Weird experience

[Jolt]

Thank you, Roadie Gal and Knott. I know that you are both in the medical field. It's true, we are not used to seeing people who are at least healthy "looking," but I would hope to be treated as an intelligent person who is invested in my health, unless I show them otherwise!

That's just it...isn't it better to talk to one's patients assuming they are intelligent and can understand their condition/treatment/tests/etc., rather than assuming right off that such isn't the case? Treating someone like an idiot is not a good way to start the interaction and will only make that patient not want to take your advice!

[KnottedYet]

I don't think any of us are deliberately treating our patients like "idiots."

We do not assume all patients are unintelligent.

I think this is a conversation you need to be having with the person you feel insulted you.

[Crankin]

Knott, I did try to have the conversation with my new pcp, in the context of my physical. I told her that I want her to be a partner with me in my health care and I explained everything I do in terms of my lifestyle, so she would understand that I am not a sedentary 57 year old. After she told me she should use my cholesterol ratio as a case study and asked me what my secret was (ah, riding my bike 3,227 miles last year and eating well), she went and continued to speak to me as if I was 10 years old. Then she went and forgot to give me some paperwork I needed and faxed my prescription to the wrong pharmacy, after I showed her on her computer where to send it to. I feel like I am dealing with a bunch of ADD people, I have to keep on track, because every doctor in this practice does this.
Jolt, you hit the nail on the head. My clients are struggling with all kinds of issues, poverty being one in many of the cases, in addition to mental illness. I don't dumb down anything and I have been pleasantly surprised at their openness and facility to articulate the issues. If someone doesn't seem to understand something, I explain it, but not like I'm explaining it to a 3 year old.

[Miranda]

Yep, I'm in the worked in healthcare crew as well. Agree with what's been said. Some peeps just don't need to be in the biz anymore lol. Sorry things haven't been going so well. I know switching docs is a PITA, but do you have another option? Insurance constraints can just sux I understand first hand. Hmm, maybe next time you say, "I'm here to see Santa because I want a new bici for xmas... but you look like the Easter Bunny... am I in the wrong place then?". Stupid is as stupid does, Forrest dhrrr. (((hugs))) Hope you get your doc worked out at least.

[JennK13]

I know what you're talking about, Crankin. Everytime I go for PT, my therapist is amazed that 1) I can explain where my pain is coming from and what makes it feel better or worse; 2) that I understand the exercises he gives me, and 3) that I'm actually able to do the exercises - apparently the general public doesn't have the flexibility or core strength that I have (and I'm not even in the middle of training yet!)

My chiropractor is amazed at my body awareness, as is my PCP. None of these three talk to me like I'm a moron - it's more like a relief to them. Not to say I haven't had a bad doctor; I've ended up in the ER because of a doctor who dismissed patients (she told me I was crazy and to stop doing research online - only to find after switching doctors that I DO have an autoimmune disease like I feared!)

I think it has to do with the obesity epidemic in our country, and a lack of people who are proactive in their personal health and well being. It's one thing if you're in a busy ER or urgent care; but when you're in a clinic for a PT exam, I wouldn't expect to be treated like I'm in pain or drugged to a point where I'm not coherent.