A lesson in being proactive

I don't know if it was a pre-op, but I had a meeting with my doctor yesterday where I signed the consent form, and gave him the paperwork for my disability leave and all that stuff.

He gave me NO counsel save but to tell me in very general terms what was going to happen. I sensed that he couldn't wait to get the appointment over with. I asked a couple of questions about recovery because I live alone in a new city and I'll be by myself a lot. He told me that I'd do just fine, yadda yadda yadda. He acted as if he were telling me about stitching up a skinned knee!

I stewed overnight, and by this morning I couldn't stand it anymore. I called his office, and by chance got his nurse on the phone. I more or less chewed her out...I wasn't mean or anything, but I really wanted to get my point across. She sounded surprised that I called at all! Later, the doctor called me back and I got all my questions asked and answered, and he actually apologized to me that I hadn't gotten more detailed information and reassurances. This was after I said, "Well, you see this situation every day. I'm only going to experience this once in my life. It is a VERY big deal to me!" I felt SO good that I had gotten the guts up and did it. It was quite empowering.

Anyway, I won't make an already long story any longer. My message to everyone is that ladies, we HAVE control over our bodies and our health, and the doctors work for US. If you have questions, even if you are very shy, you should speak up. Nothing is too insignificant. Remember, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked.

Nenia-
Horray for you. I always tell people that, that the Dr. works for me and not the other way around, and they look at me like I'm crazy.
I have one daughter who is epileptic and a son who is asthmatic. My daughters neurologist is always on her high horse, and I always manage to knock her down.
I call the office to schedule appts. and they can't get the kid in for months. Then when the appt. time comes, 1/2 the time they reschedule cuz she is taking a vacation or going out of town for a seminar, and expect me to drop everything, miss work etc. to suit her schedule. The last appt. my daughter had, she hadn't been seen for almost a year (and she is supposed to be seen every 3 months!). Then the Dr. tells me that my schedule has to be more flexible because it is important that the kid gets in there on a more regular basis! Well, let me tell you she got an earful about dedication to her patients and just who is paying who here!
Unfortunately, there are only 2 neurologist in the area where I live, so I have few choices (the other one sees strickly children so she is booked to high heaven).
Anyway, I'm glad you stood up for yourself. For whatever reason he had for be abrupt at your pre-op visit, it still doesn't excuse his behavior.