What on earth do I mean by that? What is perception? All I know is that perception is reality. How many times have we heard that? And how often do we think of that when we’re in the medical environment? Probably not as often as we should…..

I was having lunch with a good friend and his wife (whom I’ve gotten to know fairly well in the past 2 years). She told me about her encounter with a new doctor recently for a sinus infection. She was adamant when she simply stated "I know enough about what’s going on in my body that by the time I go to the doctor, I just want them to give me the drugs I need." My internal reaction to that was very disconcerting. I understood what she was saying but my doctor-instinct was horrified - I know I’m telling alot about myself

I wanted to explain to her that sometimes she might not know exactly what was wrong with her because "after all, you’re not medical" but i restrained my tongue for once, knowing that what she believed was, in fact, reality to her - and therefore, she probably did know what she needed.

I recalled a very sad case where a mother did not want to take her twin daughters home from the ER because they did not seem "better" to her after their asthma treatment. The ER doctor (not me, thank goodness) told her that the girls were not wheezing so they "must" be better. So, reluctantly mom took them home. The outcome was not good - one of the girls ended up dying. I tell this not to be morbid but to emphasize to patients that they really do know their bodies better than anyone (and to remind the physicians to listen to the patients and pay attention). I learned such a valuable lesson that night, nearly 28 years ago - and I think that’s what held my tongue in abeyance with my friend’s wife.

The point is that doctors and patients have different perspectives and therefore the perception of each is most likely 180 degrees apart. Each of us has to ask for clarification or offer it if we want to be understood by the other - and if we’re not understood, we’re in deep trouble.

Doctors - throw away your judgments and open up your ears AND your minds.

Patients - stick up for yourself and make sure your doctor hears you and where you’re coming from. And then make sure you understand what he’s saying.

Perception really is reality

Til next time…..

Terrie