I’m not really sure how to write to you.

Dear Doctor

I am not really sure how to write to you or what to say because I am not sure I really know you. I mean, hopefully you come into our lives so rarely.

You see, nobody wants to be sick or visit doctors. And there is such variety in so many different levels of medical and training staff and what each person can say or do.

If nurses or other people tell you what they think, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come and check with us that what you were told is accurate, or what we really think.

Lastly, the one thing I would BEG you to understand is that the patient IS NOT lying to you and has no intention of doing so. However, if you think about the principle that when a patient comes to you in distress, they may not tell you what is wrong until the second or third thing they say.

Basically, I just want you to take away the concept that we need you to be open to the idea that sometimes you need TIME to get to KNOW the patients and I know that is what you DON’T have.

I don’t know what the answer is, all I know is that this problem exists. Can you find it?

Love

The Invisible Patient