PD Pundit: Why Diagnosis Is So Traumatic

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   courage Member

   <p>What a great message. Thank you. After I was diagnosed, my husband asked what we could expect. The doctor told him that he would start seeing things become more difficult for me (we of course thought this would be almost immediate). He then looked at me and said there would be medication I could take but it would cause extra movement. He then did an imitation of MJF but assured me that it was not painful but it would embarrass my spouse. He REALLY said that! Then he ended the visit. With our jaws hanging open in disbelief, we asked about a follow up appointment and he said he was a specialist in diagnosing but did not see patients beyond that!</p>

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      Peter Dunlap-Shohl Member

      <p>You&#39;re welcome! I have much respect for doctors ( both my Mom and Dads were MDs.) But many of them could use some coaching about how to pass on news that it is only human to find scary and life-altering. This is often the first exposure one gets to an important member of the care team. You&#39;d think they would find it worth the effort to start off on the right foot,</p>

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