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Things I will never understand - Doctor's edition

Expecto_Patronum

So I went to the doctor's today. I've had some stomach issues. Continually through the appointment the Doctor kept asking me if there was something I specifically expected from the appointment or if there was something I specifically thought it was. I found this very confusing. I'd gone to the doctor because I don't know what is causing the issue and obviously I'd like not to have stomach pain.

Anyone else find this very confusing?

  • in reply to Sporadic Sparkly

    Yes exactly! He has ordered plenty of tests so I'm happy what needs to be checked is going to be checked. But I was very confused.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I think my response was similar to be honest. I'd like to not get stomach pain and no I don't know what the cause is.

  • in reply to Iain

    I can understand them asking once. But he asked frequently through the whole appointment. If I thought I could solve the issue myself I wouldn't have bothered going to the doctor's in the first place. I'd be wary of suggesting a reason myself anyway as I wouldn't want to lead the doctor away from other possibilities. He's ordered tests so I'm happy he's covering all bases. I just found it odd.

  • Your post has reminded me of some of the appointments I've had with GPs over the course of my adult life. There have been occasions when I've been fairly sure of the cause, based on the symptoms. It doesn't inspire confidence to have a GP asking, "So, what would you like me to do about it?"

    I find myself thinking, "You're the medical professional, so you tell me!" 

  • I haven’t come across that sort of thing at a GP consultation, it would confuse me. I would probably be wondering if I should suggest an MRI scan, surgery or a prescription. 

    At physio triage, I was asked what my expectations would be if I participated in a course of physiotherapy. I said I would like to be pain free.

  • Expecto_Patronum said:
    Anyone else find this very confusing?

    I think it is just a case that these days most people will search online for their symptoms and read a reasonable idea what it could be, so this could save them a lot of time asking questions if you have already done the homework. Time in docs appointments is so short now that they seem to be after any time saving options.

    I'm a bit like that myself - I research the heck out of my symptoms and will often try some over the counter treatments first if I have a high confidence in the results I found. The only time it didn't work was when I had an antibiotic resistant stomach bug and the doc basically said to wait it out and let him know if it got worse.

    These would be my guesses as to their approach.