Etiquette ?? in the Dr office

Artifishual · Family Elder Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 307

My nuerologist is sometimes in a wheelchair other times on crutches. This has offten time made me curious. He is a wonderful guy and I like him alot. He has never volunteered what his condition is to me. My question is would it be wrong of me to ask? This doesn't make a difference to me so maybe I shouldn't. It is just something that I have wondered about since my first visit almost two years ago. We are comfortable enough that I have his personal cell phone number and can reach him at almost all times. I just do not want a stupid question to disturb this. What do you think? thanks Shannon

Rudi · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject:

I think maybe it's ok.

I'd say it would be unprofessional for him to volunteer the information, but ok for you to ask...

I'm not entirely sure though.. hmm!
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1st traceable symptoms July 2006 - realized I had MS November 2006
CAP since 27/04/2007. Various supplements and dietary modifications.
Male 27 UK

Lyon · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: Etiquette ?? in the Dr office

carolew · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject:

you could ask his secretary.... Confused

robbie · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:

just ask him art i don't think he would take offence.
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Nenu · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:06 pm Post subject:

Chances are, you won't be the first person to ask the question, so he's probably fielded it in the past. Showing an interest in their health, as you say you've been going there for 2 years, is showing compassion for them as a person as I see it.

ShootingStar · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

Are you offended if someone asks why you wobble or use a cane or whatever? Maybe he has MS. Ask away.
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Kim
dx RRMS 10 April 08

Artifishual · Family Elder Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 307

He's from New York, Buffalo I think. I have heard that those New Yorkers have thick hide anyway. So maybe I'll ask.

Lyon · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject:

Hi Shannon,

I dont think you would, but don't mention the New York-thick hide thing to the neuro. My wife is from Buffalo/Niagara Falls and I guess I used to be under the impression that what held true for New York city held true for all of New York state and out state New Yorkers don't like the generalization.

I've only been to New York city once (in 1986) and I don't know whether the residents do or don't have thick skin, but outstate people are about the same as the rest of us. It surprised me, and I think it would surprise most people, that it's like an 8 hour drive from Buffalo to New York city with a lot of boondocks in between.

Bob
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Wife diagnosed with MS in Feb. 2006 and is a participant in the Tovaxin IIb clinical trial.

Artifishual · Family Elder Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 307

I'm pretty sure he is from the Niagra falls area. Lots of pictures of him and his family from there. He's a real nice guy. The thick hyde part is just my stupid sense of humor.LOL No offense meant to anyone from New York. I'm sure it's a great place. Never been there. I have never been north of Dallas Tx. Wow I need to get out more. Smile

Lyon · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject:

Smilingface · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: What's up doc?

I see 15-20 patients a day as a practicing optometrist. I don't mind one bit when patients ask me why I'm limping. I don't always tell them the whole truth, it depends who's asking. Sometimes I say "I'm just having a spine issue or I might say "I have a walking disability. " I just kinda leave out the MS part. If it's a patient who is fighting a battle with a chronic disease I definitely tell them. If it is pertinent to the conversation then I usually tell them. If it doesn't come up, I don't say a thing. I hate it when my staff is asked and have told them to tell patients to ask me directly! So my advise is just ask him in a empathetic way, I bet he'll appreciate it.
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PPMS onset 6 years, diagnosed one and half years Vit D, Chinese Medicine Exercise.