[AncientMelody]

I am so sad. I am going to be losing my primary care doctor. Her office is restructuring and my insurance will no longer cover visits.

She has been my doctor for 11 years. my first appointment with her, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter ,which was pretty special.

She’s not just my doctor; she’s been a mentor to me. I’m a physician assistant so she’s helped me navigate the challenges of balancing medical career and motherhood. She’s not a therapist, but the emotional support she has provided over the years—she may as well be.

I also just wish it wasn’t happening right now; there’d be some satisfaction to be able to see through these current health issues to the other side. Instead of being a complex patient right out of the gate to my new doctor.

I’ll see her next week for my last appointment. 😰. Fortunately I am already set up with my new doctor, whom I’ll see to establish care with in April. She called to accept me into the practice and I spoke with her for a few minutes. She seemed very nice and came recommended by a fellow physician assistant friend.

[SlumberKitty]

That's hard. I am sorry for your loss.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I'm sorry for your loss. Losing anyone who has been a big part of your life is hard. Especially if that person was a healthy role model who you trust and are close to.

[ArtleyWilkins]

I lost my favorite PCP a few years ago when I had to change insurance. Finding one to replace him has been a struggle. I have one now that may work. I haven’t dealt with him enough yet to be sure. A good PCP is invaluable.

[Rive.]

It doesn't have to be a therapist for you to miss someone or feel sad over losing them

[AncientMelody]

Does anyone have any coping tips to get through this?

[Taylor27]

I am so sorry you are losing your primary doctor. I lost a really good one 11 years ago she was like a mentor. Allow yourself to grieve I do not have any other coping tips for you. It took me along time to not miss my doctor daily and still I miss her from time to time. It's so hard losing good doctors who we have gotten to know for some time. Hugs

[ScarletPimpernel]

As for coping, like Taylor said: allow yourself to grieve. Whatever that looks like for you. Also self-care.

Maybe write a letter to her? Or maybe you can ask for a letter from her? Maybe find or ask for a picture of her.

[AncientMelody]

This was from her email :

I hope you will stay with me and join, but I completely understand if you choose not to. I cherish our friendship no matter what you decide to do.

Thank you for your understanding - talk soon.
Love you,❤
Ann

So I thought that was sweet of her

[AliceKate]

Sounds like you could just become friends. After all, she is not a therapist, so I don't think that boundary needs to apply here :-)

[AncientMelody]

That is indeed what I am hopeful for

[*Beth*]

Oh, I'm so sorry, AM. Losing a professional that is a mentor to us is terribly hard. You have my sympathy. Be kind to yourself.

[AncientMelody]

I saw her for my last visit yesterday. She is open to staying in touch which means a lot to me. After the appointment I sent her a text thanking her for her care the last 11 years and here was here response :

“Hi! So kind of you!
And 2 , it has been my pleasure taking care of you and knowing you and your family and watching you all over the years. I look forward to our continued friendship. Love you ❤️“

So that made me feel really good