Doctor's Words Have Impact

[Rebeccawithdogs]

Wow! I feel so sad. I went to see a specialist and she said even if I met the clinical definition of POTS, I don't have it because I drink too much coffee. I mentioned to her that I drink coffee because I am fatigued and need to work. And that her statement did not make sense because the first thing in the morning before I have coffee, my heart rate goes from 60 to 140.

All of this is just par for the course. But what really hurts me is when we were talking she said that "people were not meant to be as tall as you are." How negating. I am a women who is 6/2 and have been teased through out my life unmercifully. She could have said it a different way like "there are studies that show taller people have more problems with back issues" It just hurt my feelings terribly. I paid for that appointment. i was watching her resident assistant when she said her statement and the look on her face said it all.

I discussed genetics with the doctor and told her I was tall because my ancestors had more protein in their diets. I said if she was referring to evolution than Ethiopia where it is said that life supposedly originated is the place to look for what the standards are. Ethiopians are tall are they not meant to be tall either? How about the Masai or the Swedes, Norwegians and others.

Whatever, it just hurt my feelings. It really cut. Now I get to let it go and be myself, all of myself, all six feet two inches of female, because I am meant to be as tall as I am and I will think about the words that empower myself and others.

[MomtoGiuliana]

I am sorry this doctor was so insensitive, unhelpful, and expressed herself so oddly. Doctors so sometimes say strange things in my experience as well. It sounds like perhaps your doctor is frustrated b/c she doesn't know how to help you.

I am 5'11" so I empathize regarding the height issue. I think for many women, being tall is a challenge when younger, especially. I agree with your thoughts--let who you are be empowering.

I hope you can see another specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and help you to feel better!

[Katybug]

I'm sorry your doctor was such a miserable human being to you. It seems she missed her classes on bedside manner.

I wonder if you have considered looking into some genetic disorders that can cause pots such as marfan syndrome which also causes people to be tall and thin. Just a thought....

Don't let her get you down...she's not worth it.

[dkd]

Have you had a tilt test? When I had mine, I was told to not have caffeine that day.

Sorry you had to deal with such a bad doctor. There are some good ones out there, we just have to keep searching.

I hope you can find one who will help.

[E Soskis]

I wonder if the doctor you saw was a bit on the jealous side? - maybe she's dreamed of being tall all her life......I wonder if the "Victoria's Secret" angels have trouble with their back from carrying around all those heavy wing-accessories? Perhaps Naomi Campbell has a lot of health issues from her 6' height? Then there is Michelle Obama - I guess she is just downright sickly from her height.....

[gjensen]

Rebecca, every one of us has one thing in common. A need to feel significant. That is why a compliment feels good and an insult hurts. One makes us feel more significant and the other makes us feel less significant. The more significant we see someone that we are receiving either from, the more impact it has. It is unfortunate that some are in the position that they are. Doctors are in a position to send you home feeling encouraged or discouraged.

More and more, I am learning to not care what a doctor thinks or not. They will have to earn my trust. Many do not deserve the position that they have. It seams that the length of time they spent in school somehow gives them a sense of entitlement. That somehow their work is done. All we can do is disregard that one and look for another. I do not leave without telling them what I think though. Not to be argumentative, but hoping to help the next guy or gal in line.

I saw one today. Big mistake to see a doctor on Christmas Eve. I have a swallowing issue that is related to excessively thick ropey saliva. You would think that an ENT would be the doctor to see for that. Unfortunately, he knows to much about my other problems. He dodged dealing with it, claiming it was beyond his expertise. So I asked him. If it is beyond allergy shots or an ear ache you are unable and unwilling to help me? He said that is not what I said. I replied by telling him that I was saying that is what he said.

He tried to say more, but I dismissed him and told him that I would find someone that was more qualified and willing to work. I left.

I do not have time for the idiocy anymore. If I performed like that and worked like that in the business that I was in, I and my family would have starved along time ago. In my world you find solutions to problem, not bath in them or avoid them.

The doctor you saw was lazy and lazy brained. She was not looking to investigate the problem and find a solution to the problem. That doctor is not worth your time, much less your emotions.

And goodness. If there was any standard height, there would not be so much variety. Thank God we are not all the same. We might have all ended up like her.

[yogini]

If this dr works in a hospital I would report her rudeness and irrelevant commentary. I am sure you can do so much better than this dr!