Shocking things doctors have said to me

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“Don’t tell me fairy tales.” – from a doctor in Germany when I told him I had depression. He raised his voice in anger too. He had a reputation in the small town where I lived for being unpopular.

“I wish I had big boobs.” – from a young female doctor when I complained about the weight put on my spine from my chest. She went on to say how many women would like bigger boobs, completely ignoring me.

“This isn’t like [this well known UK t.v. show about doctors and nurses].” – from a doctor when I was talking about my chronic pain. This was very patronising. In fact I’ve never watched this t.v. series.

“I have addicts with bad pain who see me.” – from the head of the pain clinic when I tried explaining the nature of my own pain. He was dismissive of me. After the meeting I found out he had refused to treat me.

“Don’t hide in your ‘Disability’.” – from a soon to be retired doctor who I’d thought was kind up to this point. He and my (former) social worker spoke on my behalf to finally get a Blue Badge, which I soon received (for only 3 years). He was very patronising. I’d only said thank you for writing on my behalf.

“I once cut my thumb with a scalpel.” – from the doctor, above, when he was comparing his pain to mine.

[Laughter] – from male doctors together in the same room as I when I explained about my chest hurting my back.

“You always take too long.” – from my usual doctor.

“You are a fraud.” – from the doctor, mentioned above, when I showed him a template of a letter to write to the welfare people explaining my chronic migraines.

I guess I was spoilt with having a great doctor for the first 20 something years of my life. Dr Novak was my family doctor. He once said to me: “If there is anything I can do for you or your family let me know. I mean it.”

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Copyright Faith McCord 2017

Story and artwork belongs to Faith McCord who is the author and artist holding the copyright. This is not a public domain work. Worldwide rights.

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