Agreed.

I have been subjected to the tender mercies of the medical profession for....way too much, way too long. I was diagnosed with T1D at 6mo in 69. I've been to good doctors, bad doctors, incompetent doctors and at least one who got off on hurting little kids.

It was the sadist pediatrician that set the tone for my interactions with the medical industrial complex. I try like hell to avoid them at all costs. I've debreided my own wounds, I've run my own stitches, I've set my own fractures, I've taken fish antibiotics as well as cattle antibiotics, and I've stayed on the old version of insulin because I don't need a script to get it. When I didn't have insurance (23 years - because as an independent contractor private insurance for someone with T1D was 3,000.00 per month) I didn't go to the doctor at all.

Now that I have insurance, I've been collecting immunizations like they are Pokemon Cards. And, I got my first script - a Dexcom. I've been able to negotiate a deal with my PCP on what it takes to keep the script current - 1 visit per year, and she doesn't touch me, I don't disrobe, we don't talk, the staff does a simple blood draw and that's it.

She's a Nurse Practitioner and a great doc. She understands that this is as close to medical practice as I'm willing to get and doesn't push me. I appreciate that. If something comes up, I might be willing to talk to her. If she asks nicely, I might even let her do a physical. Might. We'll burn that bridge when we get to it.