i found grace

For my *former* Cardiologist

Dear Dr. P. ,
I suppose a formal thank-you letter may be more proper in ettiquite; I however have something else to say. I feel like it might be helpful in dealing with patients in the future...

1. Don't Judge.
I can just about guarantee you that there are hundreds of events that have shaped and molded a person into who they are, but these will never show up on a medical chart. You can't look a few notes on a page and assume you understand why I am the way I am.

2. Be Kind.
My elementary guess would be that most people sitting in your office are not there for fun. Speaking from my own experience, I can tell you my feeling were of fear and anxiety. Who wants to voluntarily go to a HEART SPECIALIST? A kind word may have put my mind at rest. Your presence has the power to create or distroy peace.

3. It's MY Body.
I've been living in this vessel for almost 24 years. I am pretty familar with it. I don't question your general knowlegde or expertice, but I know when something feels right, and when something feels wrong.

4. You are the Last Resort.
After 7 months of unanswered questions, it's hard not to become frusterated. If my primary care Physician didn't get it, and the Nutritionist hasn't helped, it means we have exhausted other options. We have tried everything, that's why I am here.

Although I am still trying to have a good perspective, you hurt my feelings. For someone who 'read my chart' and 'knows all about people like me', you really don't have a clue. I appreciate your testing, and your opinion, but's let's be honest with ourselves- you don't know ME at all.

Thanks,
Your Patient.

posted by Elizabeth @ 7:55:00 PM