With Doctor-Patient Ratio, How Can Our Doctors Know Us?

With my past 3 doctors, I have had my weight, blood pressure and pulse taken. I've had prescription refills, and that is about it.

The first visit to the new doctor was an improvement. I had an E.K.G., I was given a script for blood work, a urine test, chest x-rays, and a prescription for my currant medication. I was also given samples of my pills for osteoporosis. She checked my eyes, ears and throat. Then used her stethoscope to check out my heart and lungs.

I was told to have the lab work and urine sample done that week as well at the chest x-rays. The doctor wanted me back before Christmas and suggested I bring a list of questions and she would answer them for me. This took me by surprise as no other doctor had asked me to do this.

I found the new doctor to be very efficient but cold and to the point. I thought she might need some help getting to know me.

I composed a very short biography about my parents, my life growing up, my first and second marriage, and more about my health and its history. I kept it to around two thirds of a page as I knew that it would be ignored or skipped if it were any longer.

When I went back to the doctor's office she was still very matter of fact and no time for chitchat. She went over my labs and then turned to me.

I told her that I needed a caring doctor and one that knew about me and the problems during and in my life. I asked her to read the bio I had composed. She took it and said "Your Mother was in a mental institution" and I said "Yes". She then said "and your Father was born in a pub". Very true, it was in the family for over 100 years and all the brothers were born there.

She made several notes in my file and when it came to me asking questions I knew that she would be better equipped to answer them.

Some people may not be comfortable putting down on paper some of the worst moments in their lives, but for me with anxiety and panic disorder, it broke the ice and hopefully my doctor will be more understanding. I don't think I will ever see the caring side of her, but I believe I got through the outer edges of the 'Ice Queen.'