I have this married couple pair of doctors as my physicians. I have nothing but good things to say about them. All my experiences have been positive. They have always seen me on time, faxed prescriptions to the pharmacy who deliver them to me on an immediate basis. Call me at home to give me health updates as needed. Work with me on my drug requirements, respect my refusal to take certain drugs (statins) and are super encouraging, down to giving me night splints for my arthritis to avoid morning pain.
We've chatted on personal terms too - particularly on emigrant experiences which we share.
So I was at this dinner party a couple of nights ago and words were tossed around about this couple. All negative - by at least six others. How "arrogant" how "defensive" how "shoddy" were their personas as physicians. And the waiting times were appalling and how dare they only see ten patients a day and then, by gum, they were never there on time in the morning and always left early.
I had to double check we were talking the same doctors. And yes, we were. Now I can be Super Critic when asked, especially when it comes to medical people or customer service, etc. You can imagine the startled looks I got when I extolled the virtues of these doctors. I must have seen them maybe 10 times in the past couple months. And now I'm on weekly appointments to discuss my diabetes treatment and readings and also my blood pressure and readings and methodologies for coping with stress, regaining my physical competence and so on.
Mouths around the table fell open. No one else had a positive experience to report even at Health Committee meetings which these doctors attended. They were "abrupt" and "patronizing".
I saw one of the doctors today on my regular weekly appointment (no wait-time) and she was charming and helpful and so very kind and attentive.
I find it extraordinary that I'm just a solitary voice of approval amidst so much antagonism and disappointment. Usually it's the other way round.
Strange. I wonder if they just like you more than the others? Are you nicer than the others? Do you stop talking and listen when it's their turn? At the risk of stereotyping we irish are quite good conversationalist in that we know how conversations work. You talk for a while then it's the other person's turn. Maybe after a long busy day they appreciate working with you. Just wondering.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you are nicer and more considerate and communicate your appreciation of them, so they react in kind. Glad you are receiving this care. You are in the minority in this regard.
ReplyDeleteI expect that most doctors have preferred clients, clients, and un-preferred clients. Which are they?
ReplyDeleteAnne:
ReplyDeleteIt could be the chat and seeing them as people first. I know we've bonded over a few bits like emigration, lack of digital know it all in health care in Newfoundland (i.e. paper files here, no medical history on line, etc.) and I like them. Then again, I've been exposed to different ethnicities in Toronto in a more intimate social way along with work, etc.
Could be.
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E:
ReplyDeleteThere are no people nicer than Newfoundlanders, kind, generous, welcoming. This whole experience astounds me. I think these doctors did not know what to make of invitations, etc. and were possibly alarmed.
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Fred:
ReplyDeleteYes, I would think so. it could be just misunderstandings all the way through and I was possibly a bit more distant than the average Newfoundlander who tend to be nosy but in a good way, i.e. meaning no harm. "Who do you belong to?" is a question in these parts offered to strangers and they might have been frightened. Who's to tell?
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Odd. I do think your ability to communicate with all kinds comes into play here.
ReplyDeleteVery mysterious that your experience is so different from everyone else's. As the others say, it must have something to do with the way you communicate with your doctors, that it somehow inspires them to be more helpful and forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteYou could be right, Hattie, I would love to be a fly on the wall when others interact with them.
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Nick:
ReplyDeletethe critics are all lovely people, I should say, usually more supportive of others and understanding in spades. this whole episode has left me truly flummoxed.
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Haven't I said it before! Leave yer alone for a while and yer get yerself in trouble. Diabetes, my God! Well, all I can say is yer handling it well. And I'm glad yer not on them statins. Me heart quack was adamant I should take them, but I was more adamant. I got me bad cholesterol down by sensible eating and moderate exercise. Moderate, mind yer! None of them bloody marathons yer were so keen on. Nice and slow; nice and gentle; build up gradually. And above all, treasure yerself. Yer know, the way we all treasure yer. Right?
ReplyDeleteRJA!
ReplyDeleteMein Gott man, where have you been? - I was just about giving up the ghost remember our friend "This Old Brit" never to be heard from again, alas.
Good to see you're still with us dismal humans. I hope your blog has an update. I miss your posts!
Thanks for your good wishes. My forced inactivity has not been good to me, alas. But onward and no statins, the research from reputable sources is dismal, they are poison.
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So much we do not understand.
ReplyDeleteI have heard same thoughts on doctors
that were wonderful to me.
So pleased you are receiving good help at this time
"me too".
For some reason I thought all that is happening to
this now ancient one would pass me by.
Not too smart is this one....
I know OWJ, like we think we have a free pass or something, and you, like me, have lost so many dear ones much younger than we are, living healthy lives, slain by cancer or an aneurysm. We ARE the lucky ones.
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ReplyDeleteIsland Maid
Voices of Outport Women
by Rhonda Pelley
Sheilagh O'Leary
SB:
ReplyDeleteGot it. Read it. Your point?
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I like people and often am surprised by comments of others about this one or that one and what they didn't like about them. You like people, too, and that can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteGosh I sound like a nice person *grin*. No not all people. Though I aspire. Basically I enjoy meeting reasonably intelligent people and I don't suffer fools gladly or otherwise.
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Glad you are in good hands at the medical practice. We have nine doctors and at times it can be difficult to get an appointment with the one we prefer. I am fortunate and a phone call about concerns gets me a quick answer. I think it all depends how we treat people and how realistic our expectations are. I know my regular GP works a full day and when the surgery closes at 6pm, he spends a further two hours, dealing with prescription requests, writing to Consultants and arranging for hospital appointments. We have a different on-call service for out of hours needs.
ReplyDeletePeople who are really sick, have no time to complain!
I am not surprised. You must be a refreshingly nice client for the pair! You give respect and regard and you get it back. If you treat your doctors like they were your domestic help, they will treat you like dirt too.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I was in a rush when I posted that but immediately thought of you when I saw it and wanted to make sure you knew about it :)
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