We moved from the Los Gatos area of the Bay Area, and needed to find a new doctor. Dr. Percival was recommended by a friend. I've been seeing him for about a year.
I apologize for the length, but you must read these details.
Back in December 2016, he gave me a med that had questionable side effects, that could not only do damage, but could be irreversible. On or about June 20, 2017, I received an automated call from his office about "several appointments" needing confirmation. I had no dates on my calendar, and no business card with appointments. Apparently, I had an appointment on June 22...that I didn't make. I don't travel outside when it's cold or hot, as I can't take the heat. It was 93 that day.
* I tried to reschedule, at their suggestion, but was threatened with a cancellation fee. Thus, I kept the appointment.
* The doc said the office never makes appointments, and so I must have made it. He insisted that I must have forgot. Turns out, his office made the appointment for a yearly exam, which was confirmed in my online patient Portal!
* I asked why the recording said I had several appointments. Percival said there was no option for "multiple visit dates," so I could not have heard that, and I must be confused.
* He was visibly disappointed and frustrated that I did not have non-slip flooring in my shower, and that I refused to install a safety hand rail/bar. He was equally unhappy that we have throw rugs, insisting that I could trip on a carpet.
* He scolded me about my vegetable consumption, especially since I am pre-diabetic. I asked him since when? He insisted that we discussed the blood work either during a visit or via phone, when I supposedly said, quote "I love sweets, and I won't stop eating them" or something similar. He quoted me! I explained that sounded like something I might say, but I made a note on my 2/13 visit with him, that he did not discuss the results of my blood tests. Since I have had questionable sugar levels in previous bloodwork, I was curious to know if I was diabetic. I certainly would have remembered if he said I was. The doc said I must have forgotten. Blood results were never discussed before my June 22 visit.
* He asked how I felt, and I said my left shoulder and knees still hurt from the Levofloxacin that he gave me on 12/30/16 for persistent sinusitis. He smiled and said that medication does not cause any lasting damage, which he also said on 12/30 when I questioned the dangerous side effects. (On 12/30, he said those warnings would only affect about 1% of people, and I should not worry.) The Walgreen's printout said there could be permanent damage. He corrected me, saying that lasting damage only occurred in dogs. I said I did not read anything about dogs. He insisted that I read the paperwork incorrectly, and that I should consult someone about my memory issues.
* During previous visits, we discussed tennis elbow (on 6/23/16), the discomfort in both my knees, scoliosis, shooting pains in both legs/feet, and partial numbness in both feet.
* He consistently challenged me, and pointed out my memory issues. Due to a prior stroke, I do have short-term memory issues, but this was infuriating.
* He said that over the last 5 years, Metoprolol was not recommended for treating blood pressure. My question is: 1) why are you just telling me this now? and 2) if that's the case, why didn't you offer to change my meds a year ago?!
* On 6/23, the Walgreen's pharmacist, named Jan, said Metropolol Tartrate is still used to treat hypertension. She referred me to Medscape.com. She has not heard that Metoprolol was not recommended for blood pressure.
o According to Medscape, Black Box Warning: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together including: tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Risk of developing fluoroquinolone-associated tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in patients over 60 years of age. I am 68 years old.
o Taking Levofloxacin may cause changes in sensation and nerve damage that may not go away, even after you stop taking Levofloxacin. Tell your doctor if you ever had peripheral neuropathy, causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet.
I obtained 3 printouts from 3 different sources, confirming the above. Nothing was ever found about dogs or canines in any of my print or online research.
On July 20, 2017, I received a certified letter from Dr. Percival's office, dropping me as a patient. The letter stated our difference in "office scheduling policy" and "their lack of providing me the type of health care that I required" as the reasons.
I have never been so insulted by a doctor in my life. His bedside manner needs help. He basically accused me of lying, challenged my short memory, and then dropped me as a patient. What type of doctor does that? read more