Bad Docs & The Dx Process

[kwarendorf]

One thing that comes up regularly is the subject of docs that don't listen, don't care etc. CNN senior medical correspondant Elizabeth Cohen wrote abook called The Empowered Patient. It is about the trials and tribulations she went through while trying to get a proper diagnosis for her daughter.

It is not about MS, it's about navigating the medical minefield. It provides real, practical advice on how to get what you need from doctors. I would highly recommend it.

Kyle

[HVAC]

I also have one called "Special Treatment" by Kevin Soden M.D.

[dogmum]

Thanks for these recommendations.  I've downloaded the samples for both of them to my Kindle and am very interested in seeing what they have to say.  Very thoughtful of you both to pass these along.  

[twopack]

I remember looking into this book a while back.  It looked a little adversarial so I didn't pursue reading it.  It may contain some very good advice.  I just try to steer clear of angered approaches when I can.  There is so much tension around health care these days - defenses are up at every turn.

I did find a similar title that fit me better.  I have to admit I haven't read very far into it yet.  (I'm trying to be more disciplined about how many books I'm running an open tab on at any given time.)  This selection is meeting my expectations so far though so I'm going to put out for consideration as an alternative to consider.

"You Bet Your Life! The 10 Mistakes Every Patient Makes - How to Fix Them to Get the Healthcare You Deserve" by Trisha Torrey.  I wasn't crazy about the title length or the implication that patients would be blamed inside.  I'm still not.  But I was reassured when a quick look inside revealed that wasn't what was happening in there.  I'm all about those "fixes" anyway :)

Hope I'm not jumping the gun here but I couldn't let the opportunity pass without some mention.

[LilMinnie]

I am beginning to learn that. I have been very naive until recently. My dear friend's husband is deathly ill and she is having to fight as well as worry about him. And now I am finding this out for myself.

[kwarendorf]

You do have to fight. No One else will fight for you.

[LilMinnie]

Thank you, I will get this book as well. It is bad enough dealing with the illness of ourselves or a loved one (like a dear friend of mine has been going through) without having to check, double check, and fight for appropriate treatment.

[kwarendorf]

Good luck tomorrw Kara. The book is a pretty quick read.

Kyle

[Lulu54]

It sounds like a good recommendation - those minefields can be treacherous to get through.

[marlo34]

Thanks Kyle. I just ordered it. I will report back and let you know what I liked...etc. I go back to work tomorrow so it might be a bit.

Cheers-
Kara