http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/pns/21628
"Unfortunately, it is often the case - that the hapless patient who suffers from one of the neuropathic diseases is totally alone and unsupported. This - usually - because these diseases show no outward sign to indicate their presence. The patient writhes in uncontrollable pain and anguish - while at the same time being ostracized from family - and the doctors tell the patient "You must learn to deal with the pain". How gratuitous of the doctor - who if to suffer the same pain - would be most likely NOT be able to deal with it at all." INTRODUCTION
" This week's article is dedicated to all those who suffer the indignities of the Neuropathic diseases along with the further indignities foisted upon them by their own families and their doctors. The same doctors that swear the Hippocratic Oath to administer to all patients who suffer disease and health problems.
" One would think that by now - with the numbers of patients that suffer from the neuropathic diseases - that nearly every doctor, currently practicing, would have encountered at least one patient who has one of these diseases. Further, if these doctors are committed to continuing education in their own fast-moving fields of medicine - they would be likely to know something of the neuropathic diseases - right? Well - think again.
" One does not have to interview many patients of the neuropathies to find that - some doctors are very ignorant - very pompous - or sadistic. True - there are good and dedicated doctors that exist. It is just bad luck that most patients suffering from one of the neuropathic diseases are the most likely to encounter a doctor that displays one or more of these poor attitudes.
" This phenomenon is not isolated - it is pandemic. So - to examine - why is this often the case? And what can the defenseless and often unsupported and alone patient do to defend against this lack of treatment - or mistreatment? It is well past the time - when a patient's advocacy group should have been established for there is no greater need than right now.
" I shall write to my congressional representatives and senators and see what can be done. I shall also write to the ACLU and to other such organizations. The patient must finally have some voice in the matter of their own health and this treatment that they are so unjustly being given."
WHAT TO DO TO DEFEND
DEALING WITH YOUR DOCTOR
MEDICATION
THE REST OF IT
CONCLUSION
" Thus - take control from day one. Your doctor is going to wimp out on you. Be prepared. For whatever reason - it is often the case. And instead of fruitless pursuit of ineffective doctors - educate yourself - join a support group. And educate your family. For in the end - they must become the source of your immediate support.
" You, the patient, are totally on your own - when you suffer from a neuropathic disease. Doctors are not knowledgeable, tend to under-medicate - which is anathema - and your family does not believe that you are ill. It is worse than being damned - to suffer from one of the neuropathic diseases."