Jimi, you don't have to explain any of that stuff, not even the increased heart rate thing because the new doc will take your pulse and if it's normal then it's not an issue.

One of the most important things I learned about starting out with new docs is don't explain and don't complain about the details of eff ups with past docs. It immediately gets them wondering if you're going to be a difficult patient. So, don't explain and don't complain unless the new primary specifically asks for that info.

A few years ago I had to get a new primary because my old one retired. He'd been my doctor for years. My file from his office was about 4 inches thick. Before he left he gave me (all his patients) records to take to my new doctor. He included only those things he considered vital, mostly dx and justification for the meds I was currently taking. Some important test reports, like colonoscopy, mammogram and kidneys. I showed up at my new doctor's office for intake with five pages of history. It was enough.

I was prepared to answer a bevy of questions, but they didn't materialize. The new doc read the five pages and asked if I was satisfied with how my medication worked and if I was seeing any other doctors. He asked if I had any urgent concerns. The only question he asked that wasn't strictly business was if I knew how old my old doctor was and why he retired (68 and he was ready.) That was to satisfy his curiosity.

He told me he didn't want to know about my past care, except for my meds, because he wanted to start with new eyes. And that's what he did. He's not lazy or anything like that. He's a very good doc, highly respected in this town, and he wanted to look at my physical/psychological health from the moment I stepped into his office. Before you see the doc, you'll probably have to fill out one of those standard history questionnaires. Have you ever had migraine, cancer, seizures, asthma, surgery, etc. That's all they need to know.

My new doc didn't ask any questions at all about problems with other medical practitioners or past lab tests or anything. He ordered a full work up to see how I was doing currently.

The new primary will need to know about any meds you're taking, including supplements. Take them with you on your first appointment. Tell him or her how you think they're working. I had seen specialists in the past and I didn't want to go back to them. When he asked me about that I said I'd like him to refer to new people in order to get a new perspective. He smiled big when I said that. He had his own trusted referral sources and he was glad I wasn't going to protest if he wanted to use them.

So, Jimi, I think it's okay to stop worrying and to just not even bring up all that stuff. It's stuff to talk to a therapist about -- that where we explain and complain. If your new doc asked why you're there, you can honestly say, "I don't have a regular primary and I need my thyroid and autoimmune disorder monitored." It is absolutely not your fault if the lab didn't run tests in the past. You don't have to explain that or mention it. The doc will want to run new tests.

My first appointment with my new primary was 40 minutes and that included an EKG. Appointments after that are only 15 minutes. That's how most primaries operate these days. He doesn't have time to talk about the past. What you need right now will be his or her main concern.

I hope it goes well for you.