well.. how do you do it?? I mean, there are so many different types of doctors out there, which is probably the "best" type to choose to go to for general advice? I know there are general practitioners, and family practice doctors, but are these better than internal medicine docs? or is there another type that works better? I've never really had a PCP before, at least not since my pediatrician, and now I recently started a new job, with really great benefits, and since I havent really been to a real doctor in several years, i figure now would probably a good time to change that. so... i need some help on starting. any advice would be helpful. Thanks guys

-nick

I think the most important thing is whether or not you are comfortable with the doctor. If you can't tell him/her everything that is at issue, they can't treat you effectively.

Another thing I would look for is a younger doctor. Older doctors have more experience, true, but they tend to be behind on the latest treatments and knowledge, at least in my experience.

Nick,

Some of the guys here have said that once they have found a doctor with whom they can talk and feel comfortable...well, relatively comfortable, most of us can be nervous when going to the doctor, no matter how good he is...you might tell him that you were sexually abused as a child and that you would appreciate his sensitivity. Most good doctors are sensitive to their patients having to remove their clothes, prostate and gentital exams and other personal information gathering. And, since, theirs is the profession that sees most of the results of abuse, most of them are sensitive to any request for consideration involving former abuse.

My wife always reminds me...in her attempt to tell me I don't have anything to worry about...that, "no sweat," she says, I didn't have to have a pelvic exam like the gals have to go through.

I ran into some difficulty with GP docs as they can be busy with baby deliveries which can screw up one's appointment schedule. I waited for one for an hour and a half. He sure didn't need my business. I found my current doc after that experience.

Sorry to go on so long, it's a subject important to me. I've got to have understanding doctors.


David