Had my hosp appointment today and after the usual 1 hour wait (every visit they say sorry, bit of a wait today!) Saw yet another doctor who barely spoke english, was a bloke and only a registrar. He knew nothing about me, asking silly questions until eventually he read my file while we both sat in silence. What a waste of time, if I saw the same doc each time they could move us through sooner instead of us going over old ground every time.
He then said we’ll see you in a year, even though the last doc said 3 mths. them 6 mthly from Oct. I hate this, I know it’s a money thing, I just know it. We comprimised on 6 mths, even then he forgot to write it on my slip for reception! Doesn’t inspire much confidence.
He had no bedside manner, didn’t even ask me how I was (and I had a list!) and was very rough when he examined my scar.
I never got the chance to discuss the things that have been worrrying me and he even suggested I go through my GP, even though I am pretty sure she will refer me back to them (recent bladder trouble), plu other stuff.
The good news from the visit is as I am now on Tamoxifen not Arimidex, I can come off the bonefos. Yipee, milk in my morning tea again!.
So, do we ever get used to this?
Irene
Hi Irene
What a horrid experience for you today. The first onc I met was the side-kick not the main man, and he was the 4th complete stranger man to grope my breast in as many weeks. He introduced himself using only his surname, and spent the whole appointment with his face in my notes, hardly making eye contact at all. By contrast last week I saw the main man and he was an absolute delight, sat on the bed so I had a chair, looked at me not the notes and answered all my many questions. I really felt that he had time for me. Hopefully the next one you see will be more like the 2nd one I saw.
As to your questions, can you ask your breast care nurse? Or the girls on here are excellent?
Do we get used to it? No, I don’t think so, we just find ways of getting through it.
Hope you feel better soon
Hugs
Kinden
x
Irene this must be horrible. I didn’t realise how fortunate I was until I read this because I have only ever been seen by the surgeon and the onc.
I never see surgeon or onc anymore, only ever registrars. Usually 1 of 3 diff ladies, all great actually but yesterday of all days when I needed a chat about ‘stuff’ I got this bloke. Don’t have anything against blokes you understand, just thid one!
Have already asked peeps on here my Q’s. Got my GP on monday for results of my knee xray so will talk to her then. She is great but knows her limitations, she will almost certainly refer me back!
Irene
Aww Irene - how horrible for you. Do you have a BCN? They can help smooth the path between specialists, and ensure you actually speak to one rather than a rotating SHO or registrar. Your GP will be a great source of help I’m sure too. If you explain your problem to the GP she may refer back to specialist, or speak to specialist on phone and relay information to you.
I know I had a difficult experience with a registrar who spoke barely any english and wanted to expose me to risk of lymphodemia by taking blood from wrong arm - quite cross with me when I refused!
Be alert to the potential inadequacies of junior doctors! They all have to learn, but you have to make sure they don’t make mistakes!
Take care
Insomniac Sue rambling away in the corner!