Stubborn know-it-all GPs?

[pottersusan]

it's not just GPs. I've now had two appointments with the Diabetic consultant since having my pancreas removed. The first one was basically collecting information from me and some adjustments to my regime. Before the second one I had many discussions with the Macmillan dietitian (very helpful) and he came to the second appointment with me so we could be sure that my situation was properly understood. The consultant has not had a pancreasless patient before - and from a little research I know we are 'different'! he left me a message later in the day that showed he hadn't really taken in my situation. I feel he's trying to fit me into his 'normal diabetic' box - and I don't fit! I would have more faith in him if he admitted he doesn't know all the answers and that he would ask colleagues. As it is I'm considering seeking a 2nd opinion from someone who has the relevant experience.
Doctors are not gods (though some of them like to think they are)
Having worked in the NHS and done some work with Junior Doctors, registrars, consultants etc - they are no different from the rest of us. As in any profession there are good ones and less good ones.
It is vital that we diabetics have trust in our doctors. If you are not happy, either talk to them about your concerns or vote with your feet.

 

[Northerner]

Interesting what you say there Susan. I read an excellent book Taking the Medicine which begins by explaining exactly why some doctors still try to maintain this air of omniscience, even when their human flaws have been sussed out. Until very recently they attempted 'cures' that had absolutely no basis in fact (and were more likely to kill than cure!), but maintained such an air of authority of knowledge of the physician's 'art' that no-one would challenge them. Sadly, some still live in that age, or at least, its mindset

 

[Copepod]

Coming from a nursing background (my Mum was a nurse & health visitor, then took up family planning after I was conceived, and I later trained as a nurse), I've come across good and bad doctors and nurses, as in all professions. In fact, my diagnosis, as a young adult who had recently gained a Marine Biology degree and was trying to leave nursing behind, was made worse by great disappointment by the less than useful diabetes specialist nurse I encountered. I'd worked with excellent specialist nurses before in fiedls such as stoma care, breast care, children's tracheotomy etc, that I was hoping for someone like that when I needed help. However, she was so bad, that I didn't go to any hospital clinic for several years after, although admittedly, my situation was complicated by moving to London for two terms of MSc, then Belfast for 5 months of research and 2 months trying to find work, before eventually returning to England.

Even "less good" professionals can be "gently retrained" by commenting favourably when they do (or a colleague does) something right / helpful etc - it's a long route, but better to praise good things than complain about bad things behind their backs or to their faces. Nowadays, nearly all hospitals have a PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) - or see http://www.pals.nhs.uk/ so you can feedback issues. Admittedly, when you're facing a lifechanging health situation, you shouldn't have to fight for good information etc, but sometimes, once the situation has passed, it's easier to make a difference by feeding back about your experiences.

As Pottersusan mentions, helpful professionals can be found - not always where you most expect - like her Macmillan dietician.