It’s really interesting reading your post, @shakespeare47.

I think the fact that you’ve recognised this is an important step. I can relate to being frightened when waiting and being treated for medical conditions. I think I have been guilty of this myself in the past, but have worked very hard to ensure I react in the opposite way now.

A nurse explained to me once how it’s often the case that some health care professionals get so used to dealing with serious stuff that they sometimes forget that they’re dealing with people who are really frightened by what they are about to hear and experience in the hands of health care professionals. I think they maybe get desensitised. I guess it’s hard for them to “put themselves in the shoes” of the person being treated, and so sometimes they may come across as being cold callous or rude. I suspect, sadly, sometimes they are just being rude, but when I deal with people like this I like to tell myself that it’s not personal, it’s just they are doing a job they do day in and day out. So I make an effort to remember this, and not react adversely if they seem to be lacking in sensitivity or rude. So I go out of my way to be kind to them.

I love the honesty of your post, and I totally understand your rationale as to why you react the way you do. It’s not easy, it it.

Jeff.