I can’t say I ever imagined having this problem in my life. It’s just something you never think of having to deal with. I guess I thought he’d always be there.
I’ve had to find a new doctor.
My Primary Care Physician (PCP) is retiring. I’ve been going to Dr. Drew Nahigyan for…..um…. a long time. In fact, I just asked my wife, Priscilla, how we found him and neither one of us can remember. He’s just always been there. Soon he’ll be retiring and, I’m serious, I’m really happy for him. I say that because I feel some people might be tempted to look at that and think only of themselves, “Great! Now what am I going to do?”
I don’t know much about his private life but I know he has grandchildren so I’m glad he’ll have time to spend with them. One of the last visits I had with him, he was asking me about my podcast and asking how you put together a podcast and I hope he does pursue that because I think he would be very interesting.
With that being said, “What am I going to do?” It’s time to find a new doctor and it does feel a bit intimidating. Is that a common feeling for someone over 60 who has a few medical issues? I joked around with Dr. Nahigyan that whoever I choose next will take one look at my file, you know the one that’s 10-inches thick, and RUN!
I gotta break in the new guy!
For those that don’t know, and I’ll try to be brief for those that do know, I have a rare metabolic disorder called Alkaptonuria. Most doctors learn about it in their first year of medical school and then never hear about it again. Until I walk in. It has led to 6 joint replacements, then I’ve had issues with my Achilles’ tendons and just to add to it I had a stroke 6 years ago. Yeah. We’re going to need a little extra time to get to know each other. Dr. Nahigyan knew all the issues. I have to educate the new guy. Maybe I should put together a presentation. Power point? Video tutorial?
Dr. Nahigyan gave us plenty of advance notice telling us about his retirement about a year ago. He’s Priscilla’s PCP too so she started researching doctors. We actually have decided to go with Dr. Nahigyan’s suggestion as he’s never led us down the wrong path before. Maybe I’ll invite the new guy over for dinner. Or I might need a weekend retreat to explain it all.
As for Drew, I wish him health and happiness in his retirement which I guess starts sometime this summer. He strikes me as one of those doctors who didn’t turn it off once he went home, meaning he was always thinking and concerned about his patients 24/7. Time to relax and enjoy.
At my last visit he admitted that he was tired. The Pandemic had a big impact on many in the medical profession, either working through it or trying to debunk all the conspiracy theories. I hope he has the time he needs to relax.
It’s been a pleasure Doc! Thanks for keeping me going on this crazy ride!
Miss any Sunday Columns? You can find them all here.
Leave a Reply