I really like my pdoc and we get along great, but he's 86(!) and if he were to abruptly retire, I would be in a tight spot, as psychiatrists who accept Medicare patients are few and far between on this island, and I need to arrange for continuity of government. If I don't have a pdoc to prescribe medication, then go ahead and call the police.

I usually have a pretty good sense for what is polite and appropriate, although my posts here must often seem both impolite and inappropriate, and I rarely have a problem expressing myself, but I don't know how to ask him when he plans on

. Any thoughts?

[Nammu]

Don't think there's a delicate way around that problem. Just ask straight out if if he has a back up doc that accepts Medicare. It's probably a good thing to talk to him about so he could have input.

[Coffeee]

I agree with Nammu.

You could just make something up.

"Hey, my wife and I are considering moving to another part of the island, which unfortunately may mean it might be difficult to see you again. Do you know any other pdocs who might accept medicare? We're willing to drive a good distance."

I neglected to mention that I've already located a backup; I still don't know how to ask an elder whom I respect, "So, doc, how many more months do you think you have left in you?".

Maybe I've inappropriately cathected to him as a father figure; my father died 14 years ago and I still want to be somebody's son. I get the sense that I'm trolling my own thread.

[LucyG]

With all the issues with Obamacare and whatnot being in the news, you could offhandedly say something about your concerns about finding Pdocs who accept Medicare and see what he says. I think this is going to become a huge issue in the coming years.

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Lefty the Salesman

I neglected to mention that I've already located a backup; I still don't know how to ask an elder whom I respect, "So, doc, how many more months do you think you have left in you?".

Maybe I've inappropriately cathected to him as a father figure; my father died 14 years ago and I still want to be somebody's son. I get the sense that I'm trolling my own thread.

(((Lefty))) youre so sweet! If its any consolation, the professionals tend live longer than us drudges. I have a younger pdoc, but my t is like 6 years older? Im fat, hes fit, but i have better genes - we're in a race to the finish line. Who knows who will get called to the feast first?

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

You could just make something up.

God said,

By way of deception thou shalt make war.

... and I've committed a thousand deceptions to conceal my condition in order to do business, but this is one guy (together with my nearly-equally elderly T) to whom I really don't want to have to lie. I appreciate your suggestion. Seems like I'll have to wait for him to hint at his fatigue, then pop the question the best way I know how.

I don't think it's an impolite question to ask and I appreciate people who are straightforward. I would explain it just as you have here. Say "hey doc, I often worry about the future and one thing I really worry about is you retiring because we have such a great relationship and you also accept Medicare which is rare" he will understand your concern. He might feel immortal and say "I'm never going to retire, I'm aging backwards" in which case I wouldn't touch it and would ask him for his secrets.

I have actually wondered about my psychiatrist a lot. She isn't old but I know she has cut her hours.

I was thinking of asking her. I was going to say, if you ever have plans to retire, will you give me advance warning.

I am usually pretty straightforward with her.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by unaluna

(((Lefty))) youre so sweet! If its any consolation, the professionals tend live longer than us drudges. I have a younger pdoc, but my t is like 6 years older? Im fat, hes fit, but i have better genes - we're in a race to the finish line. Who knows who will get called to the feast first?

Lmao ! Unaluna you always crack me up !

Lefty, I'm a blunt type , if you haven't noticed Hahahaha

Id ask outright, I'm in kinda the same boat with my T . But we have a plan , he is 70, he has no active plans to quit or up and die ..... But things happen !

I saw him yesterday and completely failed to deliver: too busy talking trash, cracking wise and begging for scrips. He was impressed with what the gabapentin has done for me.

gabapentin is something I've yet to try. Glad it's working out for you. Hopefully he doesn't retire between now and your next appointment and you can ask next time.