Over the past two months I have been through two fairly unpleasant hospital procedures. In June, the doctor biopsied a suspicious area seen on a mammogram. Yesterday, the colorectal surgeon put me through a colonoscopy. Both procedures had good outcomes. The biopsy revealed no cancer. The colonscopy revealed no polyps.
What impressed me the most in both situations was the change in medical personnel from the time I was young. My first experiences of doctors were ones between authorities(the doctors) and the supposedly ignorant(the patients.) Accordingly, the doctors did what they thought they needed to do without explanation. Shots were ordered and given. The most I ever heard was “this is going to hurt.” Not a sentence to calm the anxious.
But change has come to the medical profession, as least as far as my recent experiences reveal. Everyone seemed to understand that I was anxious. Everyone went out of their way to tell me what was going to happen or was happening. One even said, “We don’t want there to be any surprises.” What a concept. I was told that the iv fluid would feel cold, that the biopsy needle made strange noises, that the beeping in the operating room meant things were fine, and that the oxygen mask smelled funny because of the plastic used to make it. I was asked if I was cold and needed a blanket. When I had to hold my arm in a weird position, they offered a rolled up towel for support. When I had to hold one arm over my head, they handed me a rubber ball to squeeze “so your arm won’t go to sleep because that feels weird.”
Some people may miss the all knowing doctor. I am reassured by this new approach. I am seen as the anxious patient I am. They are concerned and seek to minimize the stress. As for me, my blood pressure stayed low throughout and my heart beat steadily and calmly. Thanks everyone.
Saved By Words 
It’s important that all procedures are explained to patients. It’s encourages support. Good to hear you had a good encounter.
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I didn’t used to have things explained. I am glad for the change.
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Lots of TLC, tests, gadgets, advancements, personnel, and equipments. All of these come at a skyrocketing price such as is not seen in any other parts of the world. People complain that the cost of healthcare in the states is exorbitant until the day they are on the receiving end. I am glad you had a pleasant experience.
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I agree that the tests are expensive and often wasteful, but kindness is free and I was surprised by its abundance.
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Some of them are really trying to relax patients. The only problem I have when I go to the ER or hospital, is you never know who your talking to. They all dress alike, and they refuse to wear id badges with the name and face visible. I’m glad you had a decent experience. I always get all worked up when I have to go.
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Interestingly, all the medical personnel not only had their photo i.d.s on, but each one had a large block letter additional tag hanging below. It said DOCTOR or NURSE or PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT etc. I guess a lot of people have been confused.
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Congratulations Elizabeth. It is always a blessing to have good health. Nice to know your tests went well.
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Yes. Especially since I lost my sister last year to cancer, I was very relieved.
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Gosh what a good service the provided. Glad that you are in good health.
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I felt very blessed in both encounters.
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First of all, thank God; all okay Elizabeth.
And yes there’s a marked change for the better in doctors, I think
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I am glad you have found that true also.
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I noticed this too when my mother was in the hospital earlier this year. They really did try to minimise stress for not just her, but me and my dad.
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It’s as if they all took some new training.
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You might be right. Their bedside manner has certainly improved. I think in Jamaica, my doctors were always friendly but that could be because I was a child and a teen.
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A blessing all round Elizabeth!
Jennifer
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I’m glad that your procedures had good outcomes, Elizabeth!
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Thanks Leslie.
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