Doctors = Not As Cool As They Look On TV
Tuesday, 10 April 2007 07:15![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
earthbelow
I have a doctor's appointment today at a clinic that Planned Parenthood referred me to. I'm dreading it so much that my stomach hurts. A lot.
I think it's weird that most people would prefer a doctor over a dentist. I'd rather go to the dentist every day of the week and three times on Sunday. Because dentists are not nearly as intimidating as doctors. I've had a number of very nice, professional dentists.
I can't say the same for doctors at all. I just can't stand how doctors act towards me and I can't stand how they make me feel and I hate how upset I get after I have to see one. There's nothing like feeling dehumanized and belittled to make your day.
Right now I'm trying to think positive and tell myself that I could find a really nice doctor who is helpful and respectful and does not at all treat me like dirt or look down on me or screw me over.
I hate feeling trapped like this, knowing that if this doctor chooses to be an asshole, I'm screwed because I don't know how else to get what I need in order to be *healthy*.
Just once, I wish I could put a doctor in that same position. Make them feel helpless and desperate, and then act like a complete bitch to them and deprive them of something they need. See how they like it.
I guess all I can do is hope for the best, brace for the worst.
I think it's weird that most people would prefer a doctor over a dentist. I'd rather go to the dentist every day of the week and three times on Sunday. Because dentists are not nearly as intimidating as doctors. I've had a number of very nice, professional dentists.
I can't say the same for doctors at all. I just can't stand how doctors act towards me and I can't stand how they make me feel and I hate how upset I get after I have to see one. There's nothing like feeling dehumanized and belittled to make your day.
Right now I'm trying to think positive and tell myself that I could find a really nice doctor who is helpful and respectful and does not at all treat me like dirt or look down on me or screw me over.
I hate feeling trapped like this, knowing that if this doctor chooses to be an asshole, I'm screwed because I don't know how else to get what I need in order to be *healthy*.
Just once, I wish I could put a doctor in that same position. Make them feel helpless and desperate, and then act like a complete bitch to them and deprive them of something they need. See how they like it.
I guess all I can do is hope for the best, brace for the worst.
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no subject
Date: 10 Apr 2007 13:17 (UTC)And you have had the wrong doctors all your life.
With only two exceptions (my first gynecologist who was very Indian, very over 50 and very male and completely unable to grok that "Yes, doctor, I really do get cramps that badly and it's not in my head" - and - the substitute doctor between losing my first pediatrician and my family physician) I've always been super happy with my doctors. I've never felt dehumanized or belittled (which is a lot to say when 50% of your encounters involve stirrups and a speculum) in any way shape or form.
My doctors have always talked to me (not at me), been patient, and gone to lengths to explain things when I might not have understood them. I've only lost doctors due to them moving (typically across the country) and it's been a very sad and painful experience.
Even when I have health problems that I know are my fault (weight, low iron, cholesterol), my doctor is a good sport even as she chastises me. I don't feel like "Do this. Do that. Do this. You're evil." It always comes off feeling more like a conversation with a friend, "You're a grown woman, you know what you're doing wrong. I want to help you, but you have to help yourself first."
Have you ever tried asking friends for recommendations for doctors? Or maybe try interviewing doctors. It's a long, annoying process, but well worth it. We interviewed the Girl's pediatrician and we love him. In fact we love him so much (and so does she) that we are sad every time we visit him. Because the man has to be approaching retirement. And we don't want to replace him, because there is no way he can be replaced.
Another thought might be to tell the doctor that you feel belittled or dehumanized. Speak up. Your insurance dollars are paying them, they have to listen to you. Sometimes starting a dialogue can go a long way.
*more hugs*
no subject
Date: 10 Apr 2007 18:55 (UTC)And since I don't have insurance yet, I'm sort of at the mercy of who ever is willing to take on uninsured patients on a sliding scale. There's not really anyone to recommend a doctor to me here.
The thing about doctors is that they *don't* have to listen to you at all. Sure, you can go to another doctor (if you're lucky enough to have the option), but it's not like they're in the service industry or something. Taking your business elsewhere doesn't really mean anything to them - because there's plenty more where you came from.
Especially if you're uninsured.
And not to sound bigoted, but male doctors are the absolute worst. I have yet to see a medical professional with a Y-chromosome that's treated me decently.
Right now all I need is for a doctor to sit down, get out that nifty little prescription pad, and spend the thirty damn seconds it would take to write down the words "ortho-tri-cyclen" and "glucophage" with some numbers and a signature that would magically open the gates for me be able to get something I need *for my health* so I can do the things that the doctors keep bitching at me about.
But thanks for the hugs and the suggestion.