I've seen some things that are deeply disturbing from a medical care standpoint. The COVID pandemic seemed to elevate an acute awareness of toxic non-compliance from patients that the medical staff are trying to serve.
In conjunction, I've also experienced medical staff (mostly doctors) who labeled us as 'non-compliant' during the heightened medical marijuana (MMJ) legalization controversies.
Admittedly, while battling cancer, I was not an MMJ advocate. I did not believe in the efficacy of MMJ as medicine. Until I purchased the book, 'Marijuana as Medicine.'
I did further digging in credible sources, and basically self-educated myself in terminologies and procedures beyond my basic education capacity. This is also what drove me to go to college so I could understand scholastic study.
When we wanted to discuss MMJ as medicine with the doctors we were engaged with, we were deemed as non-compliant and/or dropped as patients.
This was abhorrent and discriminatory as far as I was concerned. All I was asking the doctors was to have a discussion with me. Answer my questions so I can understand their perspective. Instead, we were met with stonewalling behavior.
I've also pushed back at arrogant doctors who have responded to my questions with contemptuous behavior. My questions are almost always respectful, well thought out, and with homework behind them.
Things have changed since then. Furthermore, we do not seek opiates, and they are listed as strong, reactionary drugs that are not okay for us to use. We do not drink, and we are now non-smokers.
Additionally, we do make a concerted effort to be compliant with the medical directions. Admittedly, I fail to make appointments at times when I lose track of what is on my calendar. Then I feel guilt and shame for missing an appointment, and avoidance becomes a reactionary coping mechanism.
Here we are, back with a medical regimen that is about to get intense. I'm grateful for the navigators and scheduling team because I would be inept at keeping track of my own appointments.
This, I'm sure, has been interpreted as non-compliant. However, with navigators and scheduling teams involved, it has made a world of difference for me as a patient. Additionally, social workers who are involved along with financial care teams, all I have to worry about is getting to the appointments on time.
I'm privileged. I'm wholeheartedly aware of that. I'm not sure how things ended up the way they ended up for others, and it's not my place to judge.
At the same time, I do feel for the medical staff. I do not know how they manage difficult patients. I try to be as pleasant as possible because the screams, the yelling, and the disruptive behaviors they have to endure are mind-boggling.
I try to be as self-sufficient as possible, and I'm almost always following up my requests with 'please' and 'thank you' because their jobs can be so thankless sometimes.
I do my best to try to not be intrusive or overbearing as a patient because there are a lot of patients who do need attention. If I can get by, then I try to.
I know what it is like to be left alone with a pressed nurse call button for hours. I know what it is like to be minimized, trivialized, and ignored as a patient.
As a result, with the caring staff members who have been taking care of me, I do put forth a concerted effort to be a place of calm and pleasant space for them.
Recently, instead of conceited and superior condescension from medical professionals, they ask me if I have any questions. If I do, I will ask. Lately, they've been so thorough that I'm left speechless and content with my care.
I do not want to leave this life being remembered by the medical professionals as disruptive and emotionally threatening. I also do not wish for them to avoid giving me the best care they can.
Being grateful can go a long way. At the same time, difficult behavior with patients can happen for a wide variety of reasons. That is understood and sympathized with.
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