Negative language - doctor

katwater51

I have just been described in a doctor’s report as “emotional” and having “sub-optimal mental resilience.” This is because I got upset (once, briefly) during the appointment when I was describing trying to manage exhaustion, pain, limited mobility, medical appointments and work. Does anyone else think this language is negative? Particularly as a woman being called “emotional” has negative connotations. (It’s like when victorian doctors used to call women “hysterical.”) Also Ive been told my counsellors and pain psychologists that I’m a really resilient person. One of them told me she was amazed by my strength in dealing with constant pain. 

Cartini

Hi,

I don`t think it`s negative; the Dr has recorded his observations.  The word "emotional" doesn`t have negative connotations at all; everyone, including men (who you chose to rule out of your example) get emotional in front of the Dr.  I was very emotional in front of my Dr some years back - and was subsequently diagnosed with depression.

Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion.  Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.

I think sometimes the state of mind of a person can cloud reality.  It certainly does for me; if someone "flicks my switch" then no matter how innocent something is I can see it in a totally different light.

Andy

katwater51

Hi @Cartini

I see what you’re saying, but you as a person seem to already understand and have knowledge about pain conditions. Whereas the people that this report is going to be read by have no knowledge.

For example, you said above 

“Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion.  Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.

This demonstrates your knowledge.

But the people who will be reading the report have no background knowledge, They are going to read what the doctor has written as a criticism of me. They’re going to read it, as saying that I personally lack fortitude or some other characteristic, for example bravery.

Ill give you an example. This doctor could have written the same information in a more objective way:
“Once during the appointment, the patient became distressed. This indicates low mood is a known comorbidity with conditions involving debilitating pain. It’s a well-known secondary condition.”

That would be different. But he hasn’t said that. And sadly the people who are going to be reading the report don’t know what you know.

Cartini

katwater51 said:

Hi @Cartini

I see what you’re saying, but you as a person seem to already understand and have knowledge about pain conditions. Whereas the people that this report is going to be read by have no knowledge.

For example, you said above 

“Being able to deal with pain doesn`t necessarily contradict displays of emotion.  Many people can cope with their pain but they are still emotional at times.

This demonstrates your knowledge.

But the people who will be reading the report have no background knowledge, They are going to read what the doctor has written as a criticism of me. They’re going to read it, as saying that I personally lack fortitude or some other characteristic, for example bravery.

Ill give you an example. This doctor could have written the same information in a more objective way:
“Once during the appointment, the patient became distressed. This indicates low mood is a known comorbidity with conditions involving debilitating pain. It’s a well-known secondary condition.”

That would be different. But he hasn’t said that. And sadly the people who are going to be reading the report don’t know what you know.

Hi @katwater51,

Excellent counter-argument and I agree with your point of view.

Andy