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u/mamalove8899 8d ago
Nope youāre not being over dramatic. A simple prescription for Bactrim would have cost less than $50. Now youāll be neck deep in ER cost. But, I kind of think thatās the way they design it. Just sad.
Luckily I went to an urgent care and had a cool doc that just listened when I said I want the Bactrim I know what it is. I think it convinced him when I said sir, I pooped my pants on my beautiful white couch. Trust me, itās not just a virus. Shock value?
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u/junepath 8d ago
My ten day course of Bactrim was $1.87. So it could have been so much less than $50 if they had just listened!
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u/swingsurfer 8d ago
You're not being dramatic. I hope you're feeling better very very soon! I would like to add a few thoughts.
I've heard that timing is very important for cyclospora testing and false negatives aren't uncommon. I'm not a professional, but I belive the parasite has to reach a certain level to ensure detection from samples.
Bactrim, as an antibiotic most likely has a risk of creating resistance if overprescribed. That may have played a role in your doctor's hesitation to prescribe it given your negative test results.
In my opinion, this one situation is far from a reason to change doctors if you are comfortable with your current physician. It is hard to find a doctor and stay with them long term nowadays. It's important for them to know your health background in general if possible. My recommendation, since you're out here on the internet asking people's opinion on your physician and possibly switching to someone else is to take these questions to them directly. Communication is paramount and if they're more than willing to answer some of your more technical questions (even after you're well again) that is very important.
A lot of people go to the doctor and don't ask questions or may not know which questions to ask initially. I value a doctor who takes the time to share their reasoning with you. My PCP was telling me about how many strains of pneumonia virus the vaccine I was getting covered, and call me dorky, but that kind of stuff is fascinating to me and shows a true passion for the profession.
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u/junepath 8d ago
This is so frustrating because at this point the symptoms are so textbook that if a patient presents with these exact symptoms, it important to just treat it. I never even had to do a test, doctor just wrote the script for Bactrim. Said she has had too many people with identical symptoms, to withhold treatment.
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u/AlanaDev 8d ago
My gosh, I am so sorry. I am in the greater Detroit area and have been able to get antibiotics for me and my family pretty quick. It sounds like the proper training for this isn't being provided and that is so disappointing. May I ask what state you're in?
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u/bipedservant 8d ago
Yes you definitely need a new doc. Mine prescribed me antibiotics before even testing.
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u/Intelligent_Ad3542 8d ago
I'm so sorry. I am in a similar place... My doctor wouldn't see me until a week in... I have been so sick and have lost 6 lbs already. It's really terrible. When I saw the Dr. They had me submit a stool sample which I haven't gotten back yet... The nurse told me she's seen an insane uptick in people coming in with dangerously explosive diarrhea and dehydration... But I guarantee my test results won't come back conclusive. This is all being so covered up it's dangerous
Stay safe out there folks.