Are We Brave Enough to Question a Doctor?
Reaching old age in relatively healthy condition involves many things. Along the way, there are the inevitable health issues that may require hospitalization.
I also think it’s safe to say that most of us just naturally want to please our parents’ doctors or at least not get on their bad side. We want to collaborate, not seem critical or questioning. But sometimes………
While it’s not uncommon to feel stressed just thinking about having a difficult conversation, especially one that involves someone in authority, it can be more daunting when we feel we must have this kind of conversation with our parents’ doctor or other health workers who care for our parents.
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Maureen Dowd tackled this issue in her April 13, 2011 NY Times column, informing us that–among other things– “A report in the April issue of Health Affairs indicated that one out of every three people suffer a mistake during a hospital stay.”
For those of us trying to help parents, older people or anyone age well, I think this column really is a “must-read,” especially if a hospital stay is imminent or might be in their future.
Help! Aging Parents 
This is so timely. My husband and I just went through a bad hospital experience involving his father and getting answers to our questions was like pulling teeth. At a time that is already distressing, having to think of the right questions to ask adds to the load
Thanks SO MUCH for sharing. Sorry you had to endure that stress. I had it with my very ill mother’s doctor too–a decade ago. Was beyond stress, astonished by his comments (never forgot them) and more astonished at my being able to speak up in a way I never dreamed I could. My blog’s goal is to highlight problems and possible solutions before adult children and their parents encounter them…but, of course, we never know what lies ahead, do we. Wishing you easier times.