I needed them again and had to go through the same thing to get them again. This time "I" was stern with them and demanded they give them directly to me since I will need them for several doctors in the future. I had to sign new release forms releasing them to me instead of a doctor. The doctor who charged said "I can't keep giving these to you all the time", to which I remarked "If you would have given them to me the first time we wouldn't be going through this again!". I was charged a second time but I got them!!! I also got them from my other doctors. I have had 17 surgeries, almost all with different doctors. JEAN
Quote of the day: Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. "Walk beside me and be my friend."
>----- Original Message -----
From: "CherylCole" <ccryder730@aol.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS" <adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2001 10:40 PM
Subject: obtaining medical records
I am having a BIG problem obtaining my medical records from my Dr.s. Either they want to charge a fee( $10.00 PER PAGE) or they tell me to have my new Dr. contact them and they will supply the records to the new Dr. as a curtesy. I did try that and the new Dr. only got a phone call, not the records. Has anyone had similar experience? What do you have to do to get a copy of your own records for yourself? My ob/gyn tried to do a laproscope procedure but couln't do anything because of too many adhesions. She referred me to a surgeon. I went to him and he never got any records from her, but told me he wouldn't do anything for me, on the basis of a phone call with her. He has recommended a surgeon who specilizes in adhesions. Obviously a specialist would want records, wouldn't they?! I have a primary care Dr, an uroligist, a breast surgeon, a gastrolegist(?), an ob/gyn and a pain management clinic. That is a lot of records to pay for. I am also having trouble getting information sent to my employer. I have been on sick leave for 10 months. I have pain all the time in my lower back and abdomin. Trouble with constipation, and diareha, and pencil thin stools. Sometimes it takes alot of straining to urinate and my bladder never fully empties. The urge to urinate comes on strong and suddenly. Unlike like most of everyone here I have not lost weight, but gained about 10 lbs: probably because of inactivity. Sorry to get so long winded, mostly wanted to get advice about obtaining medical records. By the way, I have learned a great deal about adhesions from this site. I can't believe what some of you have been through and you all have my thoughts and prayers.
-- Cheryl