Earlier this year, I had an appointment with an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This doctor, in my opinion, decided he would be aggressive in his behaviour, frightening me with his fast and angry behaviour. The doctor talked to me at length regarding my depression, not that he is even qualified in Mental illness. The doctor told me - you have no life and are depressed because it's your fault, depression is just a state of mind, it's easy to change, you just don't want to. He went on to say - why don't you go for a run? - which shocked my wife and I as I was at hospital needing a knee reconstruction and had difficulty walking. The doctor also told me I was a problem patient due to the fact I have Fibromyalgia and am in pain constantly. I can not make the Fibromyalgia go away, so I should not be discriminated about it. I have been going to Maroondah Hospital for some years now regarding the arthritis in my knee. I doubt I will ever return. After the appointment with this doctor, I visited my GP the very next day, due to the fact I was suicidal from what I believe was the aggressive behaviour and comments of the Orthopaedic Surgeon. I also requested help to see a Psychologist, to which I am currently being treated.
In my opinion, this surgeon is a very nasty and angry man, I never want to have to deal with him again. He spoke to me for over half an hour on depression and what a problem patient I was being. He stated there would only be a bad outcome for my operation, due to me already being in pain with Fibromyalgia, that's not my fault. I am still working with my Psychologist, to repair the damage I believe was caused by this doctor's comments. He did not even fill out my referrals correctly. To have a specialist treat a patient so bad it nearly caused the patient to suicide is disgraceful. In my opinion, this doctor should be reminded that this kind of behaviour is not necessary and I feel that he should be reprimanded.
To this doctor: I now have no intention of any operations because I fear you and your angry deminour, and will just have to put up with my condition.
"Bedside manner"
About: Maroondah Hospital Maroondah Hospital Ringwood East 3135
Posted by Feel I have to put up with it (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from David Plunkett