MG - The Consulants Manner

woodbon

Hello, Thanks to everyone for all the support during my recent myasthenia episode. I know just how lucky I am to have had so much support.

On thing that struck me though is the relationship I had with the consultant I saw at the hospital. He was very understanding of my worries and listened, he gave me a good examination, and explained what he was doing and why. I was teated as an equal. He also told me after this that in his opinion, the test would be negative and the problems the rhummy picked up where from my neck, but both he and I needed to be sure so he would order the blood test to confirm things, and write as soon as he had the result. He also explained how the treatment would go if the test was positive.

From the word go, I felt confident in him. I felt that if I needed treatment I would have confidence in his skill to treat me. He had a very positive manner. All this made such a difference to some of the experiences I've had and I believe it is important to have that confidence in the person treating you. Just that little bit of respect and partnership made all the difference.

Just thought it was worth mentioning, as I'm quick to moan. Love Sue

eckstardeluxe

That's great to hear a positive story Sue. Nice to know you've been treated well. I wish I'd had your Consultant at the MRI but the Consultant I got during my diagnosis was very good. He was a bit blunt but I actually liked being told the whole truth and not treated as if I wouldn't understand it. take care x

joanlawson

Hi Sue
Doesn't it make a difference when you get a consultant who is so understanding, and treats you like a human being, not just another boring patient? All last year, I was seeing a consultant who was very condescending towards me, He was one of the old school types who think they are gods. Eventally, I asked for a second opinion, and I couldn't believe the difference. The second one spoke very directly to me, and gave me credit for some intelligence. He was like a breath of fresh air after the first one.

Joan

mistywillow

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Sue
Doesn't it make a difference when you get a consultant who is so understanding, and treats you like a human being, not just another boring patient? All last year, I was seeing a consultant who was very condescending towards me, He was one of the old school types who think they are gods. Eventally, I asked for a second opinion, and I couldn't believe the difference. The second one spoke very directly to me, and gave me credit for some intelligence. He was like a breath of fresh air after the first one.

Joan

Hi Sue, eck and Joan
Hopefully the old school are dying out now. Think med schools are making an effort to teach psychology and better patient doctor relationships.
When i first started out as a physio, the consultants were treated as gods. You could nt get near a patient if a ward round was due even if it meant that they would miss their treatment. Then the round would sweep through, with the doctors barely acknowledging anxious patients in their beds, let alone talking to them!! So i suppose we have moved on since then, but some still have those dreadfull traits.
An elderly gynaecologist that i knew was actually very nice but extremely gruff with patients and i am sure upset quite a few in his time. When he retired he moved to Cornwall with his wife and set up a sort of holiday let business. She did all the cooking etc and he tended the gardens. If kids ran across the grass etc he would give them a real telling off! Eventually his wife said to him ' you can't talk to people like you did when you were a consultant gynaecologist you know darling!!!'
Probably says it all
Glad to hear you found a good one though Sue
Gillx :P

ritnew

Hi All
I have to say I think I've been lucky with my consultant, he does seem very young, or is that just me getting old. Anyway he listened to all I had to say, I told him all about this group and what I had learnt from it and told him about the Lupus we had all been discussing at the time. He was very kind and understanding and after seeing my xray never hesitated once on putting me on the list for a THR. I think it really does make a difference if they make you feel comfortable and answer your questions etc. I certainly felt a lot better about having the op after seeing him.

Rita X

josiec

I totally agree - I've continued to travel a little further to a hospital just out of my area purely because I liked the manner of both the orthopaedic surgeon and the rheumatologist when I first saw them privately. It makes such a difference to be able to discuss things rather than have them told to you, and to be presented with facts and told you are intelligent and can make your decision accordingly! So much better than being told "this is what's going to happen" and that's the end of it!

joanlawson

Hi
A few years ago, I had to see a breast consultant, and you would think that such people would be sensitive because most women are worried about the possibility of cancer. He was absolutely horrid, and very abrupt. He never smiled or made eye contact with me when speaking. Then he barked at me, "There's a little operation I can do on your breast. Yes? No?" without any explanation as to what it was. I nearly barked back at him, "There's a little operation I can do on your penis. Yes? No?".
Luckily, I didn't have cancer, and I never had the operation :!:

Joan

woodbon

Hi I posted this because I know how quick I am to moan about the treatment I get, but I thought I should praise the good treatment, as its only fair! I know hospitals and GPs are under a lot of pressure to meet targets and bugets, but just a little change in attitude can be all thats needed. It gives me (the patient) confidence in their clinical judgement, which is important. Well, thats enough world according to Sue!!! Love SUe

colinone

Hi sue i done a post not so long ago Whats Your Rheumy like, its great when you feel you can put your trust in them.
Colin