FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2005
- Posts
- 29,460
Me too! So sorry this happened to you. Glad you finally got what you needed though.
Then there are those you advocate for that act like jerks and ruin in part of in whole, your attempts at helping them help themselves or get the care, or services they need.
Then there are those you advocate for that act like jerks and ruin in part of in whole, your attempts at helping them help themselves or get the care, or services they need.
Sometimes it's out of pure frustration and a healthy dose of skepticism. I've been blessed with an excellent primary doc who is very willing to send me to specialists for whatever I need if he feels it's something out of his depth; however, I've heard countless stories of doctors who are significantly less than responsive to physical OR mental problems.
My knees had been going to hell for several years when I finally went crying to my doc. I was only 44 at the time, but I've had a lifetime of injuries and injustices done to them. The first surgeon I saw agreed that they were basically at the end stage of their usefulness, but flat out refused to discuss joint replacement because he felt that I was too young. I waited a few years, doing whatever time-buying procedures my primary doc (who has a sports med sub specialty) could come up with. Three years later I went to a 2nd surgeon. He expressed concern over the age thing but was willing, if I lost some weight first. Not unreasonable, but seriously, when you're in severe, chronic pain the idea of exercising the offending objects really isn't funny. Surgeon 2 then dropped my insurance, right after I met his weight goal. The crying jag wasn't pretty. I finally got my new knees three years ago, and I will love that surgeon until the die I expire!
The point is, if someone has experience roadblocks in their healthcare before, they may not have nearly as much faith in their doctor, their insurer, or even themselves to the extent that they may need in order to pursue and even demand the care that they need. Additionally, they may not have the knowledge necessary to fight for themselves. I was a medical assistant for over 15 years, so I know the language and know the ropes quite well.
I wish everyone who is suffering an illness could have an advocate to negotiate on their behalf. Expecting those in mental or physical pain to be up to the task is often unrealistic.