What Patients Wish You Knew

Recently, I went through a health crisis that clarified what patients go through and what every doctor should understand. Read this article and become a better doctor by relating to what your patients go through.

This Is What They'd Like To Say

"I'm hurt, I can't describe what I'm going through, but I'm in a terrible predicament. I've never had pain like this before and I can't find relief. I'm afraid it might get worse and my life is out of control. I'm willing to do what it takes to get well, but I can't bear the thought of a long, painful process. I just want the pain to stop."

Being a Patient Is Hard Work

Recently I was diagnosed with a "hot" tooth and scheduled for a root canal. I took the medication they gave me, but continued to suffer. Three days after a long, painful dental surgery, I was getting worse, not better. I couldn't eat or sleep and the medicines they put me on barely covered my pain. I could swear I saw black. My whole head hurt. I didn't want to talk to or listen to anyone. For two weeks, I was miserable.

It's embarrassing being a patient. You're in foreign territory and you don't even have the words to explain it. I knew little about endodontics. I didn't know what could go wrong, what treatments are available, what they do, and what I could expect from care. All I knew was I hurt. It was bad.

I wanted to get rid of my pain and I definitely did not want to go through a long, painful, uncomfortable procedure to correct the problem. Of course, this is exactly what it would take to get well.

In a way, I experienced what my patients do. I felt I was too busy and really didn't have time for all of this ... sound familiar? Just like the people I help, I found it difficult to learn about a field of health while I was hurting and didn't see any reason why I should bother.

Ironically, I was like almost every patient I've seen in the past 30-plus years. I wanted to get rid of my pain and didn't give a rip about anything else. Now, I feel it's a wonder that any patient tolerates the patient education, videos, philosophy, etc., we want to give them.

Here's What I Learned

During my agonizing dental experience, I had to take more medication than I've taken in my entire lifetime! When your teeth hurt that bad, you do it. Women who've given birth, and even burn victims, say that dental pain has no peer. It is the worst. But through it all, I learned some valuable lessons I'd like to share:

• I appreciate that a call from a doctor is meaningful. It helps reassure you when you're desperate. I call patients after their first or second visit and check up on them.
• I know how valuable health is. I took mine for granted. Something wrong with less than 1 cubic centimeter of my body was driving me insane. I discovered that the office, the background music, the staff, the décor, etc., meant absolutely nothing to me, because I only wanted relief.
• I was in denial, just like the people I serve. I tried desperately to minimize my significant problem, even though two specialists told me I would need three root canals. I certainly questioned both of them, and rejected the seriousness of my condition and the need for surgery.
• I now understand at a deep visceral level what my patients go through being unwell. I'm not perfect, but certainly I'm a more sympathetic doctor. I feel I connect with patients because of my recent experience.
• I don't filter myself. I find myself doing and saying things spontaneously to better relate to my patients.
• If patients are not really interested, I'll turn off the educational videos before they're finished or I won't even start them.
• When they minimize their condition, I wait for the right time to give them the facts they need to make the best decisions about their health.
• Most of all, I enthusiastically work to do everything I can to provide relief and a long-term solution to their problems. I'm more immediate and absolutely focused on their needs. I realize more than ever that it's about them, not me. I'm taking myself out of the equation and just serving.

Oh, and by the Way...

After weeks of agony, sleepless nights, and an inability to eat, I'm back to work ... and attracting lots of new and regular patients. I couldn't imagine my pain had a purpose, but it's softened me and my approach. This is attractive to all patients. Finally, I get it! Hopefully my experience helps you get it, too.