After an excruciating week with a flare up the size of golf ball, and me finally having to tell
MY doctor that I had this disease from my own research, I was finally referred to Dr. Shbeeb in Los Alamitos.
Unless you have no choice (like me because I have an HMO),
I would suggest choosing another doctor. My experience to-date leaves me feeling hopeless. Just trying to get an appointment at this office has made me feel like a second class citizen.
The nurse over the phone sounded hurried and had no time for my simplest of questions. "Hi, I was referred to Dr. Shbeeb by my PCP and I was wondering if I could make an appointment?"
In a very abrassive and blunt manner she replies with a "What's wrong?" and goes on by saying, "We don't have anything open for another two weeks." This after I explained my very very painful dilemma. I had been laid up in bed for the better part of the last week of 2004. No less having to spend my new years eve on my stomach in bed. Fortunately I was insistent enough (or sounded pained enough) to go in two days later.
So, I meet Dr. Shbeeb. He seems like a nice enough man. But talk about "drive thru service"!. In no less than 5 minutes, I was on my knees, pinched, poked, prodded (rectally), patched, and patted on the head and sent on my way. I was told that I would need surgery (DUH!), but nothing else. There was a very stodgy nurse with the compassion of a pet rock. She handed me a brochure that contained 10 paragraphs about this disease, compared to the wealth of information that I've received from this website alone. It was like pulling teeth about information about this upcoming surgery. Dr. Shbeeb seemed confident enough in his own "godliness" that, I guess, he didn't feel the need to give me any details about what to expect. After two painfully impatient, and self assured, answers to my genuine questions, I left Dr. Shbeeb's office feeling like I was not worthy.
Now, I sit here with my absess almost completely "healed" (because it popped on its own) and astounded by the kind of treatment I yet again received from the nurse on the other side of the phone. It has now been four days since my visit and about three weeks since my flare up. I politely inquire, "Hi, I saw Dr. Shbeeb on Thursday, and was told that I would need approval for surgery. I was wondering what the status of this was?"
In a very condesending tone she replies, "To be honest with you, I don't know. I stayed late that day to process that request. You can call back on Wednesday and see if it's been approved but I can't promise anything."
"Um, I'm just curious. Once it has been approved how long..." Before I could finish any sentence, she would interrupt. "Probably two weeks... you'll be looking at Jan. 25 if you're lucky."
"Um, okay. Thank you." Thanks for nothing!!!
I just think this is unfair. If anyone is considering Dr. Shbeeb, or researching a Colorectal surgeon for that matter, the way you're treated by the nurses are a good indication of how you'll be treated in the examining room. My vote is a NO for Dr. Shbeeb (and the whole nursing staff).
I'll keep anyone who's interested posted on my situation. Feel free to contact me at
harvey@mmmhm.com
