Re: 4/19 Willie PMPS 82, +1~91, +3~81, +4~85
It still stings, Kathy.
I knew we were in the wrong place when, after telling me I'd just killed my cat (on Christmas Eve, no less), she didn't suggest quickly tracking down a vet (we were out of town at my parents' house in Iowa), but rather as I firmly held my ground and told her that I had all the support I needed and would be making the decisions I felt best for my cat, she just said "well, okay then. Call us next week and let us know how he's doing." Um, according to you, lady, he'll be dead in a few hours. *sigh* The hurtful statement was mere dramatics on her part. Sadly, this practice is one of the best feline practices in our area and they are so good at so many other things. I wish I was a big enough person to actually request a sit-down to discuss what I've learned, but I just don't have the energy, especially when it will likely be a wasted effort.
We were ultimately dumped from their practice for being "noncompliant." Most of the things they wanted to pin on me were either things that one of the two vets had told me NOT to do, or were things I had already done. It came down to the fact that they would accept nothing less than full control over his insulin dosing. When I refused, it was made clear I wasn't welcome there. I had already made the decision to leave before our last visit, which ended up feeling alot like high school all over again... "You can't break up with me... I'm breaking up with YOU!!!" :lol: :lol: :lol:
I am blessed to live in a major metro area with probably hundreds of options, and we were thankfully able to find a good one. Willie's dermatologist (the kid has more specialists than I do!!!) told me to call one of the receptionists at the other emergency clinic in town who apparently knows EVERYBODY in the vet community. I explained our situation and what we were looking for, and she gave us a couple suggestions... and the first one was an absolute winner. She is very willing to learn, but is also very respectful of the knowledge I have gained and the support I have here, and has encouraged me to continue on the path we are on, letting me know that she is there for support if needed.
I've seen several stories on here lately with folks with vet problems, and I know for many it is hard due to location and number of options, but if at all possible, if you encounter a problematic vet, please keep looking. The sugar dance is enough of an emotional roller coaster full of questions, self-doubt, and the need to put your own emotions aside because the dance isn't about you or your needs....it's your furbaby's show, and like it or not, you're just along for the ride.
The last thing any of us need is a vet adding to that stress by providing misinformation, unhelpful advice, or, as in my case, hurtful dramatics. Thank heavens for the Felinehood of the Traveling Patient Pants (also known as Lantus Land)!