I go to a lot of doctor appointments for a woman my age. Besides the usual internist for my annual physical there is the endocrinologist for T1D, the
gastroenterologist for Celiac Disease, ear doctor, eye doctor and probably a few more I am forgetting. This is probably a big reason why I am really approaching 85 on the inside.
Is it annoying to have to go to all of these appointments? Of course, but it isn't the worst thing in the world. Rather go for the check ups and make sure everything is working the way it is supposed to (except for my pancreas) than face issues down the road that could have been prevented. With that said I have had my fair share of appointments and have come across a lot of ignorance from people in the medical field which is a little scary.
I just feel like there is a code that nurses/assistants should follow when dealing with patients. A lot of times I dread going to certain appointments more than others, but when I look at the big picture I realize that is because I am ticked off to no end before I actually see the doctor! Sometimes I give myself pep talks when sitting in the exam room waiting to be seen. "Ok just get through the dumb statements...they are ignorant...bar time coming after this..."
The first instance I will share usually takes place each time I go to the endocrinologist. Besides the usual height, weight and blood pressure the nurse tests my blood sugar. 9 times out of 10 it is high. Mainly because my stress levels are through the roof, I had just eaten before and sometimes it is just high because I wore a pink shirt instead of a blue one.
Now call me crazy, but I just feel like if I was a nurse I would say the number and write it down and continue on. (Which by the way is never looked at by the doctor so why must they test it anyway?) Obviously if there was a concern I would bring it up with the doctor privately.
Not in this office. I usually get "Ohhhhhh it is high... did you take your insulin today?"
Like.... are you kidding me fool? Did you breathe today? Of course I took my insulin. Sometimes I really feel like just going along with the stupid comment just to humor myself. Maybe next time I should respond with "Nope not today... didn't really feel like it" or "Gee you know I thought I forgot to do something this morning... thanks for the reminder."
I'm waiting for the day when she asks if I have the good or bad kind of diabetes.
Trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, I am sure she means no harm and doesn't think twice how what she says annoys me, but I mean come on. Have a little more smarts.. you deal with diabetic patients on a daily basis try and familiarize yourself with the unpredictable nature of this disease.
Instance 2 comes from my visit to the eye doctor today. I learned my lesson that I will no longer schedule appointments after 2pm. At 3:30 I had just seen the doctor for my 2:15 appointment.
Before seeing the doctor the nurse performed my vision test and tried some different lens strengths. Now she had complete access to my whole medical chart. Call me crazy, but maybe we should read that before saying things?
The nurse goes on to tell me how I am the perfect candidate for Lasik eye surgery. I am young, have a decent prescription, no astigmatism and no major health issues.
I thought for a second maybe I was cured of T1D?!?!
When I mentioned T1D she then quickly says "Oh no, no... yes then you are not a candidate... sorry."
Not that it was a big downer or anything. It is not like I had any intention to get the Lasik... but again, COME ON. GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU ACT! I guess....
Enough ranting for the day. Again this is just something that is on my mind. Maybe if you are in this profession or know someone you can help pass the word along.
