Comments on: What Doctors Really Think, or More on Doctor-Patient Communications

By: Kerri

Kerri — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:09:46 +0000

This comment totally got me: “Problems like asthma are already hard to find sometimes. What happens if diagnostic ability suffers?”

I was diagnosed with ‘bronchitis’ twice before they told me I had asthma. I went on two rounds of antibiotics for nothing because of walk in clinic docs. Then, the walk in doc told me it ‘might’ be asthma, and sent me off with three refills on a Ventolin puffer. And to get that Ventolin took me two and a half months. My diagnosis was finally confirmed to be asthma seven and a half months later when I finally was able to find a doc taking patients, and nearly a month after that before I got on control meds.

If it’s happened to me, people must be getting misdiagnosed left, right and centre as it is–tearing down medical care is NOT going to help!

By: Blessedmomof4

Blessedmomof4 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:01:39 +0000

Awesome article, Amy. Especially in light of what I am experiencing right now. Honestly, I feel like if I ask any questions they start looking at their watch and backing out the door b/c they are under so much pressure to see the next patient. Keep writing Amy, b/c I know I need to read it and become even better at advocating for my health. It has taken my 2O yrs. to speak up for myself and ask questions even when I dont think they are listening or care……and also I try a new Dr. end of July inpart b/c I feel empowered by reading your blog and not settling until I find a better fit…..which is hard to do in the military system, but I wont give up.

Keep on writing!

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:33:18 +0000

Yeah, I beat this topic death here sometimes, but only b/c it’s so important. If the doctor-patient relationship is one-sided, if it feels strained or awkward or not much of a relationship at all, then it’s time to move on.

Everyone has their sticking points, but for me–while I know there will be the occasional rushed day or unsatisfactory appt., I’ll never stay with a dr. who doesn’t listen, isn’t open to my own research, and won’t be flexible with me, as long as I’m flexible, too.

By: Allie

Allie — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:09:40 +0000

Oh, it is so hard to find a good doctor. I hate that being informed, organized and advocating for yourself annoys some doctors. Scary.

By: Asthmagirl

Asthmagirl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:50:21 +0000

Unbelievable. I wouldn’t answer my cell phone if it rang. But I also don’t want to be labled “wierd” and put in a gown if someone thinks I’m being bossy.

Which is why I keep seeing my doc. Even seeing other docs in his practice is hit and miss in terms of quality patient care. And while I think he made a mistake in not treating me different and getting sicker last December, with all the variables of my asthma, I think he’s done better than any other doc I’ve seen. Plus he really cares.

Great article, Amy!

By: Andrea Pearson

Andrea Pearson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:08:25 +0000

And, that’s exactly why you have to keep advocating for your own and your family’s health!! If the service is not what you think you deserve, move on and you will find someone who is truly a professional and willing to work with the patient to diagnose – it needs to be a team effort. Education and awareness will go a long way on both sides.

By: wendy

wendy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:28:24 +0000

I don’t like the cell phone thing either. But some of those comments………

By: kristi

kristi — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:48:10 +0000

Some of these comments are truly repulsive, and I cannot believe some of the doctors who said them actually allowed their names to be printed along with their quotes.

This just underscores the importance of not trusting doctors. As you said, it’s imperative to be your own advocate.