tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post8430214061716598734..comments2024-03-21T08:05:38.385-04:00Comments on Ask An MD: What To Do If You're A "Bad Patient"Doctor Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15967600225173640437noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-88436195184578730422014-05-08T13:17:58.677-04:002014-05-08T13:17:58.677-04:001- thank you for enabling anonymous comments. I w...1- thank you for enabling anonymous comments. I wish everyone did. I don't like my name or alias plastered across the internet so it can be used against me.<br /><br />2-You, MR. D. (the title 'doctor' was revoked by a really crappy neonatologist who liked to play frankenstien with my kids and who threatened to sick the government (social workers) on me when I dared to question his judgement). Anyway, you are quite wrong about thinking that someone can overcome the bad patient syndrome. Physicians are awful sources for pain medication unless you have something that is measurable and that's just the way it is. Its not necessarily the physician's fault either b/c of fear of lawsuits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-14302633986960898132013-04-11T10:38:11.855-04:002013-04-11T10:38:11.855-04:00it all seems hopeless sometimes. I have Aspergers,...it all seems hopeless sometimes. I have Aspergers, and my manner is seen as abrasive. I am so afraid to go to any doctor that when I do NEED to go, I often cannot. I've had to leave from the waiting room before being called simply because I knew that by the time I got inside, I would have done more harm than good. I have dealt with depression all my life, and have come to not trust the profession. I've met some really good ones and some really bad ones, so I understand the prejudices involved. But the doctors don't seem to realize that they have an enormous capacity to do MAJOR harm on a psychological and in terms of reputations. I have reached an absolute limit to how much rejection and hurt I can deal with yet my health is such that I must rely on it if I am to control my diabetes, blood pressure and Hep C's damaging effects after 25 years. I am not able to function in that world, and no one is able to see me as anything but a problem. I have no one else I can go to, and now must accept that I am going to die for wont of any medical care. It is a harsh reality for me to accept. The tide has turned in the doctor-patient relationship. I find it hard to see it as Doctor & patient; it feels more like technician & customer. The impersonal nature has become the norm. "Do it my way, or I won't waste MY time on you." I will die from this label, as surely as if I was infected with any terminal disease. And the scary thing is ... this guy does not even realize what he has done. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-89713013461193518812013-01-15T12:49:00.542-05:002013-01-15T12:49:00.542-05:00I agree with Anonymous. I think half the problem i...I agree with Anonymous. I think half the problem is the way care providers are abused within their own hierarchy. The patients become an easy target for displaced anger.<br /><br /><a href="http://phlebotomytrainingpro.net/maryland/" rel="nofollow">phlebotomy schools MD</a>phlebotomisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05064342768057730274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-77150911179415101702012-11-01T12:49:35.314-04:002012-11-01T12:49:35.314-04:00I have tattoos up and down my arms and wear baggy ...I have tattoos up and down my arms and wear baggy clothes. 90% of the doctors ive seen have treated me like shit. I have Transverse Myelitis and need painkillers along with a variety of other drugs to counter it. I was getting drug tested once a week for 2 months, passing everyone btw. I switched doctors because i thought this was ridiculous and the new doctor i saw, made negative comments about my clothes and tattoos. I wanted to knock his teeth in, im friendly as can be, but not fake, make direct eye contact and still i get this label right off the bat because of how i look. I never in my life have been so frustrated with the entire medical system from doctors to insurance. Its always something with these dumb painkillers, i think doctors need to remember that i didnt ask for this, im 26 years old and have trouble playing with my children, have trouble walking without a cane. I DONT WANT THIS!! Too many doctors have grown suspicious in the wrong way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-40596143346395637402012-10-01T19:42:13.373-04:002012-10-01T19:42:13.373-04:00If you feel more for Dr's than patients, then ...If you feel more for Dr's than patients, then my advice to you is <br />1. Don't ever get sick<br />2. For the love of God do not become a Dr. or any other form of healthcare professional.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-35491893936411589942012-02-18T22:22:26.083-05:002012-02-18T22:22:26.083-05:00Anonymous,
I think that "bad doctor" sy...Anonymous,<br /><br />I think that "bad doctor" syndrome is in the news all the time. Google "how to protect yourself from bad patients" and you will find nothing but articles about "bad doctors"<br /><br />It is almost impossible to find any helpful information for doctors to protect themselves from predatory patients.<br /><br />There are patients who try to use sexual advances on the doctors, or bribes, or threats to get prescriptions they want. Patients who lie about illnesses, won't follow treatment courses and then attempt to sue the doctors..the list goes on and on.<br /><br />Most doctors are not rich, in fact, many are barely making it after paying ridiculously high malpractice insurance and attorney fees.<br /><br />Sorry..but I feel for the doctors more than the patients. Most are not trained as well as they should be, not paid at all what they should be and expected to cure people who won't follow their advice and get angry that their cholesterol isn't going down after being put on medication, and lie about the fact they have not changed their diet and in many cases are eating worse than before they were on the medication....etc etcAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-51457078573615449092011-12-11T11:32:46.069-05:002011-12-11T11:32:46.069-05:00I'd like to see a post on bad doctor syndrome,...I'd like to see a post on bad doctor syndrome, <br />why is it always the patients fault? Are doctors capable of any form of self introspection?<br />Patients are putting their most precious asset in their doctors hands, they are completely vulnerable <br />The doctor/patient relationship is not an equal, balanced relationship. Patient's sometimes feel like they are standing in front of a judge, pleading their case.<br />That's crappy healthcare serviceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-83837772063091919162011-10-02T18:55:28.678-04:002011-10-02T18:55:28.678-04:00Hi, thanks for this post. Just wanted to say this...Hi, thanks for this post. Just wanted to say this is also called "confirmation bias."xxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-58884026914218698502011-08-29T16:57:39.582-04:002011-08-29T16:57:39.582-04:00This article brings up some interesting questions....This article brings up some interesting questions. I think it would help if everyone would realize that both doctors and patients have bad days. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. However if they continuously act crazy... ummm.. you may be dealing with "bad patient."charlotte dentisthttp://www.southviewdentistrycharlotte.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-4311427067804105962011-07-01T11:48:45.409-04:002011-07-01T11:48:45.409-04:00Dr. D -- The only way to avoid being labelled diff...Dr. D -- The only way to avoid being labelled difficult is unabashed ass-kissing. Do it to EVERYONE in the office. The front desk staff, the nurse, the fellow, the attending. EVERYONE. And when you talk to the doctor, be as direct direct and pleasant as you can possibly muster. If you want to add something to your story and need to interrupt, act really meek and apologize for interrupting, and say you were just mentioning it in case it was important. Cater to the drs ego. If you are a difficult case, at least the doctor is not going to think you are manipulative or crazy -- probably. And they will like you and be more inclined to help because of it.<br /><br />I often use student health as well, and have found most of the practitioners to be borderline incompetent. You know what helps? Reading up to date ahead of time and plain and simply directing my own care, which they seem to expect anyway since I am a med student. If they resist, you can always say, "well, I was looking at up to date, and it said XYZ. What you do think of that?" I realize that most patients are not able to do this, but for me it has helped a lot.<br /><br />Mostly though, it's the ass kissing that's been the biggest help.OMDGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17937425894428802591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-82865311142037222552011-06-24T23:05:14.381-04:002011-06-24T23:05:14.381-04:00I was a bad patient my first year at one universit...I was a bad patient my first year at one university with Student Death. Of course they assumed, usually correctly, that everyone coming in with sinus headaches (which I've since found out were mostly migraines) was just looking for a note to get out of an exam or term paper. When I came flat out once and said I didn't want a note, I wanted to know if there was anything I could do to make it go away, or at least go away faster, so I could write the paper, I suddenly found myself in the "good patient" group.Library-Gryffonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06446982343602702829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-88575985818433463932011-06-22T21:27:25.098-04:002011-06-22T21:27:25.098-04:00My identity as a bad patient started after my prim...My identity as a bad patient started after my primary care MD was unable to figure out a medical problem I had so I was told it was all in my head. After being referred to 2 other in-network docs, their conclusion was also that I was wasting their time with my psychological complaints. One doc never asked me any questions – I was greeted with, “Well, I read your file, here’s your problem, I know it hurts but there’s nothing wrong with you so just ignore it and after awhile you’ll realize that it’s all better.“ After a few years of putting up with the problem, I went to someone outside the group for another reason, was treated with respect, the doctor found the second problem was a result of the first problem, treated it and it went away. I assumed I’d go back to my primary care MD and she’d now treat me better because it was a proven fact that I wasn’t just a lazy whiner headcase but I’m still treated like a bad patient. If I go to someone outside the network, I’m treated as though I’m a normal person who had something unfortunate happen. All I can figure is that there’s a big red “Loser” stamp or code word on my file that my regular doctor and any others in–network see that will follow me all my days. I’m polite to everyone in the doctor’s office because that’s how I was raised but it twists my stomach into knots every time I have to go. I’m not accustomed to being disliked – it doesn’t happen anywhere but the doctor’s office.Lindanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-61148116954867644862011-06-17T15:04:22.394-04:002011-06-17T15:04:22.394-04:00K: I have had issues because I don't elevate t...K: I have had issues because I don't elevate the doctor's level of understanding.<br /><br />They get really mad/threatened when I mention I was premed for 2 years to figure out my diagnosis. (To date not one single doctor has caught the HPA axis suppression, it has always been me asking for the testing.)<br /><br />So I don't mention it anymore, but I still have to push against their inertia as a result of that education,of what I know, which causes problems anyway.<br /><br />Damned if I do, damned if I don't.<br /><br />Really, I expect incompetence at this point. I don't even care if the doctor knows anything anymore, I just want them to be willing to work with me.<br /><br />Case in point, the endo now has an odd take on the diagnosis, but does seem to be listening to my input and working with me, not telling me how it's going to be. At the moment, the diagnosis doesn't matter, if it ever does then this relationship will fail too.<br /><br />MPissed Off Patienthttp://pissedoffpatient.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-32023005456176805222011-06-17T00:38:33.408-04:002011-06-17T00:38:33.408-04:00Doctor D, I like your post. I first started readin...Doctor D, I like your post. I first started reading it as a patient and then as a nurse. It's a toughie. I know at work (in my PICU) I used to often mislabel my patient's parents as "crazy" and "difficult" because so much of my work is based on current circumstances and at times sudden critical situations that even our best attendings can't explain. And then, we get the wrath of the parents: "this is supposed to be the best facility in the state and all you can tell me is 'we're watching it?!'" and so on. I am now of opinion that when a person or their loved one are ill, they are SO desperate for answers and their psyche gets well, screwed up, for lack of a better term. They almost become irrational because of their anxiety and fears. It's nice when the problem gets solved fast, but it totally becomes a permanent state of anxiety when the patient becomes "chronic." It messes with their own mind (in your case, with adults) and in my case with the parents'. I have been trying to put myself into their shoes and think: "how would I feel about this if I was on THEIR side of the bed?" and it usually makes some kind of sense. That said, I have had situations where I wanted to pull my hair out and no, those parents/patients would have NEVER been able to redeem themselves, even with all the great advice you're offering. Period.<br /><br />That said, as a patient, I used to be a "bad patient" but I learned my lessons. Partly because I realize the infallibility of human kind and that despite what our society thinks, doctors are still human beings and they don't know everything - and when I find a good doctor, I STICK to them as hard as I can and I let them know they're appreciated. At work, or my personal ones. Because I can see when they don't know something, but I have learned to TRUST that they will figure it out. I think TRUST is a biggie. If one doesn't trust their doctor - it's a bad relationship from the start!<br /><br />I think in American society, the medical and legal systems are SO inflated when it comes to pride in being in it, that when a patient walks through that door, they think 1) you make the big bucks, you're gonna charge me "up the a**" so cure me, 2) you went to school for all these years, so you're capable of "fixing me" and etc. I've heard it a few times already. And that's just it, because things are so inflated, people elevate a doctor's level of understanding, even if it's unfounded. So expectations rise based on truly nothing. On the other side of the coin, a doctor's opinion of self (and from what I've noticed, the younger the higher) is pretty high, too. They feel they've earned it (which they have) and sometimes tend to say things on a higher level unsuspectingly without meaning to hurt anyone's feelings, but come across as something different to the patient. (I've heard this from a couple of parents when my attendings steps out.) This elicits a defense mechanism in the patient and here comes the "bad patient!"Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13992291037846428658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-86454741363199278412011-06-17T00:06:49.791-04:002011-06-17T00:06:49.791-04:00I did get very angry and very vocal with a neurolo...I did get very angry and very vocal with a neurologist once, which certainly didn't help me prove that I wasn't a nutcase. But nothing would have. I know in my very center that the guy's mind was made up. So I took the neuropsych he recommended, and he ordered the EMG he didn't think I needed. The EMG turned out to be the first abnormal test I'd EVER had, and eventually led to the testing that DID show what was going on with me. Of course, it only led to that testing because I still PUSHED for that testing (with a doubtful but more rational neuro at the same practice). Everyone in the office was happy to leave the diagnosis at cramp fasciculation syndrome. (Which, hello docs, is caused by something, not always the same thing.)<br /><br />My condition (atypical [sodium-channel] myotonia congenita, a kind of potassium-aggravated myotonia) is supposedly very rare. Since it took me years to be offered more than the standard ANA panels and my story is not unique, I have some doubts about rarity statistics.<br /><br />My new neurologist, the university specialist who diagnosed me, said that he hears of patients called crazy all the time, and that "it's heartbreaking."Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16299001758170847510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-47301781827547299472011-06-16T22:42:58.671-04:002011-06-16T22:42:58.671-04:00Oh...yeah I don't know if that was clear. My p...Oh...yeah I don't know if that was clear. My pulmonologists (I stuck with about 2 in the end) had me go off the asthma meds since I didn't have asthma according to them, and then I would get accused of non-compliance by other well mostly cardiologists, who kept saying the problem wasn't my heart but couldn't really diagnose me with asthma either. But really, why wasn't I taking my inhalers again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-30044805937000248632011-06-16T22:37:59.976-04:002011-06-16T22:37:59.976-04:00Hi Dr. D,
I see where you're coming from (and...Hi Dr. D,<br /><br />I see where you're coming from (and appreciate most everything you write). But I'm having a hard time swallowing this advice. I went through 5 years of every medical test under the sun and was told I was crazy in about 50 different ways...when it turns out I was getting pneumonia repeatedly. I was diagnosed, and undiagnosed, with asthma about 20 times. It's really easy to blame a patient for being non-compliant and not taking their meds when you as the doctor can't get your story straight. And it's really really hard as the patient to be well, patient, when you're having that much trouble breathing. I really should have been in the ER much more often, but my doctors so minimized my symptoms that they had me very confused. I finally had major, major surgery to fix the problem. Because after 5 years of going through hell I found one doctor who knew something about my rare condition and hadn't only read about it in a textbook. <br /><br />MelissaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-89503112299238065782011-06-16T13:40:12.045-04:002011-06-16T13:40:12.045-04:00I think this is a helpful post. I also think what ...I think this is a helpful post. I also think what happens is having weird medical stuff just makes you a bad patient even if you are otherwise a normal person. The patient can't win and the 'bad patient' label is applied when they are most vulnerable, most in need of help.<br /><br />My main wish is that the medical community begins to deal with their enormous dysfunction because it is hurting patients. <br /><br />I don't get the sense that there's much of a push to improve things so we stop creating burned out doctors. Half the problem is the abusive medical school system. <br /><br />Doctors do to patients what was done unto them.<br /><br />MPissed Off Patienthttp://pissedoffpatient.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344900867722860530.post-24010678853012232352011-06-16T11:03:06.598-04:002011-06-16T11:03:06.598-04:00I'm totally a bad patient, but I think it'...I'm totally a bad patient, but I think it's partly because I'm a medical student and partly because the doctors at student health are... not competent. in March, I suggested to the doctor that she listen to my lungs on bare skin instead of over my sweatshirt (I was having an asthma exacerbation). That did NOT go over well, but seriously that's one of the first things we learned as first years. I also pissed her off when I told her I wasn't going to take HCTZ for my blood pressure anymore because I'm pretty sure it was stress related- and after the semester ended but before I got super stressed about boards it went back to normal. 138/90 is not going to give a thin 25 year old who doesn't smoke a stroke. If I had a choice of doctors I'd find another b/c it's clear this woman does not like me (partly my fault), but I'm sort of stuck with student health. I recognize that I'm a "Bad Patient" but at this point it's due to my view that the doctor isn't doing what she should be.Catehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635808302306218421noreply@blogger.com