About me

PROFILE:
I have been writing poetry and stories since I was a child, and a love of reading was instilled in me from an early age. I am passionate about writing, and hope you enjoy the books I have written. Whilst most of you sleep soundly in your beds, like many Parkinson’s patients, insomnia dictates, so during those hours that sleep eludes me, the house is tranquil and quiet, an atmosphere perfect to immerse myself in writing. My life has been a series of strange events, which have without doubt contributed to my creativity. To publish anything is to bear one’s soul to the world. It is to stand naked and let everyone see who you really are. I have poured my heart and soul out on paper and I hope to share this journey, immersing you in a story, capturing your attention and firing the imagination. Through my writing and public speaking I hope to bring greater awareness to the general public about living with chronic disease.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

I have a name

Thank you 'anonymous' who left me a comment on Friday's blog regarding "Parkinson's does not define you". It was sadly a well-founded comment, and who ever you are, have clearly spent much time, like myself in hospital. The comment (for those of you who may not have seen it) was: "In hospital so many times Doctors on there rounds would say on arriving at my bed this is Parkinson's. Naturally this is not my name but as you say people are sometimes called by their illness and not their name. Not good."
Despite the marvellous care I receive, and I am fortunate to be under one of the best hospitals, which deservedly holds a fine reputation, I have to agree with anonymous' comment. The 'old school' of the doctor or surgeon making his rounds followed by his entourage is standard procedure in most hospitals. Standing at the foot of your bed, with all eyes upon you, not bothering to say good morning, or using your name, is insulting and lacks compassion, referring to you in the third party, talking about you as if you are merely 'a disease' and not a person at all. Then after discussing your case, the group leave, not waiting a second, should you want to ask a simple question, they hurry on to the next patient without pause or consideration for the patient. I am sorry to say that this practice still exists today, having personally experienced it a number of times, and although I have become accustomed to this archaic practice; fully realising that time is of the essence and 'the doctor's rounds' are not a social call, there is a need for change in attitude. I hope if you are a doctor reading this, you will please take note, as from a patient's viewpoint, this behaviour not only lacks empathy and is upsetting, but quite frankly makes you appear in a bad light. Please address a patient with courtesy, a smile, and most of all, don't call me "Gaucher with Parkinson's" …..I have a name, and it's Elaine Benton!  

1 comment:

  1. The only thing I can think of that would be acceptable in the medical world as a reason for doctors to address patients as a 'disease/illness' is the idea that it would humanize the patient and cause them to become more emotionally involved with them. This is a field that requires critical thinking, but when facing the actual patient, about whom they are talking, it is downright ignorant and insulting not to acknowledge the patient. At the very least they can use their name once by thanking them for your allowing them to have such intimate information for the sake of their own learning. This goes for the experienced doctor as well as those just entering the field. A diplomatic word or two to someone in charge or whom you have been dealing with for a long time may allow you some influence in the matter. Good luck!
    K8

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