[Blindtlk] Responses of Medical Professionals.

[Mary Mc Gee]

Dear Fellow Federationists;

            I've read with interest all the posts about experiences at
health care providers' offices.  I have some experiences I can throw into
the mix.

            First, I'll say that, because the cause of my blindness is
albinism, I had a unique appearance that was impossible to hide when I was
younger.  I was a student at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School for
ten years and, during that time, I went to the University of Iowa for free
eye care-at least "they" called it eye care.  It was more on the order of
eye study because every med student, intern, and ophthalmology resident had
to come examines the "albinotic eye" before I received any low vision
glasses, etc. that would actually improve what little vision I have.  I felt
like a zoo or circus animal on display because I was a condition rather than
a person.  It hurt a lot and I'm not simply talking about all the lights
shining in my eyes, but also the emotional pain it caused.  

            As an adult I've had some doctors who have been very nice and
some who haven't.  The number of nice ones directly correlates with my
various degrees-all doctors and staffs are nice now that I put "Attorney" on
their intake forms.  

            But, when I first came to Des Moines in 1976, visited a
neurologist because of migraine headaches.  He spent more time looking at my
eyes than he did taking a history of the headaches.  I went to one doctor
whose office staff handed the intake form to my driver too complete until I
complained.  One time, when I went to an orthopedic surgeon's office for an
expert consult to prepare for trial, I was greatly surprised that she spent
fifteen minutes asking about my vision instead of my client's treatment.  I
simply told her that, if she billed for those extra minutes, she wouldn't be
paid, because I would deduct that amount of time from my bill back to the
client.  She didn't argue and even apologized.

            I'm fortunate that I currently have a sensitive, caring group of
physicians.  I'll have to admit, though, that the trauma of the past plus my
attorney's skepticism is quite hard to eliminate when I meet a new one.  

            The Iowa Department for the Blind has been doing a PR project
with health care providers to educate them with the hope that fewer people
will have unpleasant experiences when they need help.  

            I'd be interested in hearing if any of you, like me, were
treated as a medical oddity at any time.
Sincerely,

Mary L. McGee

 

 

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