Monday, December 7, 2009

The Impact of People.....

Monday, December 7, 2009....

Today I was going to write about my horrendous visit to the ENT doctor on Friday, but have decided after a couple of events over the weekend to change the direction of this post.

There are three individuals I want to profile representing the good and bad of mankind.

Obviously, the ENT doctor gets my vote for the bad. He wasn't mean, but desrespectful and ARROGANT. Can you repeat after me, ARROGANT.

Never mind getting the appointment even with an ear problem took 7 business days, or the wait in the waiting room was 1 hour and another 20 minutes sitting in a patient office (who knew ear docs were so busy), but that's not what got me going. Nope. It was his disregard to LISTEN to me. Funny how an ear doctor doesn't listen to his patient.

After explaining my issue and going over my past medical history (I have partial paralysis from Bell's Palsey episode in 1997) he told me I needed a hearing testing because Bell's causes hearing loss and I'd probably need a hearing aid. What? I don't think so.

I'm not opposed to having a hearing aid IF I NEEDED IT, but since I had the same issue a month ago and antibiotics cleared it up I knew I wasn't going deaf.

Long story short, hearing was above average, I met with the doctor in his office and within seconds of me being in his office, he took a personal call and CHATTED FOR A GOOD 5 MINUTES. He prescribed steroids and when I asked if there are any side effects I should be concerned about -- his response -- "Don't worry, I'm not turning you into Jerry Lewis".

Really? For this, he gets the Ass Award. How sad that my first meeting with him has left a burning impression of arrogance with me.

The second person I want to talk about is my sister, Yoga Girl. I post about her, she comments and yesterday it was her birthday. I'm fortunate to have someone like her in my life. We're different, yet, we compliment one another. She's my biggest cheerleader and words can not begin to express how blessed I know I am to have her in my life.

I can only wish that everyone has such a great individual in their life that inspires you, supports you and makes you laugh.

The third person is a childhood neighbor. He passed away very early this morning.


His son and I grew up together and this man taught me how to swim at a very young age by throwing me in a pool. Of course, he also created a fear of bald men till the age of 30 because of this life lesson. I mentioned this to my friend in my early thirties and the next time I saw his dad he bent over and rubbed his head for me.

He was a very kind man, a bit colorful, but always welcomed me into his home and made me laugh.

I wonder if people actually know that they can make a significant difference in another person's life without knowing. I hope, if I've made an impact on anyone, I've left them with a smile. If not, I hope there is still time for me to change that.

29 comments:

lacochran said...

You recommend teaching someone to swim this way? (Read: Actually, I really am sorry for your loss.)

I would not go back to that doctor. Life is too short to waste time with quacks.

Melanie's Randomness said...

Ohh my condolescences to your friend. That's a sure way to teach someone how to swim. =) That's nice tho that you will always remember him for that.

That's an annoying response to a very important question from your doctor. I personally don't like jokey doctors when your trying to be serious. I'd say next time go to a different doctor if you can.

How awesome that you have a great relationship with your sister. I'm an only child but I wish I had another sibling. =)

Well you made me smile the other day when you left the comment about the journals & I love Rant & Rave Wednesday. You have left a smile on my face. =)

MamaOtwins+1 said...

Many condolences to you and your friend. A little thing can make a huge impact.

You are right your doctor is an ass and I would write a letter to the practice stating your complaints and find a new doctor!

Green-Eyed Momster said...

Powerful post!
I think your doctor should be a proctologist! I'd write him a letter mentioning he change professions! I hope you never have to see him again! I'd do some research about the side effects online and see what you can find out.

Your sister is lucky to have you too! Happy Birthday Yoga Girl!!

I'm sorry about your friend passing away. I've lost a lot of friends this year. My heart goes out to you. I'm sure you made an impression on him. You've made one on me and I've only known you for a short time. The impact of some people can be life changing. This much I know is true!
Hugs and love,
T

rxBambi said...

Is your ear feeling better?

A New England Girl said...

I am sorry to hear about your loss. :(

I am also really sorry to hear about your first meeting with the ENT specialist. What a jerk! I would recommend finding another specialist. Someone who is so out of the loop of common courtesy is not going to pay attention to your needs like a doctor should. He gets an epic fail for this one.

Anonymous said...

Wow. You've had a LOT going on! Feel better! Sorry about the loss of your friend and happy about the birthday of your sis!

Anonymous said...

Great post:)

I can relate to the jerk for a doctor...my support is my mama..and I lost a close family friend on Thurs that I too had fond memories of. I also hope that I have made a difference in someone's life.

((Hugs))

La La La Leah said...

ggod post!!! Glad you stopped by today! hope you are feeling better soon!

La La La Leah said...

ggod post!!! Glad you stopped by today! hope you are feeling better soon!

Brian Miller said...

that last paragraph speaks volumes...every day we make an impact...only we choose if it is good or bad...

sorry to hear about your neighbor...and happy bday to your sis!

Herding Cats said...

Okay, that doctor sucks. I wouldn't go back if you can. I hope you feel better! Lots going on for you!

TudorCity Girl said...

What a schmuck of a doctor. I hope you find a truly good one soon. And that's good your hearing tested above average.

I am really sorry for the loss of your childhood neighbor. He sounds like an amazing person who touched a lot of people.

I'm glad you have a great sister like that in your life.

Your last paragraph really struck me...You really can make a difference in someone's life without knowing...and I'm sure you have many, many times and yes, there is still many you will meet to do so....

Mike said...

Yea, doctors can be a little jerky sometimes.

Happy birthday to your sister! My brother is like that with me. We compliment each other well.

Sorry about your ex neighbor. It is tough to start to lose people you grew up around.

Deborah said...

I am sorry about your loss, how very sad.
I would never ever go back to that doctor, very disrespectful if you ask me.

Deborah said...

I am sorry about your loss, how very sad.
I would never ever go back to that doctor, very disrespectful if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

A good sister is something money can't buy. Keep her close!

Erin Helgerson said...

I'm so sorry about your friend! What a crazy day you've had. I hope it gets better and you take some time tonight to be cozy and comfy.
XO.

Sunshine Mama said...

What an aweful way for that doctor to behave!

The whole having an impact thing. I need that reminder when it comes to our kids.

I'm sorry about your loss.

betty said...

happy belated birthday to your sister!

I'm sorry for your loss; your neighbor dad seemed like an interesting character

that doctor should be reported; his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired and totally unprofessional

betty

Miss_Nobody said...

Horrible man,that doctor!You shoulda wedge something sharp in his ear the next time you go.Do go back to do this,if not for treatment :P
Sorry for your loss,sucks to lose a friend

The Peach Tart said...

The doctor is an ass. You're lucky to have a sister who loves and supports you. I hope I make a difference in people's lives too.

Badass Geek said...

I work for a doctor's answering service, and I say with conviction that every ENT I've spoken to has been an asshole.

Ink Obsession Designs said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

I am also sorry to hear about your ENT experience! I hope you start feeling better soon!!

Spot said...

I'm sorry for your and your friends loss. But what a nice tribute you did for his father.

Don't doctors amaze you. You just never know what your going to get. I have a wonderful ENT but there are some really arrogant doctors out there. Sadly they seem to be the incompetent ones because they don't listen to their patients. I would definitely find a different one if possible.

♥Spot

Anonymous said...

Thanks for asking about my decorations!

They actually survived very well! They were burried, but we shook everything and now it just looks pretty...except the poor reindeer on the lawn...right now you can only see their antlers! LOL

DB said...

Aw, this post is the best birthday gift ever! And thanks to your followers for the birthday wishes too! The best things in life, like having a wonderful sister like you, are free.

I love you, LMB!

DB said...

Aw, this post is the best birthday gift ever! And thanks to your followers for the birthday wishes too! The best things in life, like having a wonderful sister like you, are free.

I love you, LMB!

Tracie said...

1. Happy Birthday (belated0 to your sister.

2. I am sorry for your loss.

3. I would not ever go back to that doctor.