I'm sick...not stupid...just sick! - Cancer: Lung Message Board

ellengrace · 11-09-2006, 07:33 PM

I attend my hospice-day unit each Wednesday, and this week the doctor ordered blood tests. The results prompted him to arrange a home-visit for the following day, for the district nurse to take another sample.

Two nurses came... and the way they spoke to me was unbelievable: loud, falsely bright, sing-song tones of voice; and a sort of laboured enunciation, as if they thought I might have difficulty comprehending.
I'm not hard-of-hearing. I have no difficulty in understanding. There is no need to bend forward and use exagerratedly empathetic hand-gestures when addressing me. There is no need to punctuate conversation with little pats on my hand and shoulder. I'm routinely giving myself my Innehep injections, and do not need to be told "what a clever girl" I am.

I dread to think of the time to come, when nurses will have to come to my home on a daily basis to care for me, if this is the patronising way they treat their patients.

I just couldn't stand it.

Newsome · 11-10-2006, 04:05 PM

That is awful! Even little kids don't like to be treated that way! I would talk to your doctor about that or whoever ordered you these particular people.

ebcsizi · 11-10-2006, 06:24 PM

No Ellengrace your not stupid. And unfortunately your not alone in your experience. It's been my experience that some folks in the medical profession have a difficult time dealing with their patients ultimate death and have to put up a fake facade to hide their own fears. With that said, I have found it difficult to speak up or stand up for myself in some situations with those type of people...until recently. I won't go into to detail but let me just say that when or needs or expectations are not being met properly SPEAK UP. Your the patient and you have the right to your dignity. And you will be amazed at how much better You feel when you do that.

Best of Luck,

Buddy

gnik · 11-10-2006, 08:38 PM

My story is different as it is about a meal my husband and I had a few years ago. When we went up to pay the bill the cashier said "How was our meal." I said "I don't know how yours was but ours was good". I think she thought I was unhinged. My husband got a big laugh out of it.

So sorry you were treated the way you were. I think Buddy has a great idea of just telling them you really don't like the way they are speaking to you. It sounds to me that you did a very good job of writing about it so I suppose you could give them a copy of what you wrote......maybe to whomever is the boss?

Good luck.

linda

Janmarie2 · 11-10-2006, 10:33 PM

Ellengrace, During my mom's treatment over the past 2 years I too noticed that some nurses in the chemo room were that way with her and maybe even more so because she is elderly. While she was 80 when this all started there was nothing wrong with her mind or her hearing. If it bothered her she did not show it but I found it irritating.My mom did her own Neupogen and procrit injections and the nurses always acted like that was a miracle, I don't know why they seem to think patients can not do those things for themselves as many do.

Linda I love your restuarant story. Gave me a chuckle which I could use. Thanks JanMarie