Hospital Appointment

Went to see my dermatologist today. Last time I went I saw a different one because the one I was meant to see was away. I prefer her to this one. I've seen countless doctors since I've gotten this bad, and all of them except two or maybe three have simply said, "It's eczema, you're not using cream enough, put more effort into it, bye." I know for a fact that I'm doing everything right, even though everything I put on my skin (even water) will burn like mad and just make it itchier. So then I get told by this dermatologist the same thing and that she wants to admit me to the ward for four weeks (like I'm a drug addict going to rehab) so that the nurses can 'show me how to look after myself properly.' But oh, she wasn't being mean, she said she wasn't criticising me and it isn't my fault I'm too depressed to do it properly. She honestly couldn't have been any more patronising if she was patting me on the head and giving me a lollipop. She also said if I go onto the ward, I should seriously consider cutting off all my hair so they can treat my scalp better.

I have no intention of going, but I said yes just so I'd get out of there quicker, because to be honest, I was on the verge of crying, and I wasn't going to cry in front of her. I'm not being away from Loki for four weeks; not only do I not trust my family to look after him properly, but I'd get seriously depressed very quickly if I didn't have Loki with me.

Sorry for the long rant, but I feel better already. Sorry also if it sounds like I'm an emotionally unstable weirdo, but ah well.

Sorry mate, sometimes they think they know best, hugs from us ><

What a d1ck Tara. They obviously don't know the answer so are patronising and blaming on you.

Is there no other specialists you can see, even if it means going to another town/city?

Don't worry about ranting either, it is one of the best things you can do I find

they never cease to amaze me, and these are the professionals, if I was you I'd go back to your g.p Tara and ask for a second referral to a different hospital. Big hugs >< ><

>< From Rox, Vin and I. Hope you find someone who is more compassionate and willing to work with as opposed to talk at you.

There are lots of specialists, they're just all crap, really. In the five years' worth of GPs and dermatologists I've seen, only three have ever said anything useful or tried to find out what's wrong with me. I've had eczema since I was a baby, I know what it feels like and how to handle it, so it's stupid of her to say that.

Some are genuinely good and some are genuinely rubbish, I definitely think you should ask for a second opinion

Four weeks is a long time to be in hospital away from Loki.

You may want to write to the hospital where you were seen to complain about this specialist you have just seen, tell them you were not happy with the way you were treated and you did not appreciate being patronized by them.

Then say you wish to carry on with the treatment but have no faith in that person, and could you see someone else. If you dont get any joy with this approach then contact the GMC - General Medical Council and complain about them.

I think a second opinion some have more knowledge in things than others

The worst thing when someone is suffering from a long-term condition, whatever it is, is to be patronised.

Unfortunately it is all too common for the medical profession, at whatever level, to assume that their patients are "duh, I don't nuffink, woss goin on" - I've seen this many times, not only when I worked for a time in a GP surgery but also when assisting my mother or my son in their many and varied encounters with the medical profession. To be charitable, I put the patronising down to an attempt at kindliness - we are of limited intellect so they use words of one syllable and include the verbal equivalents of pats on the head or slaps on the wrist.

Tara, I am so sad to learn that you are having a bad time with your exzema and I hope very much that you can find someone who can help you with this. Unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it) I have not had a lot of experience with this condition, except that my son was exzamateous when he was born and for about a year afterwards (you wouldn't want to hear about what he went through with nappy rash, which was cured miraculously overnight by changing him to disposable nappies) - he still has sensitive skin 37 years later but has found E40 cream to be a godsend.

Don't despair Tara, keep battling for more opinions and try bear with the patronism, it's usually kindly meant even if misguided. big hugs >< >< ><

Kathy wrote:You may want to write to the hospital where you were seen to complain about this specialist you have just seen, tell them you were not happy with the way you were treated and you did not appreciate being patronized by them.

Then say you wish to carry on with the treatment but have no faith in that person, and could you see someone else. If you dont get any joy with this approach then contact he GMC - General Medical Council and complain about them.

Totally agree with this!

And as Lynda says.....keep battling!

That's rubbish hun, as if you need to be in hospital to 'learn how to look after yourself properly'!! You need to find someone better...if possible? ><

I'm glad the rant made you feel better tho x

Thanks everyone, it did make me feel better I won't be seeing her again if she can't even listen to what I tell her.

Ohh Hun sorry I just saw this >< I hope you are feeling better today

Hi Tara
If you write to PALS they have to investigate it. You're entitled to have a second opinion from a specialist in the same hospital or if you do some research and find a hospital with good experiences/ reviews for you're speciality you are entitled to be referred there. It doesn't matter if you don't live in the area. Different hospital trusts have different funding for different treatment. Youre gp won't tell you this but you have every right to go to a different hospital and they have to refer you. Hope this helps.
Oh and I use to work in a hospital and some doctors
/ consultants are so far up their own * they can't even relate to their patient. Don't let it get you down, there is someone out there who can help

Thanks Mandy, think I'll have to try that as long as I don't see her again I'll be happy.

No point in having a Dr you aren't comfortable with

I hope your feeling better, a good rant never hurts!

Speaking from recent experiences some doctors assume the worst of you and are not nice about it which in turn makes you feel horrible. I have cried many times at the doctors office due to them belittling me... Urgh they make me SO MAD .

All the best for everything, keep getting other opinions until you find the right doctor for you