
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    Skiffin16 said:

    SMACK
    Tim,

    I think that he needed a smack on the back of his head. That might have cured his CRS moment he was going through....

    CRS, for those that need further expanation = Can't Remember Sh*t....

    JG

    Sounds very frustrating
    Time to find a new doctor. I changed mine because he was not outright truthful in his initial diagnosis. Told me as I was being wheeled in for my first biopsy that he knew I had cancer the first time he saw me, this after his nurse called and gave me "Negative" results on a needle aspiration. Never went back and changed treatment facilities entirely. You are a tolerant good hearted person but leave his butt in the dust!
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    Geesh!
    Hi Hondo, sorry you have to spend your time, and your money, for such a visit. When I sign in on the "sign in" sheet, I often notice that one to two other people have the same appointment time with the same doctor, especially my ENT.

    Like others have mentioned, my ENT flips through my record before he begins. This ENT should have regained his composure enough to apologize. That's what I do when I screw up at my job, what most of us do.

    I've had some great docs, and know you have also. I hope your visit causes the ENT to think. And especially I hope your next visit with him or another ENT finds you with a more caring and professional person.

    best, Hal
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    ekdennie said:

    where do you live?
    Hey hondo, where do you live? I am in OKC and I have a great ENT. he is supposed to be the best in the region (excluding Texas). let me know if you want his number. he has been a blessing in my life!
    elizabeth

    Hi Elizabeth
    I live in Lafayette Louisiana, it might be a little too far to OKC, but thanks anyway
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member

    Hondo
    Just a little personal experience. Look into Mary Bird Perkins Center here in Baton Rouge...(maybe you already have). They have been absolutely wonderful and totally on top of things for me during my treatment and continuing follow-up. I'm sitting here trying to think of at least one mess up on their part, and can't think of one. I, and a bunch of folks I know, have been very fortunate to be patients of MBP.

    Larry

    Hi Larry
    I might just try Mary Bird if nothing happens with MD Anderson, I got to give it one more try.

    Thanks for the tip my friend
    Hondo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    nkimber said:

    The right doc
    Hi Hondo, I am so sorry to hear about your experience.... Believe me, I know how important it is to have a doc you believe in, and who believes in you. I am still on a search for the right oncologist and have an appointment with a new one next week, even though I'm in the middle of treatment. I refuse to see my current doc again. I'm praying that this experience with the new doc next week is exactly what I need.

    As for the ENT, I cannot say enough amazing things about mine. He always remembers our last visits (or at the very least reads up on his notes before entering the room), remembers that I don't go by my legal first name, and has the best bedside manner I could hope for. He always listens and he spent almost an hour with me during my last appointment, answering my pleading questions and alleviating my concerns, when he was already running almost an hour late to his next appt. If you want his name I'll be happy to share, if you're willing to come up to the DC area since he's at Johns Hopkins.

    I'll keep praying that you find exactly what you need!

    Nicole

    Hi Nicole
    I would love to visit John Hopkins but a little too far and too cold for this Cajun; I am like the geese I fly south for the winter where it is warm that is why I go to Honduras.

    Take care