‘I don’t have time for that!’
This was the answer I received from the doctor I was seeing yesterday, who was seemingly unable to complete my request. After being made to feel rushed and a complete inconvenience during our entire two minutes together, I was abruptly ushered out of the room to finish with the clinic nurse.
I’m having a week. Let me backtrack.
Some soreness crept up on my wrist over the course of last week, and by the end of the week I decided I had to get it checked out. It was the weekend, I couldn’t get in with my own GP, so I made an appointment at a relatively new practice that’s close to home. Plus, I’ve been on the hunt for a good doctor around the place.
The clinic itself was pretty modern. I was easily able to book an appointment online and there were a range of services, delivery options and timeslots available. The premises were relatively new, the decor was fresh and there was even a check in counter that I didn’t register until watching others use it. Oh, and I made a bit of a fool of myself trying to open the automatic door with a wave of my hand over the sensor.
After waiting close to an hour for my appointment, I explained my conundrum to the doctor. After telling me that we need to get on top of this, I was given a referral for an x-ray, the possibility of a needle was mentioned and I was abruptly sent on my way.
I didn’t think much of this place, but then again perhaps there was nothing to discuss until we had a x-ray and ultrasound results to look at. I only really went back to discuss those radiology results yesterday. In hindsight, it would have been better to copy them into my GP instead.
I was really looking for some advice on a course of action, and whether I’d be able to safely go back to work. Radiology had encouraged me to book in for a cortisone shot to ease the inflammation in my wrist, which must have been the needle my doctor had abruptly mentioned. But it felt a bit premature. Especially given that I was sore, but not in pain. I didn’t know a lot about it, either, as well as it’s impact on my diabetes.
But my whole follow up appointment yesterday felt rushed. We discussed another option to the shot, which I learned would ultimately take longer to recover. When I began to discuss a plan for returning to work, I got the message loud and clear that I was wasting this doctor’s time.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot from a bulk billing clinic. I get that they’re busy, and I get that they’re operating on a quick turnaround.
But I only wanted my ten minutes I had booked to discuss my one issue. I don’t think I was even in there for five. I don’t think it’s a big ask for a healthcare professional to listen to and answer my questions and concerns. I certainly don’t think it’s a big ask to be treated with the same respect that I treated this doctor with, and not like I was wasting someone else’s time.
Language matters. Language bloody matters.
I was left with two courses of action, but unfortunately not a lot of information about them. Thankfully, I went home and talked with my own tribe.
With a bit of consultation with Dr Google, I made a decision.
This doctor definitely won’t be a part of the follow up.
Patricia Keating
Hi Frank, glad to hear your looking for a new Dr. Sad you don’t live in Sunny Queensland, I see an incredible Dr, his from South Africa, and is totally booked out everyday. He is such a lovely guy, he really cares about this patients. No rushing with him, he loves a chat. Hopefully you find a good Dr, it sure helps.๐๐
Yoga for Diabetes
well that doesn’t sound nice at all. Language so matters!
Karl Alder
Hi Frank, their are a lot of so called professionals out there, you just have to sort through the rubbish. I once had this Endocrinologist for 12 years or more and he sounded to me if he was aragonite, but he had a heart of gold and was very through. I shifted to where I live now and I can’t find a good practitioner. I have gone through 3 Endocrinologist 1 after the other through lack of knowledge and empathy. I asked my local Doctor if he could look after my diabetes, because I wont be seeing another Endocrinologist while I am living here. Good luck, Frank and I wish all of your HbA1c to be 7 or under, cheers.
Rick Phillips
hey Frank, being treated like that is no fun. I think a different clinic is a very good idea.
โI Donโt Have Time For That.โ – Diabetes Today
[…] ‘I don’t have time for that!’ This was the answer I received from the doctor I was seeing yesterday, who was seemingly unable to complete my request. After being made to feel rushed and a complete inconvenience during our entire two minutes together, I was abruptly ushered out of the room to finish with the … [Read more…] […]