I called my clinic today to ask for a refill on the antibiotic for the sinus infection. I had to see the nurse practitioner originally, because I couldn't get an appt with my PCP. I explained everything to the nurse today, and she said she'd call me back. Well, she did, but said the NP was prescribing med A, not med B, because according to her, she hadn't given me med B. I told the phone nurse that yes, she had, because I called after a couple of days on med A and asked for a different med, because med A caused intense, severe itching on the soles of my feet. So the nurse told me she'd have to check again with NP, and call me back.

Once before, I had a minor issue with this same NP, because she doubted my symptoms and the severity. I told her I was over 50, and by now I had learned when I was sick enough to go to the doctor and get meds. She did finally listen to me that time.

I think she has an attitude when patients are assertive regarding their own health care. I finally did get another callback from the phone nurse today, and NP did realize I had med B, and did prescribe it. But then the nurse had to relay a bit of a "lecture" to me from the NP, such as, "make sure you take it 'til it's gone, continue to use your allergy meds, and continue to use a sinus rinse." DUH! "And if you aren't better after this, you'll have to come in to be seen." I already told the nurse I had been doing all these things; I didn't need a lecture with an attitude from the NP. And I know she had an attitude, just by the way the phone nurse relayed the message.

I was just a bit irritated with the NP's attitude, and I'm not going to obsess over it. But I just needed to vent a bit, I guess. If the sinus infection doesn't go away completely this time, I'm not going back to the same NP. My own PCP has told me before that sometimes sinus infections need to be treated for up to 6 weeks, so will give me a script with refills if needed.

I have a theory that people like the NP have a chip on their shoulder, and are quite prickly if someone dares to disagree with them. Insecurity?

I have had to deal with so many medical professionals over the years, due to my own health issues and on behalf of my son. I'm not intimidated by them, and I do have respect for the good ones. I can tell I don't feel well--I'm not usually this cranky! Really!

Sorry for the rant! I do feel better now.

Q: What's the difference between God and a doctor?
A: God doesn't think He's a doctor. ba da dum!