Oh brother, does this sound familiar.
My first neurotologis I called Dr. God. If I ask him a question he would talk to me like I was a very slow child. Just take his word and don't ask questions. I even printied a list of questions and left it with him. Never answered even one question on the list. After all this guy was the expert. He had actually done about 20 to 30 of these surgeries in 10 years. How dare I suggest I would feel more comfortable with someone who had done more.
Next! Dr. Ego. His ego is so big he can not even relate to fear, stress and treatment options. He kindly suggested that my 1.3 cm AN was so minor he could do the surgery without a neruosurgeon. He quoted 8 hours when HEI quoted 3 1/2 for the same tumor. Did he answer my questions? A few. That was between running out of the room every few minutes to have a conversation with other doctors, nurses and etc. pager going off every few minutes. Wonder what he does when he is in surgery?
Then Dr. Expert. Yes, he has done many. However, when I mentioned the word radiation he scared the bejesus out of me.
I finally said to hell with it and had radiation. At least the oncologist and neruosurgeon answered my questions. The neurosurgeon does surgery and radiation. Never pressured me one way or the other. Where was she many months ago? I was told by a doctor friend that doctors who operate on the brain are at the top of the doctor heap, ever other kind of doctor is below them and they are pretty sure of them selves. Guess they should be; it must take a pretty special kind of a person to be willing to cut into someones brain. Just wish they could communicate better.
I am at the point where I am very vocal about my mistreatment by doctors. I pay for their time and I want answers and their undivided attention. Maybe it is time for us to stand up and have the courage to tell them we expect more.
Sandy
