ART Nice Patients Finish Last - a Doctors perspective that has more that its grain of truth...
My summary;
1. Trust Your Gut Instinct; speak up, sooner rather than later – you will regret not stating your mind – tell your Dr what is bothering you – do not leave the room without voicing your concerns, doubts or questions.
2. Fear, Don’t be afraid of your Doctor – you are the ultimate customer for his services – pretend you are his/ her only patient – if you are afraid confront this, overcome it and move on – fear will keep you from trusting your instincts.
3. Medical Gaslighting; don’t be cowed into silence by your medical team - take notes on paper or on your phone; refer to them later - be dressed in your clothes when you speak or meet, avoid discussions of care made in a gown - be at eye level w Doctor, stand up to speak, or have him/ her sit down - bring someone to the meeting; a loved one will give you the support you may need to speak your mind.
4. Medical Trauma; affects trust – if you have had trauma and don’t speak up it will affect your care - hidden trauma will make you not trust your Doctor - hidden trauma will not allow you to trust your instincts – make sure that your past is well know, documented and accounted for.
Summary; stand up for yourself. Get the care you need, deserve and can live with. If you are not happy with your current care SEEK OTHER SERVICES! Even if you are happy, get 2d, or 3d opinions to cross check your options; its called ‘medical practice,’ for a reason. Don’t accept less than what you think you need. You are paying for the care! You are the one that has to live with the results!
