Home » Poems » Nancy Kaufman » A Prescription For Mean

A Prescription For Mean

I never go to the doctors much at all. My new primary inherited me when my prior doctor left last fall. I made the appointment because I was sick and feared I'd been bitten by a Lyme's tick. When I asked the new doctor to order a Western Blot, the most accurate test, this is what I got. "I've been practicing medicine for thirty years," his volume increased as it burned my ears. "Your blood pressure is high", obvious to see, and then he proceeded to lecture me... "Your vessels have narrowed, probably full of plaque. Your going have a stroke or a heart attack". This doctor must have thought me deaf or may be just dense. I got a good dose of his arrogance. I don't remember asking for a prescription for mean but he was definitely the angriest doctor I've ever seen. Well, off to see my cardiologist. His bed side manner is the best.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Paul Bell

Date: 5/14/2023 1:26:00 AM

The next time you see him, you shouldn't tell him what's wrong with you, you should just let his expertise run all over you. Then, when he gets it wrong, you can tell him, he's a tosser.

Daniel Turner

Date: 5/13/2023 2:19:00 PM

I would have given him the one finger salute and walked out. I like the poem but hate the dr. Happy Mother's Day, again:) great to read you today, Nancy:)

Paige Hind

Date: 5/10/2023 2:24:00 PM

This was funny, but not at the same time. Hope you're going to be okay.

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 5/11/2023 4:29:00 AM

It is the way things are now with a shortage of medical providers probably some still burned out from covid and the rsv virus. Thanks for visiting me.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/10/2023 1:14:00 PM

What a crap doctor. They are either inept or insensitive. The Marcus Welby's of the past rarely exist anymore

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 5/11/2023 4:22:00 AM

so true Andrea. It was only my second visit to this doctor. Apparently he is the "my way or the highway type" and I am used to advocating for my health due to my allergies. I am seeing a cardiologist and I am taking 1 blood pressure med. so why be mean?

Ilene Bauer

Date: 5/10/2023 12:52:00 PM

there's no excuse for that kind of attitude from a doctor or anyone else, nancy, but sadly, that is sometimes the way it is. i hope you can find a new primary care physician and that, even better, you never need to see him...

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 5/11/2023 4:26:00 AM

Hi Ilene, your right but not a whole lot here to choose from in this small town in Pa. I do have some good specialists in place, exercise regularly and eat right. It's genetic. My only daughter now has m.s. and my best friend ovarian cancer, so it would be nice to have a kinder doctor. Thanks for visiting me.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 5/10/2023 7:45:00 AM

- My doctor is not "bad" ... but, she has to read all diagnoses online (can I do it myself:) - No, a doctor is not like "before" ... I hope I don't need one for a long time, long time :))) - hugs

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/10/2023 1:15:00 PM

SO TRUE

Nancy Kaufman
Date: 5/10/2023 9:29:00 AM

just get your specialists in place and go to urgent care. Some times the physician assistants are much better. I really do enjoy reading your poem Anne Lise, you are so very creative. Have a blessed day..