Reading over copies of Dr.'s clinic/follow-up-appointment-notes

i went to get copies of my doc visit notes because i wanted records i could refer to regarding what was done &/or discussed at my follow-up appointments.

well now. let me just say i found what i would consider to be quite a few misunderstandings & exaggerations as to what i had said or asked during office visits.

too many examples to list - but here's a few:

- my inquiry re. lymphedema potential when flying was listed as "afraid to fly" - ? - when in fact i had already flown, was not afraid, had simply inquired about what i thought was slight ankle swelling after the flight.
- my simply curious inquiry re. the one benign subserosal fibroid i had was listed as "confused as to whether or not fibroid was cancerous or removed". i didn't say anything like that & i wasn't confused! like i wouldn't think a fibroid would be removed during a TAH & i didn't already know it was a regular ol' benign fibroid?!
- implied that most of my discussion seems to come from erroneous sources. excuse moi?

in the notes - doc reiterrated many times that i asked "many" questions. well doc -why are you so repetitive yourself stating that i asked those questions, and - i wouldn't have to ask all the questions if you'd offer something up first!

misjudgements that i say erred on the side of making me look a bit like a ninny & making the doc look better. i'm going to respond to these inaccuracies & request that MY notes be put in the file too. & electronically as well, if possible. i noticed my PCP was copied on all the follow-up notes - so i'll give my PCP a copy of my take on things too.

i just didn't like all that i read, quite frankly. oh - the part where doc's notes mentioned & listed how all potential risks & side effects had been discussed with me. that's rich. since virtually none were - & the ones that were came from....my asking specifically about them!

alas, it is true. docs have egos.

Interesting to see his take on it. Yes, I'd say he didn't like being "questioned". I'd caution you to maybe wait a day after you write your addendum, and maybe have someone else do a read. Be sure it's just facts and not emotional or my take is that they may discount it or not take it seriously if they read it as emotional. Enlightening to read these records, isn't it? Makes you wonder if you were at the same conversation.

thank you, greyown!

good advice & well said - helps to give me perspective on this. waiting a bit is a great idea - give me time to unruffle my feathers, be succinct in my addendum, keep the emotional reaction in check.

i was rather surprised & disappointed even, at some of the doc's notes. it's like coming to realize that during the office visit, docs may pretend to be sympathetic or caring & a good listener - only to turn around & put a tarnished spin on things. trying to make me look bad even....?....hard not to take it personally.

the docs seem to enjoy being in charge, rather than being a partner in our care.