@peach414144 I’m really so sorry you’ve had such a negative experience with medical treatments over the years. It’s understandable to have a less than stellar feeling towards any doctors, nurses, etc., if you’ve lost faith in the entire profession. And I know you’re not alone as your story is repeated often by other members in our Connect community.

I’ve only had one small exposure to a doctor being dismissive. It really was disconcerting when my simple cough turned out to be something truly life threatening. A simple blood test, either of the the first 2 weeks I had visits with her, would have told her I was in serious trouble. Even though I kept telling her I’ve never felt this sick in my life. The 3rd week she was still dismissive until she heard pneumonia in my chest and my husband insisted on blood work. Results came in later that afternoon. I had Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Had I not been rushed to the hospital that afternoon, my oncologist told me I wouldn’t have made it until morning. So I can certainly understand your reluctance.

However, in all fairness and defense of the vast majority of medical professionals, I have to give support from the other perspective. With personal experience over my lifetime, that situation was limited to one doctor. The past 2 years I’ve quite literally had hundreds of medical care providers working with me in my lengthy hospital stays, treatments for AML, my bone marrow transplant, oncologists/hematologists, transplant doctors and team, neurologists, allergists, NP, PAs, RNs, etc.. Not one ever treated me with less than dignity and respect. I was an integral part in all of my treatments and discussion making. So I can’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. (Oh, now cue Michael Jackson! 🎶)

Peach, I am just so saddened by your treatment. It breaks my heart when people are ignored or given the bum’s rush or not taken seriously. I wish I had answers for you besides changing doctors. Which I know isn’t always that easy to do. I’m so reassured though with your positivity. You are another person who is inspirational in persevering.

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