Patient Vigilence

[Lorraine]

I'm very vigilant too. I want to know everything that is being done. Why its being done. What to expect. Don't want know surprises. I try to research as best I can. I always ask questions and expect an answer. This is my body and I want to know everything thats happening. I have family and friends that will tell me they went to the doctor for a checkup. I'll ask them , so what was your blood pressure? They look at me and say, I don't know, the nurse didn't tell me. I'll say "Did you ask"? They'll tell me "No, I figured if the nurse wanted me to know or if was too high or to low they will tell me" Thats when I blow a gasket with them. I'll say, "First of all the doctors and nurses are working for you. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you want." I get appalled that someone won't even ask what their blood pressure or heart rate is. It's not a secret! They just listen and do what the doctors tell them. Anyway, just wanted add my two cents, even though for some reason I can't vote in the poll. Why would that be? Ross?

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Lorraine, did you receive my email? Not sure if I had the correct address?

 

[Lorraine]

Figured out why I couldn't post. I needed to be logged in first!
So now my vote counts!

 

[Lorraine]

Gina,

No, I didn't get your email. I just sent you one with my email address. Sent it a while ago then decided maybe you were waiting for me to post on the forum, so here I am.!

 

[JimChicago]

Personally I wish there was a little more consumer rights in terms of medical treatment. I've had some bad experiences with Doctors. After all it's our body and our life, you would think patients would have the authority to research and decide what they want to do, knowing that often all options have their risks.

 

[hensylee]

In a related subject, you can go see how your state rates:

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/74/89193.htm

Made me feel pretty good that Florida is #2 - Ross, Ohio is #3

 

[Guest]

Hensylee, yep...very much politics as usual...and, imho, very sad

 

[tommy]

I'm vigilant.

Sometimes its easy - like the time I checked into a hospital for the first time and the nurse greets me with a smile and a real thick chart and says "Welcome back!". Two patients - same name.

I trust my doctors very much. But I get real nervous when the doctor/nurse is in a hurry. That's when problems can happen. I try to schedule appointments early in the day before they get behind.

For those real "heavy" appointments I write down questions ahead of time.

I'm real careful with new docs to be diligent/complete with the health history in writing and verbally. I like to look the new doctor in the eye and and tell him that I take Coumadin.