LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST
LIKE NEVER BEFORE
.Experiencing significant gastrointestinal symptoms, I visited a gastroenterologist last Friday. He is an outstanding physician whom I had seen before.
After examining me, he began an exposition of his treatment plan. He looked directly at my wife, Judy. I was sitting at a forty-five degree angle from her. He did not look at me. He had a stenographer in the exam room typing. My wife has systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; and I have been her primary care partner for thirty-five years. I still have good cognitive skills, able to process what I am told, read what I am given and make wise decisions. I practiced pharmacy for forty-two and years and have a scientific mind. I raised my hand and asked if I could ask a question. Immediately, he said, “No, I will lose my train of thought”. I knew that I would not remember my question later. The plan of treatment document that I was given when I left did not answer questions that I would have asked.
His comment irritated me. “Who can recover from an interuption better, the physician or the person with dementia (PWD)?”. “Does he really want me to understand and do what he wants me to do?”
“Why do physicians not know how to communicate with a PWD?” When will they learn?” Will they ever learn?”
©2015 Robert Bowles
COMMENTS
.Kathi Maher on 02/08/2015 10:37am
My biggest complaint, physician, hospitals, nurses etc need so much education on dealing with people with Dementia. I would love to be an Advocate when a patient comes into hospital or ER. As a Nurse and advocate for Alz. and going through it first hand drives me further and more determined to make something like this happen. God Bless you. xoxoxoxx
Robert Bowles on 02/08/2015 1:57pm
Kathi, thanks for your comment. I spend about 8 hours a day advocating for dementia awareness. I practiced pharmacy for 42 years
Michelle Morrison on 02/09/2015 10:28pm
I grow as a daughter when I am informed. My mother has crossed over. She had a dementia. I observed dad with her. It sad. I fear as he fears living with his Lewy Body Dementia that his Diabetes etc… is my future. I am determined to be an advocate a voice of love empathic.
Robert Bowles on 02/12/2015 6:51pm
Thanks for your comments, Michelle
Truthful Kindness on 02/08/2015 2:34pm
wonderful, as always, Robert. Candidate for written section in “Best of Feb 2015” for PWD Newsletter in my opinion. I will pencil it in unless you decide you prefer something else. — Tru
Robert Bowles on 02/12/2015 6:52pm
Thanks, Tru
Colleen Williams- on 02/08/2015 4:27pm
I will advocate for anyone, even if it’s a stranger.I Don’t care what your job title is, unless you’ve experienced memory loss, or have a loved one with Dementia,they will never truly understand what it is, or what it’s like in our shoes.
Robert Bowles on 02/12/2015 6:52pm
Thanks for your comment Colleen
Connie Storck on 02/09/2015 3:48am
Very good post. I have not been properly diagnosed due to my physician assuming that my problems are due to gross obesity and smoking. Dr’s just do not have the time to really diagnose a patient anymore. They just send you to a specialist and leave it at that.
Robert Bowles on 02/12/2015 6:53pm
Thanks for your comments, Connie
((Originally posted 2015 February 08 at lbdlivingbeyonddiagnosis))
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Truthful Loving Kindness 