Re: Patient/doctor communication

[christina0001]

I too also can't believe you did not notice your cervix was being scraped...ugh, not fun! Your physician must have the lightest touch!

As a patient, sometimes it is hard to follow everything that is said. I consider myself to be reasonably intelligent, but there have been times I did not hear what the doctor was saying at all. I would have sworn on my life that I was told something different, or not at all, except that I am fortunate my husband goes with me on all my appointments and helps me keep track of what is going on. This happened when I had my first radiation oncology consult. I was certain he said I did not need radiation. My husband said no, that is not what he said at all! We argued about it and I was sure he was wrong. Finally I called the doctor, who re-explained that he was indeed recommending radiation. I could not believe my brain was missing something so huge. Honestly, it scared me. But I guess the stress of coping with cancer does strange things to us.

This is just a suggestion, but perhaps it might be helpful if you took a notebook with you, and jotted down what the doctor said, and then re-read it to him at the end of the appointment to make sure you did not miss anything. I can't imagine how hard it must be going through this alone.

[PerspicaciousE]

I also find it hard to believe you couldn't feel your cervix being scraped! And you should expect if this was a routine exam that your Dr. is going to perform a pap annually.

With that said, you need to become more medically informed and advocate for yourself. If you have MS then join there group. My Mother has MS and gets good information from them all the time and she doesn't even use the Internet! It is a horrible disease to have, and I am sorry you have it, but becoming informed and being pro-active is your best course of action.

Are there non-communicative MD's out there? Yes, a lot. Are there crappy MDs who write scripts for pils and don't explain they why's, what fors, and side-effects? Yes, a lot. It is your duty to yourself to find one you feel comfortable with and can communicate with. And when faced with that type of MD always look up the med before filling it.

You have to advocate for yourself. Sitting in victim-hood doesn't serve any purpose and can make existing medical conditions worse, the power of positive thinking does help heal the body.

[theatergypsy]

Originally Posted by mvintar

By "ill" I was referring to myself and myself only; though the cancer is presumably gone, I have MS. It's much worse than it was, pre-chemo. I'm unable to walk, stand upright, and there are a host of other difficulties.

Don't know why you're mystified about why I posted this, Charley; looks clear as day to me. Despite all the overreaching evaluations of my general character and writing style, I merely commented that I thought they should have TOLD ME they were doing a procedure on me.

And I can assure you, the women in that office told me that I'm charming and their favorite patient. I have never once complained or been unpleasant. That's how I'll continue, as well.

And yet at 12:27 AM today, you wrote in another thread -

quote from mvintar: This thread is so interesting. After reading it I found several vegan products with mushrooms. I think I'll try it. I've improved my diet so radically since the cancer, including a bit of CR (calorie restriction). I'm also becoming a gym rat, but I feel so much better than I did, pre-cancer and I don't even look like the same person.: end quote

Is it any wonder people are confused by your posts?

[mvintar]

>> Is it any wonder people are confused by your posts?

You're saying that this:

I'm unable to walk, stand upright, and there are a host of other difficulties.

contradicts this:

I'm also becoming a gym rat, but I feel so much better than I did, pre-cancer and I don't even look like the same person.

I have an assistant, who goes with me, and helps me get in and out of the pool. I do feel better from the water aerobics, which I do, sitting in a chair. It's not easy, getting from the car to the gym, and then into the pool, but as I mentioned, I have someone who helps me.

So the two statements are not contradictory.

[mvintar]

I mentioned, above, that I'm pleasant and courteous when I visit the doctor. I'm surprised, the turn this thread took. I think there's an issue here, but maybe it's just that someone who's experienced a similar concern hasn't read it. I did get one anonymous, private positive comment. Perhaps my bit of feminist rebellion didn't sit well.

[SD4020]

First, it is a public forum. We have spelled it out for you previously, we can post wherever we like. Are we picking on you? No. The incongruities in your story make us suspect. You came here looking for advice and support, which we all offered. Your response has always been critical, argumentative, and hostile. You accuse us of not understanding or caring or whatever other excuse offered. Even compassionate people have limits to who they are treated.

As far as your exam, again the story seems suspect at best. Is it malpractice? No, the test is reasonable and prudent. The results sent to you in the form of a paper copy. Was it the best bedside manner not informing you of what he was doing? You could make the case there, nothing more than that.

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[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Okay, enough off topic stuff. Closed.