Power of the Patient

I visited my endocrinologist today. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and acute hypochondria. Knowing that I'm prone to histrionics when it comes to my health, I questioned whether I would report to my doctor my discomfort during my last visit or if I would let it die. The office was a bit quiet today, and I had all of my clothes on, so I decided that he and his lovely assistant had time to hear my complaints. (There's something about being in a robe that strips away your confidence.)

Another ailment I suffer is Faceburn. Whenever my brain is thinking Holy Crap! Why am I saying this?, hot blood rushes to my entire face. That's what happened as I spoke to my doctor's raised eyebrows. Yet another reason to shut up.

"I just have to let you know about my last visit. It was a bit disconcerting. First, your staff could not find my file, and I could hear their confused exchanges as I sat in the waiting area. Then, you told me that my body changes a lot after having a baby, so I interrupted you with a 'Whoa! What!?' and informed you that my baby is now 16 years old. Instead of admitting your mistake, you played it off with a 'Well, I didn't say...'."

My doctor shook his head and apologized, but I was on a roll, so I continued. "Plus, I asked your receptionist not to make an appointment for me with the ENT doc because I needed to check my agenda, and I got a phone call a few months later to confirm said appointment, which proved that she ignored my request. And when I called about my January appointment, someone here told me that I wasn't scheduled for a January appointment even though I held the appointment card in my hand."

He apologized again. I was done. "I just wanted you to know because it really rubbed me the wrong way, and our first appointment went really well..."

"It sounds like we were off our game that day," he admitted with a contrite expression. 

I turned to his assistant and added, "If it's any consolation, you weren't here that day."

She smiled, released a "Phew!", and pretended to wipe her forehead. She really is lovely. She reminds me of Julianna Margulies in ER. My doctor joked that nothing goes wrong when she's around. Clearly, that's no joke. 

Initially, this release was not cathartic. I felt strange afterwards, sitting there before the two of them. I really like my doctor, but I had to let him know. For all the patients that don't ask questions, don't understand the medical jargon, don't speak up, I had to say something. I had to make sure I didn't feel so uncomfortable again. 

After my examination, he ordered blood work. I wonder if I really needed it again, or if he just wanted to have me pricked. In any case, I didn't google local endocrinologists today. I'm going to stick with this one. Besides, I fired my first one already. Don't even get me started on him.