A doctor takes care of “patients”. I’ve always wondered who came up with that. Impatient is more like it; patient is the last thing you are when you need a doctor. I figure it had to be a doctor who coined the word “patient”—in an effort to subliminally influence the mindset.
But I digress. Even before I start.
Some doctors will disagree with me for saying this, but I think being a bad patient is a good thing.
What I mean by that is asking questions, being assertive and involved and pro-active about your care….the kind of behaviors explained in an article I read recently in USA Today.
Before I digress again, I respect and admire doctors as a group.
Though it has nothing to do with having a younger brother who’s a doctor-–I know they’re just human.
And they make mistakes—-which is how my mother died of cancer when she was 41.
In a way, that painful experience prepared me when I got cancer myself.
There was nothing patient about me.
I challenged my doctors; I walked out of a cancer center in the middle of a consultation; I changed my oncologist in midstream when he didn’t support my decisions. (It’s all in this article written about my cancer journey in MORE Magazine .)
Normally I’m not the type to do this stuff. I had no idea that my actions 15 years ago were examples of what has become more common practice. Given our mess of a medical system, if you care about your health, being a patient patient isn’t an option.
This is something I’ve always meant to write about. Honestly right now I’m absorbed with something else. And though I could have just waited and written this when I’ve pulled my thoughts together more coherently, I’m just not patient. I hope you’re not, either.
What a great posting. I agree with you; too many people just accept what some doctors say and don’t do any research for themselves. I’m glad you were able to be true to what you thought was right. I admire that!
are you kidding? I’m a Jew. I’m the most impatient patient i know
Exdcellent reminder…we are responsible for our own lives. An aside: I’ve never liked that doctors call it their “practice”.
I agree; it is very important to take control and trust you instincts, do your own research and consider all your options no matter what the illness.
Thanks so much. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds; the hardest part was figuring out what I thought was right. I think we all have instincts about what’s good or right for us and we need to learn to trust them.
Definitely think being JEwish gives us a headstart especially when communicating with Jewish doctors. ha ha
Until you pointed it out , I never thought about that! Then again attorneys also “practice” law. Funny when you think about these words—thanks Jeannie for commenting.
I am a cardiologist in NYC and I agree with Darryle, i instruct my patients to be assertive and demanding with me and with the staff who may not appreciate when a they are in need of help. I also encourage close family members to be involved in order to make sure my message is understood and to stay on my case. Patients should feel free to raise the bar of expectations from the doc, don’t assume its automatic.
A doctor who encourages family members to “stay on my case” –has to be a rare breed– and I’m sure your patients—although maybe not “patient”—greatly benefit from your attitude.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes all doctors felt like this—but your words prove that it’s possible to find enlightened doctors. Hopefully I won’t ever have heart problems but if I ever did, I know where to go. Seriously, thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Don’t you wish we were all medically trained? At least I wish I had taken more science classes or at least paid better attention in the ones I took. For people like me, the research part is really challenging –not only are you in a vulnerable situation but we’re not knowledgable enough to wade through the science. I know I found it intimidating most of the time, and still do. Although there is a lot available on the internet sometimes the sheer volume of information is intimidating itself.
You also said a couple things that are easier for most of us: consider your options, and trust your instincts. Thank you for commenting; I know you have great experience on this.