This week, we’ve talked about things unseen; your pain to others, or maybe just you to others. Today, I wonder how your doctor sees you? I remember when I first became injured, I felt that some of the physicians didn’t see me; they only saw the diagnosis, the chart, or just anything else.
As a paramedic, we differentiate between signs and symptoms. A sign is something that you can record; like pulse, respiration, blood pressure, lung sounds, cardiac rhythm, and so on. A symptom is what the patient tells you; how they feel, what concerns them, and the like. So here I am a pain patient with the signs that “could” explain why I have pain, however, it takes me to explain what it feels like so as to best manage the pain. Unfortunately, I came across doctors and (fellow) nurses who wouldn’t listen. How does that work? How does that help? It was, and sometimes still can be, infuriating. How about you? Do you feel like talking to the wall behind your physician would be just as productive? Has your prescription been written out before your visit? How do you handle the healer that doesn’t care to heal?
How we handled the healer that wouldn't heal was to return to a former Doctor although it means and hour and a half drive to see her. Her and her staff are more like family. Br B. calls us with test results not staff unless she is swamped. She leaves no stone unturned to figure out what is going on with you. When I became gravely ill in December of 2006, Jack took me to the hospital. I left several hours later with no tests done, no diagnosis and was only given IV fluids for the dehydration. Dr. B. was not happy with them. She was like a bulldog and with one simple scope by the doctor she sent me too, found out I had chronic gastritis and got me on needed medicine. She also started me on niacin when I became intolerant of statin meds as she believes in natural methods as well as prescription meds to help you. Lastly, she never acts like she is in a hurry and it is like you are her only patient when you see her. She asks a lot of questions and does whatever is needed1 I love my Dr. B.!!!!! Can you tell? LOL!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle. I am glad that you have such a fine physician (she sounds like a momma bear!), but how sad it is that you have to drive past so many physicians and of course your treatment, or lack of, at the hands of the hospital staff. Your story has a happy ending, if you will, but should it be that hard? Give my best to Dr B for me!
ReplyDelete