I believe Jay has a valid point; perhaps there is a philosophical difference in our approaches to medicine, possibly based on cultural differences.
Some people prefer a collaborative approach with the doctor and patient both contributing to gathering information and making decisions.
Others prefer a more authoritarian approach, where the doctor provides information and makes decisions which the patient is expected to follow.
Both are appropriate and acceptable approaches. It is up to each one of us to decide on the terms of our relationship with the medical profession and then live the with the consequences of that decision. Sometimes we may disagree with one another, but it is preferable that we state the reasons for our disagreement respectfully, remembering the difference between disagreeing with an idea and criticizing the motivation or character of the person who has that idea.
It is also important to remember that every one of us here at kickas is hurting either physically or emotionally or both. Because of that, it is all the more important that we be gentle with one another so that we don't add to the pain another person is feeling.
On a personal note, Alan, you have no idea what I have gone through in the last two months. We are a family of modest means, but I took a week off of work, and, at my own expense, flew to a city 800 miles away where I paid for housing for a week for myself and a friend who accompanied me. During that week, I had 19 medical appointments. If you read my Mayo Blog, you would know that I spoke very highly of the medical care I received there. Despite all of my efforts, I came home with nothing more than a new pair of orthotics. No one there knew what to do with me.
Do you have any idea how frustrating and bitterly disappointing that was for me? Moreover, I have been under incredible personal stress in the last two months, dealing with things which I am not free to talk about in a public forum.
Alan, I'm hurting and your thoughtless comments to my last two posts have added to my hurt. I need a place where I can post my questions and concerns and be safe from ridicule. Please be aware that the words you post are read by real people with real lives and your words have consequences.
Karen
Last edited by Karen_the_Mouse; 05/31/09 04:11 AM.
