Trust in the Patient -Doctor Relationship in Western Medicine

There are good doctors, and there are bad doctors.  I think we all know that.  Doctors will similarly say, however, there are good and bad patients.


I think the relationship between my doctors and I begins with me and my attitude.


I don’t go into an appointment with prejudices about the care I’ll receive, though some folks  say I should.  


I just finished watching a video of a guy with Hepatitis-C talking about how modern medicine is  designed to sell illness and push pills.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT.


I, however am not that cynical.  I think most people who become doctors do so because they genuinely want to help people.  They are taught medicine, which they then practice on you and I.


Does modern medicine have all the answer?  I don’t think so.  There are ancient healing practices that modern medicine should investigate and incorporate to create a more effective healthcare experience.  One such ancient healing practice is acupuncture.


Here is a video showing how this healing method is being used today. 



I don’t like the fact that I have to take over 20 pills every day, but right now, that’s all I have.  They have kept me alive and comfortable for 10 years now.  That said, some medicines I have taken in the past have hurt me.


So, when it comes to my relationship with my doctor, I  pay attention, I ask questions, I expect answers, I insist on explanations that make sense, I am gracious, I follow their instructions, and I try keeping them informed on any and all possible changes in my condition.


From my doctor, I expect to be informed.  I want my doctor to be direct and truthful about test results.  I don’t want to be patronized or otherwise put off when I seek their advice.


When I think of my doctor, only one comes to mind.  Dr. Sanders.  She’s not even my primary care doctor.  She is the Rheumatologist that has been keeping tabs on my condition for 7 of the last 10 years.


By keeping tabs I mean she has been there through almost every up and down I’ve experienced.  She seems genuine when she talks to me and when ever I call her personal office, she has always spoke to me with polite dignity.


If, or when, she ever leaves, I’ll probably be pretty sad.  I have really appreciated having access to her.  I don’t think I’ll ever meet another like her.

Video Update on my Health Status

This time I decided to make an update  video to inform about my condition.

Go with me on my Ouachita River Bicycle Run

I'm fortunate to be able to engage in the activity below.   If you watch this, and you are able to ride, may I suggest you make a video?  Show the world a beautiful (or interesting) part of your corner of the world.

Afflicted Strangers Can Lift Spirits in ways Family Can't

Being afflicted with a chronic illness like idiopathic protein losing enteropathy (PLE)  means experiencing unpleasant things.


It means feeling pain, sickness, despair, getting tested, poked, prodded, questioned over and over, sleepless nights in hospitals, and even contemplating what death will be like.

Sure, your family members are with you every step of the way. My wife has been with me every step of the way, and I thank her for that.


Unfortunately, no mater how close she has been, she doesn’t understand being ‘the one’ who is sick.


I’m not holding this against her, I’m just stating the fact.


I eventually discovered that It is very nice to speak to other people who know those experiences I’ve spoken about above.


Whether or not they have PLE, doesn’t matter as much as if they are also chronically ill. We speak of pain and tests as if we are siblings of a sort, and emotionally and psychologically, it feels good.


So, if your illness is getting you down, and you need to talk to someone, try speaking with someone who is sick like you.