Geez! I never want a doctor to speak in glitter-fluff and rainbows but dang a bit of bedside manner can do a patient good. Today was a doctor day, actually not a rheumatologist or LC appointment but just a couple consults. I really liked the one I’m establishing care with except for one tiny faux pas. Let’s just say we were discussing my medication and “at your age” was said. Now, I’m not trying to pass as 25 but dang, please be more considerate about how you word things. This doc had no idea what I might be doing in my life “at my age” that could have countered their thoughts about if I did or did not want to do this particular thing “at my age.” The snowball of things it does to my thinking: crap, I am old, I must look old, I’m falling apart, should I reconsider my life plans, and so on. Going to a health appointment shouldn’t be so stressful. People are doing a lot more things “at my age” than ever before and the doctor’s office is the last place it should feel judged. I truly believe it wasn’t intended to be harsh, but it obviously stuck with me.
