Vindication & OFFICIAL Diagnosis given Today by PCP

[SjoGirl]

I have been taking holiday goodies to my PCP for about five years (which is how long I've been ill). She stuck with me the whole time the jury was out and never ever suggested I was a wack job. She sent me to specialist after specialist until we figured it all out. Her job, absolutely, but also well worth the recognition.

Two other things:
1. Each year I receive solicitations from the nonprofits that employ my docs (hospital systems), I make small gifts in their honor because it is one way I can say way to go doc). They don't know how much I gave, just that I gave. The smiles on their faces after I did this the first time were enormous.

2. If you receive evaluation forms after your visits, particularly with a not so good doc, please fill them out and return them. I saw a palpable difference in my neurologist from one visit to the next after a not so good visit (typically they are good). I noted on the eval that I thought he might be having a bad day and I know the eval is supposed to be anonymous, but he was sure better the next time around.

Most docs have hearts, but they are busy using their brains trying to diagnose. Some likely feel threatened by us and others inadequate because they can't figure us out. Others, like my hematologist (who I definitely did not like at first due to her then abrupt behavior) and PCP are very sorry they can cure me and tell me so. I can't imagine what it would be like to take an oath and dedicate your life to healing people and not be able to do it.

[SjoAmy]

Thank you Velcro & Andrea!

Let me clarify myself.....

before foot-in-mouth syndrome occurs....


I am always willing to give rewards for offices/doctors/staff/nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty.  When I was in the physical rehabilitation place I filed out "SMILE" cards for those who helped me.
I also went around to those who really touched me, and thanked them personally.

I was also not afraid of contacting the charge nurse, shift supervisor, or the supervisors of whoever was screwing around with me.  Especially medication nurses.  To issue complaints, of course.

I've had mistakes that altered my life done by hospital staff, mistakes that threw me in complicated situations but survived them.  I don't take mistakes lightly.

Like wrong dose of Dilantin (adult instead of pediatric) pushed in all at once, instead of over 3 hour period, which sent me into a coma for 2-3 days & I had to relearn my name, address, etc.  I was 10.  As a result, my leg turned black (I have white skin) my lymph nodes partially died, and lymphedema for the rest of my life.

Lately I have had a lot more mistakes than kudos to deal with.

I think there is something out there of somebody owes somebody.  But I don't owe anybody anything at anytime if they don't do their job correctly.