Preparing for a Medical Appointment

Not So Lucky!

I've had one doctor's appointment since the ER (hosted by the R.C.M.P.) trip a few months ago. I visited my family practitioner. I'm told I did a terrible job presenting my needs. My daughter was with me, and said afterward, "You didn't tell him what you needed! He left frustrated and defensive!"

I recall crying constantly throughout. Told him about the ER visit with all the R,C.M.P. details. and he said," But you are okay!"
I believe I said "help me!" but perhaps I didn't...??? but I'd think he might have noticed I needed help??? Or is that erroneous on my part? My poor Executive Function??? Even my daughter was upset with me (perhaps also stressed and embarrassed).

I remember (can't recall the supper menu tonight, but I DO REMEMBER this...) the doctor said...
"I can't fix this!"
"I'm not a Lewy Body specialist, what do you want from me?"

I asked, "Do you realize how short a time I may have remaining?"
He said, "No!!"
There were more exchanges, but they must have disappeared with the tissues I threw in the garbage.

He headed for the room door. Stood with it open. Stated, "You don't have to come every month any more, just call Lexie (his medical office assistant) and tell her what you need."

He walked into the next appointment.

Funny Part!

Funny, but I had only come for an appointment because I needed a drug refill and patients can't refill a prescription over the phone. A rule of the clinic posted on the walls.

Obviously I've lost all my leadership, marketing, promotional, personal and communication skills.

My reason for writing this is because I finally have an appointment with a neurologist next week. Want to guess how high my confidence and sanity are? Should I be looking forward to this MAJOR & IMPORTANT appointment?????

Relearning Photoshop, Going thru all
my medical papers, looking up
the meanings of medical terms,
trying to put it all on a single sheet.

It's Like Preparing for a Final Exam!!!

The photo caption/cutline says it all!

Because I lack confidence in myself and in the medical profession (often), I've been preparing a one page document that outlines what is happening to me... here it is...

Found the chart on-line weeks ago.
Been trying to put the chart in
photoshop and then ADD...
Yes or comments to eachsymptom. It's been challenging!

I hope you don't mind the spirit of this posting. It's not really "upbeat" but its true!!!

You don't have to be able to read it truly to appreciate that most of the terms used were foreign language to me. I've been at it for four days and I've left it for tonight. I'm thinking it is done. But I may be back at it tomorrow?

I don't want to cry, now or when I meet the physician, and I'll try not to. I don't want to look "too" OKAY at the appointment, because then he may not believe or see any symptoms (except my shuffle walk and he'll think I only have Parkinson's). I don't want to look pitiful. That might make me annoying or easy to overlook. After all he's not a politician.

I did some research about how patients felt about their appointments with this specialist. Talk about a Jekyl and Hyde group of comments. I almost wish I didn't know he has bad days or... that he may be "difficult" with some patients... wonder if they were criers? 

Does reading this give you any idea why Robin Williams, the comedian,  committed suicide? It's because Lewy Body isn't easy to figure out . Doctors couldn't determine what was wrong with him.Yes, it was a few years ago. But he lived and died in the U.S. and I'm dealing with the Canadian Health Care System.

Should I shoot myself now or as I perhaps leave his office? I don't want to make a mess in my suite! I don't want to make a mess in his office! I don't want to embarrass family and friends! Besides, that's not my style.  MOSTLY I cannot bear another "bad" experience, wherein I'm at fault.

If you want to know what happens at the appointment, tune in again for the details... If I'm crying for days, it might take a while for me to report. If it goes well, 

I'll be celebrating - probably with all of you!!!