I hate when doctors say they can do something and why can't i do it too -- as if it's reasonable to compare with someone who has a mental illness. Last appointment with my doctor he said he only eats chips twice a year as if i could do the same, as if we were on a level playing field, as if i did not have a mental illness.

I just feel: they would never say to a person in a wheelchair, "I walk just fine." Why do they compare themselves to mentally ill people?

A doctor is at the pinnacle of the professions as far as prestige goes -- obviously healthy. I know my doctor has a family and he probably has friends. He's got his health and all sorts of support and accomplishments to be proud of -- why does he think it's okay to ask me to practice the sort of behavior that's so easy for him?

[gubernova]

Just to add a touch of humor. I know plenty of doctors with lots of personal problems due to the stresses of their job. They're not exactly a paragon of health, and they often go with the old "say as I do and not do as I do."

[BipolarManiac]

In my opinion I think some doctors forget there bed side manner. I agree its rude to expect someone to live the same as another, and its often unreasonable.

I think they forget who there dealing with from time-to-time as they usually have such a large case load. That bed side manner gets forgotten.

I'm sorry your recent experience was less than stellar.

Maybe next time remind him that he needs to discuss matters on a realistic level in a realistic manner according to your diagnosis and not that of the average person or to his standard.

I've had to do this before, and my primary care physician apologized for the insensitivity. Surprised me too!

[lilypup]

I don't get it about the chips. Like potato chips? He sounds crazier than I am.

[Trippin2.0]

Maybe this particular doctor is mentally ill... Just a thought.

[newtothis31]

Scratching my head on that one.

You have the right to ask that a doctor be compassionate- and if you ever feel as though he isn't providing you with the care you deserve- then you need to be able to speak up.

Remember that with finding a new p-doc- sometimes there is a waiting period of several weeks so you may want to consider shopping around. I know that if I couldn't trust my p-doc, I wouldn't be able to manage my illness to the extent that I have.

[pawn78]

some doctors are mentally ill. Most are not. Just like any other people.