New doctor

Today I went to see my new doctor. I am really impressed by her. I'm glad I took Mina's recommendation. She took the time to gather a history and listen to my concerns. I detailed the problem I've had in my thumbs and fingers. She asked if it was related to cold, which I think it is. I can't remember if every time has been when I'm cold. She mentioned that it could be several things: Reynaud's Syndrome, an autoimmune problem, or a vascular problem. She felt a strong pulse in my wrists and ankles (though I'm not having the issue in my feet, some people do) so she doesn't think it is a circulatory thing. She thinks I may have thyroid issues which affect my reaction to cold temperatures, and that is what's causing my extremities to think they are colder than they are. So she put in a lab request to have some tests done to check for thyroid issues and Reynaud's.

We talked about the discoloration in my face (which she said was melasma) and referred me to a dermatologist to see if anything can be done. She agrees with my previous doctors in that I should get a baseline mammography at age 40 and she put in a referral for that. I will have my "well woman" appointment with her next week and by then the referral should be approved and she can recommend what kind of mammography to get (diagnostic for any abnormalities she sees or just a typical scan if she doesn't see anything).

She has a nice personality and seems to be concerned for my health. I did not feel like I was being rushed out of there. This is my first foray into civilian doctors. For the last fifteen plus years I've been seen at a Navy hospital or clinic. Everything was there. X-rays were down the hall. Pharmacy down the hall. OBGYN down the hall. Now I have to run around from doctor to doctor, always making sure that whatever I am supposed to do is OK with Tricare. It is an adjustment, but I'm willing to make that adjustment as long as I'm getting good care.