Yes, it is a HUGE problem!!!
I have to go into hospital next week for a colonoscopy and endoscopy and
I'm dreading it for the reason that the general medical population doesn't
understand CP or AAC.
However, I should be quite capable of explaining it because that's my job.
I'm a casual lecturer in CP and AAC at Sydney University to health science
and medical students.
My colleagues and I are trying our best to improve things.
It's not too bad for me because I communicate quite easily with my
LightWriter and can talk independently to drs and nurses so they know I'm
intelligent. However, I know it's not so easy for other people who are
younger and do not have good communication skills
Fiona


----------
> From: Charles Darr <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Dr/'s ignorance about CP
> Date: Saturday, 18 September 1999 7:55
>
> Don't even get me started on this!!!!!!!!.
> Alex receives his care at a major children's hospital.
> It is known nationwide for "cutting edge" medical care.  In fairness,
Alex
> wouldn't be here without some of the wonderful doctors and nurses there
but
> just the same...
> It doesn't help to be giving his health history before an endoscope when
he
> was almost 3yo and have the nurse say...OK, he has CP, he's 3 yo and he
> doesn't walk...how retarded is he?......
> Excuse me???? I'm not sure where she received her medical training but
last
> time I looked at a picture of human anatomy the brain was NOT located
> anywhere near the leg area ( although I think she may be a medical
> abnormality herself with her brain located up her southern region.)...or
the
> student nurse who didn't know how to use an ear thermometer ( don't even
> think of asking for details) or most recently the resident who came in to
> take the case history for Alex's first post op visit after the SDR.  I
told
> him that I was worried that the incision was looking infected and he had
to
> ask where the incision was to inspect it....no no no!!!! I changed my
mind ,
> keep your hands off my son!!!!  I know these people are learning, and I
can
> appreciate just how much they have to take in at once but is it really to
> much to ask them to read the most recent medical reports pertaining to
the
> visit ( I don't ever expect anyone to  read Alex's "chart" as we are on
file
> 5 ands they need to transport it all on a mail cart and I carry my own
> version of Cliff Notes concerning his history) before they walk into the
> room.  If they are going to ask me if I have any questions how confident
can
> I be when they can't find the incision without my help.  To add salt to
the
> wound I get charged for educating them.  Seems like it should be the
other
> way around.
> Joanne