September 5, 2007
Dr. Hassler
I mentioned yesterday that I went to visit my doctor because my cold has been lingering for twelve days. I went to the appointment and begged for an antibiotic because I knew that this is no longer just a virus. I am pretty darn good at predicting my own ailments and this, my friends, is a sinus infection.
My doctor wasn’t in agreement with my diagnosis and told me that if the symptoms persist for three or four more days then I should call to set another appointment. I was infuriated, as any patient would be, and left his office feeling as though I was being pushed away.
I suffered through work with the sinus pain from hell. I felt like my cheekbones were trying to beat me up from the inside out.
Finally, at two o’clock I called the doctor’s office to whine. Yes, whine. I whined to the receptionist who answered the phone. When she patched me through to the nurse, I whined and complained to her. When the nurse told me she’d have the doctor call me back, I whined some more until she transferred me to him directly.
“Dr. A, I was in your office this morning and I don’t feel like you really helped me and I’m getting pretty pissed off. If you don’t want to prescribe anything for me, then I’ll be forced to call your office several times an hour until you help me. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just find a new doctor.”
Wouldn’t you know, ten minutes later I was assured a prescription for the Z-pack would be called in to my pharmacy and my doctor quickly hung up the phone.
Many readers wonder why I stay with this physician. The truth is I’ve been a regular patient of his since 2001, he knows my health history very well, he’s friendly 98% of the time and I believe he does try his best to help me. The only complaint I have is that some days he seems preoccupied and just doesn’t care. Sometimes I feel like I’m not getting the answers I’m looking for.
I understand he is a busy man and he sees several hundred patients each week. I know that people can’t be cheerful all the time. I’m certain the demands of his job are no cup of tea, either.
But why do I feel like I was too pushy? Why do I feel bad for demanding that I be treated properly? I feel like I hassled the poor man into doing his job. Sigh.
I suppose you can just call me Dr. Hassler.
Posted by Dana @ 9:37 AM • Health, Wellness, Fitness, Exercise
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September 5th, 2007 at 12:40 PM, Dawn Says:
Hm. Given your profession, you probably have just as much schooling on things of a head/sinus nature as he does as a GP.
September 5th, 2007 at 1:20 PM, Dana Says:
Dawn, funny you mention that! I told him I work in Audiology and I that our doctor was the one who suggested I come in because naturally the symptoms of a cold would subside. My doctor sort of scoffed at that. As if to say Dr. M wasn’t a real doctor. And now that I’ve taken the first does of the anti-b, I’m feeling better!
September 5th, 2007 at 1:58 PM, Karen Rani Says:
I hope you feel better soon, ya nag! LOL!
September 5th, 2007 at 2:01 PM, Dana Says:
I know. I’m one big nagging bitch. Heh!
September 5th, 2007 at 4:38 PM, Cheryl Says:
Hell. I laughed. Good for you. I’ve switched doctors a lot because I wasn’t entirely pleased, and I didn’t feel like pushing to get what I wanted out of them. Good news is that I’m perfectly happy with all the docs in my life right now.
They won’t be feeling the wrath from this pissy, pregnant lady.
September 5th, 2007 at 5:01 PM, motherofbun Says:
There’s the Ghost Whisperer, The baby whisperer and you — the Doctor Hassler. Good for you. We’ve all got to be our own advocates…
September 5th, 2007 at 9:14 PM, mom2amara Says:
I had a doctor tell me I was “borderline obese.” I was 20 pounds overweight at the time but I was nowhere near obese. He had me in tears.
I’m still with this doctor.
I feel the same way you do about Dr. A. My doc knows me, is truly a good human being and a knowledgeable physician. Just sometimes, doctors like them need a good nudge.
Consider what you did a “nudge!” But if you still feel guilty, have some chocolate. It cures all ails!
September 5th, 2007 at 9:49 PM, Amber Says:
Crazy that we are led to feel that way about people who are serving US. It just seems they forget sometimes.
My mom, on the other hand, has it all figured out. She basically tells her doc what’s up and he prescribes it. Talk about trained.
September 6th, 2007 at 10:29 AM, Dana Says:
Cheryl, it is kind of funny. Me with my nasal-y whine asking for medicine!
Lisa, I love it. Do you think I’ll get my own television show? You know, like House?
Heh.
M2A, I understand what you’re saying. Sometimes the cons of switching doctors isn’t worth it anymore. After changing so often, what’s left?
Amber, I wish I had your moms suave to do that!