RE: Doctors and bed-side manners

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/6/2004 2:10:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

nitefawn@... writes:

I wonder how many MD's understand what a good bed-side manner does for their

patients moral.

Hi Fawnee,

Of all my doctors, the one I love the most and put complete trust in did not

have the best bed-side manners, but I would not trade him for all other

doctors in the world. He knows what he is doing, he cares about each of his

patients and he never forgets one of their names.

It was different once he got to know me and understand my personality. He

may not always have a smile, but he answers questions. He has always been there

when I needed him. To me, that is more important than bed-side manners.

I've just fired a dentist. He had good bed-side manners, but he did a lousy

job as a dentist.

Eunice

[Guest guest]

I know what you mean, Fawnee. I like them to be knowledgable over anything

else...but a bit of respect for me, and not putting me down goes a long way.

I too was terrified and put off docs for the same reason. Having been put

down all my life over food...whether I over ate or under ate...whether thin

or not...I just couldn't take it. Tha's how I ended up with an eating

disorder oh...about 18 yrs ago or so. Still battle with food. Grrrr.

We do our best, and remember, we on this list know it...and we know each of

us is trying...so we have to be our own cheerleaders I guess, and/or pep

squad.

Take care.

We are only human.

Tam

[Guest guest]

Just have to put in my 2 cents worth about my doctor. He is a family

practioner and has a wonderful bed side and office manner. He is the deputy

director of the family practice resident program, so he up on all the

latest. I am a private patient of his but sometimes I have to be a guinea

pig for his residents and medical students, but I don't mind. Having worked

in the medical field for many years, I know as much as they do!!! He

explains things to my and takes into account my medical knowledge and my

input. He makes suggestions and lets me decide which one to try first. He

has done his best to help me with samples and patient assistance programs

because I have no prescription coverage. (I fired one doctor because he was

so condescending and would not listen when I tried to tell him something was

wrong. After all, I live with this body 24/7.)

Kitty

[Guest guest]

Fawnee ---

I think my diabetes would have been caught sooner if I wasn't afraid to go

to my doctor. I could go in their with a hang nail and he'd say it was

because I was fat. Stuffy nose? Too fat. Sore throat? Too fat. I HATED

to go. I have a new doctor now who I love and is sympathetic and

understanding. So I know what you mean, I've been there too.

Re: Doctors and bed-side manners

Eunice~

I'm glad you have a good Dr. I was just saying that encoragement from them

rather then belittling patients would go alot further....catch more flies

with sugar then the vinegar.....theory. While it's true some Diebetics

choose not to do anything about their diet, those of us who try so hard and

get no results is really fustrating--and a Dr. who makes you feel bad every

time one goes to the office...well, it just doesn't want to make you go. I

used to put off going to the Drs. office simply because I was obese and

didn't want a lecture--because that is what I would always get....who likes

to be lectured constantly?

Fawnee