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