Facepalming at a Doctor's Mistake: A Personal Journey

Have you ever facepalmed at something a doctor said? I certainly have, and it was during a personal experience that I won't soon forget. My encounter involved a bout of colitis, an issue that tested my patience and trust in medical professionals. Along the way, I witnessed a misunderstanding that left me feeling frustrated and unheard.

Colitis and the Quest for Relief

Around 8-10 years ago, I went through a rough year and a half of recurrent bouts of “undefined” colitis. This condition left me unable to distinguish whether I was hungry or full, with a consistent pain in my lower left abdomen that escalated into chills, vomiting, and diarrhea within a few hours.

The symptoms were so debilitating that they wouldn't allow me to move without worsening the pain, and I ultimately found myself in the emergency room multiple times, staying overnight. Despite thorough medical evaluations, the underlying cause remained elusive. My digestive system never fully recovered, with occasional flare-ups requiring Ondansetron and Phenergan to manage symptoms.

Emergency Room Encounter

One particularly harrowing encounter involved a visit to the emergency room (ER) following the worst bout of colitis I had experienced. Initially, a paramedic's judgment was unconcerned, but when I disclosed my daily marijuana use, the attitude changed abruptly. His rougher approach was a stark reminder that some dissatisfaction is unfortunately common among medical professionals regarding recreational drug use.

Upon arrival at the ER, the doctor who had previously seen me was unimpressed, stating that I was suffering from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis (CH). She sarcastically asked how much marijuana I smoked, to which I explained my habitual use of 2-3 bowls per day. This was the first and last time she wished to speak to me. Despite the severe symptoms, she did not prescribe any pain killers or anti-nausea medication, only an IV to alleviate some discomfort.

Unserious Treatment and a Salvage Operation

The next morning, a social worker accompanied the shift change. It was at that moment I realized the extent of the misunderstanding: my daily use of "bowls" of marijuana was grossly exaggerated. This misunderstanding led to a referral, which, at least in the ER, was unnecessary. I had to return to the ER the next evening with the same symptoms, necessitating a third hospital admission and a thorough evaluation that finally addressed my condition.

Reflection and Recommendation

While I do not hold personal biases against those disapproving of marijuana use, I strongly believe that the qualifications to diagnose and treat substance-related conditions should go beyond the number of medical school years completed. This means that medical professionals should have a solid background in the subject matter and be willing to recognize and correct their own biases.

Colitis, as a condition, eventually went into remission with my sense of hunger and satiety returning. However, a flare-up in the future led to a mindful response: taking Ondansetron or Phenergan at the onset of pain effectively managed the condition. Understanding the cause of colitis eluded me, but it isn't related to my daily use of substantial amounts of marijuana.

Experience like this is valuable in recognizing the importance of clear and non-biased communication between patients and healthcare providers. It is crucial to ensure that patients are heard and that their medical concerns are addressed with the care and seriousness they deserve.