Quick Question On Nurse Practitioners

[sue1234]

I have been having horrendous stomach bloating for a week now, and even went to the ER last week because I couldn't breathe well due to all the upward pressure. And, I don't ever go to the ER! The earliest I can get in with my gi doc is Thursday, OR, I can get in with his NP tomorrow morning. I already know my chronic(13 year history) bloating is above and beyond "normal" corrective measures and normal causes. I am not sure the NP would know how to address it, but do they consult with the doctor if they find it is concerning but beyond their capabilities?? I'd like to know that she doesn't just brush it off because she doesn't know what is going on.

And, this is nothing against NPs. I had a great one years ago that was the only person to test me for gluten antibodies, which came out positive. I just wonder if they collaborate with the doctor?

[Becia]

Mine collaborated with the doctor if she felt like she was out of her league, but when I went in there for a sprained shoulder due to me passing out and injuring myself, the moment she found out I had pots, she refused to treat me anymore, and called me a liability. I told the doctor of the clinic about this, and I was really upset, because I liked how easily I could get into see her when I was ill, but if she thinks pots is a liability for her to treat, instead of researching the disease and working with me, she could go fly a kite for all I cared.

They are good people, but I've had bad experiences with them I guess.

[sue1234]

Thanks Becia. I guess you're right...there can be great ones along with not so great ones, just like doctors.

[bellgirl]

My nurse practitioner for my fibromyalgia is wonderful. He knows more about it than anyone, I know, and I've done a lot of reading, and as a nurse, I also have the medical knowledge to help, too. He's always going to seminars and teaching others and raising awareness!!

[Chaos]

Think it's just like docs....depends on the one you get. I have two sisters who are NPs and I ask them about things long before I bother to call a doc and ask them. They both are super conscientious about learning stuff and following thru etc, etc. However, I've seen a couple in some of my doc's offices that have been totally unhelpful.

[kayjay]

Like everyone else- Ive had good and bad. The only thing I will say is that the 2 times I was put in danger with medications changes they were prescribed by NPs.

They aren't doctors or they would be doctors if that makes sense.

With that said I don't bother to see a doctor when I go to the gynecologist. I see the np- shorter wait list.

I also had an RX issue with a NP I took my daughter to.

[looneymom]

Sometimes I have had to take my son to urgent care if the doctor's office was too full. There is always a NP and doctor on call. We have always had a good experience with all the NP's so far.

Rachel

[sue1234]

Thanks everyone! I guess I will find out tomorrow how it goes down.

[corina]

Good luck Sue!

[BeforeTheMorning]

Hi,

Hope everything's gone well for you today.

The nurse practitioner that I used to see was really helpful and ready to listen, and she would also consult with my doctor.

[sue1234]

I appreciate everyone's well wishes and experiences. I went to my appointment, and the NP was very attentive. She thought I might have gone through a partial blockage over the last week or ten days. She said she was setting me up for upper/lower scopes and an ultrasound, plus routine labwork. That all sounded like a plan to me, until her nurse came in later to set everything up. The scopes are scheduled for a MONTH from now! I asked the nurse, are you sure it isn't going to be sooner?! I mentioned that I am getting by day by day right now, symptomwise. She said, nope, they are booked up until then. The ultrasound is in 2 days, so that is better. At least now that I've seen her for this problem, I can assume if I get bad again, I can just call and say I have to be seen that day as I can't take it anymore.