What Really Grinds My Gears
As some of you may know from reading my blog posts for the last few months, I have visited a lot of doctors this year. Especially in the last half of the year. And one thing I have noticed is that some doctors really like to gaslight their patients. They make up their mind about the diagnoses without even hearing you out. And then try to gaslight you about your symptoms. And it’s not just in Kenya, I’ve read so many stories about doctors gaslighting patients all over the world.
Just to be clear, I don’t have an issue with all doctors. I think many of them are great at their job. But there’s also a good amount of doctors that are not great at their job, don’t listen to patients and don’t make proper diagnoses. Unfortunately, I had an experience like that yesterday with a doctor I visited and although I was frustrated I couldn’t help but think this would make a great “What Really Grinds My Gears” post lol. So today, I will be whining about doctors gaslighting patients.
Doctors Gaslighting Patients
As I mentioned, I went to the doctor yesterday. And it was a dermatologist. So, I was trying to describe the symptoms to him and what I thought the issue was but I soon realised that he had already made up his mind about his diagnoses. Even when that meant ignoring the symptoms I was pointing out to him that I had made the appointment for. He just kept cutting me off and wouldn’t even let me finish what I was saying. I started getting very frustrated and I usually shut down when that happens.
But I was irritated enough that I remembered I was a strong and smart woman and I was not going to let this doctor mansplain things to me while ignoring the symptoms I actually came to talk to him about. So, I kept insisting we get rid of my symptoms first and eventually wore him down. And this man had the audacity to say, “fine, it it’s bothering you so much I’ll prescribe you something for it.” Um, sir?? Of course it’s bothering me, that’s literally why I came to see you!
Oh and another doctor I went to see recently (not a dermatologist) asked me why I may be experiencing what I was experiencing and when I mentioned I had a stressful life she literally went “you’re so young what are you stressed about? Wait till you get older and have real things to be stressed out about.” And she said it super sarcastically while rolling her eyes. So young people aren’t allowed to have stress?? I do have a genuinely stressful life right now and although I don’t want to go into details about it on this post those that know me know how difficult my life is. And to dismiss my feelings like that is so rude and uncalled for.
Conclusion
Thank you for listening to my rant as you always do. You didn’t think a blog called Lifesfinewhine would be all rainbows and sunshine, did you? So yeah, these are some crappy experiences I have had with doctors. And I wish they would change their attitude a little to be more empathetic with patients and what they’re experiencing.
Also, to be clear, I have had some great doctors that have really helped me. It’s just a couple that have pissed me off and I needed to rant about it somewhere. And since my next therapy session is in January I felt like this was the next best thing lol.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you ever felt gaslighted by a doctor? Have you noticed doctors gaslighting patients? Let me know in the comments below because I would love to hear from you or simply stop by and say hi!
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