Let’s think about choosing doctors for chronic illness. If you’re lucky, the first doctor you visit will be a good fit. However, for most people with chronic illness—especially those experiencing the invisible kind— finding the right doctor is a lengthy, difficult process.
Good docs are a blessing from God. They can be male or female, come in various shapes and sizes, have knowledge in differing fields, talk a lot—or not. In fact, each one is unique.
But what makes a good doc? Or an excellent nurse, tech, therapist?
Each one …
- Knows how to listen.
- Believes what you say.
- Asks fitting questions or makes appropriate comments.
- Seeks clarification when they don’t understand you.
- Applies their knowledge to your situation.
- Spends the necessary time with you.
I’ve not always had good docs. Several didn’t even try to understand; some tried but just couldn’t grasp my reality. Others won’t take the time. One thought he was God. And some are just weird.
Right now, I have all good docs. Thank You, God.
Now …
Let’s turn our attention from choosing doctors for chronic illness to what types of medical people we might need. Let’s have some fun and solve this puzzle by figuring out the clues about healthcare personnel. Those of you with chronic illnesses may have so much experience with multiple doctors you breeze through this crossword!
Have fun!
How much do you know about good docs’ titles?
This printable PDF is two pages. The first contains the puzzle and clues. The second contains the answers.
Do you have an anecdote about an experience with a doctor to share with us?
Here’s a fascinating article, “I’m a Doctor With Chronic Illness. Here Are 12 Things I Wish People Knew.” People with chronic illness may identify with the author. And people without illness may well learn about others’ lives. I chuckled as I read some of her thoughts as I said to myself, “That’s for sure!”
Read Chapter 11 in our book, Sunbreaks in Unending Storms, to learn more about medical care from the standpoint of those with chronic illnesses.
