Not-So-Great Expectations

I've always found the pyschology aspect of the medical field interesting.  I don't mean pyschology itself - I mean the thoughts and expectations that people have of the medical industry.  Far too many people have this belief that their doctor is supposed to instantly know and cure whatever ailment that person is suffering from. Yes, doctors are trained to assess and solve whatever injury/problem is before them.  But think about the expectations that are placed on a family doctor during an appointment.

He (and I say he only because my doctor is male) is expected to greet you, possibly ask you a personal question or two (How's so-and-so doing?) to show some personability, assess whatever ailment you've brought forward, decide how to treat it, know what to prescribe for the treatment and inform you on how to administer the prescription and then wrap things up in a friendly manner.  All in five to seven minutes.  But no pressure on him or anything, right?

I was more-or-less raised with the attitude that unless it's broken or requires stitches, you don't really need to go to the doctor.  My parents didn't rush us to the walk-in clinic everytime we complained about a sore shoulder or ankle.  Whenever we complained of aches or pains, we were told to give it a few days and see if it felt better.  More than likely, the ache would be long forgotten by the time the fourth day rolled around.  The same thing went for our colds or flus.  We didn't go running to the doctor everytime we had a sore throat or a fever.  And I'm thankful I was raised this way. 

As I walk passed the walk-in clinics or through the emergency room at the hospital, I can't help but think about how trivial some of those people's problems likely are and how they are not only wasting their time, but the doctor's time as well.  Buy some Sinutab and climb into bed for two days.  Eat some soup and take a cold bath.  Don't just rush to the nearest doctor at the first sign that something isn't well.

That being said, I did make a doctor's appt. for my leg (and for my crazy painful post-baby periods but I won't go into details on that one).  I had mentioned before about the large, numb spot on my right leg.  Now, I know it's not normal, but I also don't expect a miracle cure for it.  I'm not willing to put a schwack load of time into physio or anything, because it's honestly not that bothersome.  But I did just want to mention it to my doctor so he could make note of it.  In case that spot on my leg turns black or something, then at least we have a record of it :-)

And that's my rant for today :o)