As illustrated in my last couple posts, autoimmune patients can be treated pretty poorly by medical professionals. The next couple articles show how a sincere apology from a doctor can actually heal both the doctor and the patient. As a patient who has been unfairly judged, I would like to think those doctors who have hurt me in the past realized what they did was wrong but just couldn’t bring themselves to apologize. Whether it was because of fear of admitting wrong and being sued or just plain pride, I’ll never know.
The Healing Power Of Apologies
“For moral reasons, physicians should be held to the same standards as others; that is apologies should be offered for “offenses,” not for predictable and expected mistakes.”
A Doctor's Apology Can Heal
"For me, the biggest piece of this conversation was her offering me forgiveness, you know … And it still sends a chill down my spine. Forgiveness goes both ways. It helps both sides."
“Nine years ago, no one ever blamed my mother's doctor for her death from a disease that ravaged her nonsmoker's lungs. But the memory of his apology and his earnest attempt to learn from what had happened still comforts me. There are times when "sorry" is the only thing to say. And sometimes, a doctor's apology helps everyone to heal.”
A Doctor's Apology, An Intensely Moving Experience
“The idea of a doctor apologizing to a patient was unheard of as few as 5 years ago. I first came upon the concept shortly after my misdiagnosis was resolved, through a piece run by CBS news. I promptly printed it off and mailed it to the doctors involved in my misdiagnosis. Then in 2007, CBS aired still another piece that talks about the physician's relief once the apology is made.”
Saying sorry is good for your health
“Physicians in particular may find it hard to apologize. Dr. Leape says this has to do with the culture of medicine. ‘First, our training leaves us with emotional baggage,” he says. “Physicians are selected for and socialized to expect perfect performance. A serious failure, such as an error that results in a major injury or death, can be so devastating to a doctor’s self-image that it may be overwhelming.’”
“In addition, he says, ‘Most physicians receive no training or support in offering apologies. They don’t know how to do it; they may feel ashamed and worry about being sued. So, it’s not a big surprise that apologies don’t always happen or are offered in the wrong way.’”
Welcome
I have suffered from autoimmune disease since the age of 17 and I have several relatives who are also fighting autoimmune diseases. I have been diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Lupus, and the Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). Family members have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dermatomyositis, Grave’s, Hashimoto’s, Vitiligo, and Type I Diabetes.
In the search for my diagnosis, I have seen doctors in six states, from every medical specialty, seven of whom were Rheumatologists. I had an extremely difficult time finding a doctor to take my symptoms seriously because most of my blood work was normal and I did not look sick. I have a Master’s degree in Aerospace engineering and solve puzzles for a living as a systems analyst. I resorted to reading medical journal articles to try to put my own pieces together when the doctors were finished looking. I ended up being a very complicated case and had the unfortunate luck to end up with the rarest and oddest of symptoms, as if all autoimmune symptoms aren’t bizarre enough! It took me 13 years to finally find a doctor who understood my body.
As a result of my search for a diagnosis, I’ve learned a lot about the immune system, doctors, and the medical system. I’ve been asked by numerous people who have heard my story how did I find out certain facts, or how did I find a certain doctor because they also have a friend who the doctors don’t seem to be able to help? Over time, I’ll post all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, to give someone else having troubles obtaining that elusive diagnosis some other options to consider when you hit a brick wall.
Email: autoimmunediagnosis@gmail.com
In the search for my diagnosis, I have seen doctors in six states, from every medical specialty, seven of whom were Rheumatologists. I had an extremely difficult time finding a doctor to take my symptoms seriously because most of my blood work was normal and I did not look sick. I have a Master’s degree in Aerospace engineering and solve puzzles for a living as a systems analyst. I resorted to reading medical journal articles to try to put my own pieces together when the doctors were finished looking. I ended up being a very complicated case and had the unfortunate luck to end up with the rarest and oddest of symptoms, as if all autoimmune symptoms aren’t bizarre enough! It took me 13 years to finally find a doctor who understood my body.
As a result of my search for a diagnosis, I’ve learned a lot about the immune system, doctors, and the medical system. I’ve been asked by numerous people who have heard my story how did I find out certain facts, or how did I find a certain doctor because they also have a friend who the doctors don’t seem to be able to help? Over time, I’ll post all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, to give someone else having troubles obtaining that elusive diagnosis some other options to consider when you hit a brick wall.
Email: autoimmunediagnosis@gmail.com
Medical Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. Patients should review the information with their professional health care provider. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Remember I’m a rocket scientist not a doctor.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment