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AIBU?

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To wonder why the doctor seemed so angry with me?

193 replies

Welshey · 13/10/2024 14:56

Hi,

Had a bit of a weird one at a health clinic today. I had an ECG which showed I had a fast heart rate. I was asked to wait to speak with the doctor.

When I went in she was really curt with me. No niceties, no “good morning” or “how are you?”, etc.

She immediately said “explain to me why your heart rate is so high.”. I was really taken aback. I said I wasn’t sure, it might be linked to a medication I am taking. She said she knows what medications I am on and that doesn’t explain it, what else could it be? I said I didn’t know but I do occasionally get alerts from my Apple Watch. She asked to look at my Apple health app. It was over in what felt like a couple of minutes and she’s will be writing a letter recommending I’m referred to a cardiologist. Chucked me out of her office without so much as a goodbye.

I am really quite shocked. She seemed so angry with me. And now that I write this, she had no consideration about how I might be feeling either. Never had an experience like that before.

I spoke to a friend and she suggested maybe the doctor thought I was taking drugs and perhaps lying about it? FYI I have never taken any drugs in my life.

OP posts:
Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:17

@thanksanyway No, not NHS

OP posts:
Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:16

Lottemarine · 13/10/2024 15:13

Lots of doctors don’t have bedside manners, especially in hospitals, too busy, overworked, try not to take it personal, you don’t know what’s going on in her life.

You’re right. Thank you for the reality check. I’m probably never going to see her again so need to stop thinking about it.

OP posts:
Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:15

@VickyEadieofThigh Ha, maybe. I guess I would be too.

@BabyCloud I am glad you received such good care. I hope you get to the bottom of it. Mine was almost 150BPM at rest as well.

OP posts:
Lottemarine · 13/10/2024 15:13

Lots of doctors don’t have bedside manners, especially in hospitals, too busy, overworked, try not to take it personal, you don’t know what’s going on in her life.

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:12

usererror99 · 13/10/2024 15:08

I found doctors who spoke English as a second language often have a way of phrasing questions which is much more "explain to me this" - they definitely weren't meaning to be rude just a turn of phrase really

I'm pretty sure if I was working in such a scientific field in a language that wasn't my first my questions may come across less conversationally

Interesting observation. In this case she was British. English certainly sounded like her mother tongue.

OP posts:
thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 15:12

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:04

No. I booked it a few weeks ago. I was invited to a screening programme.

nhs?

MotherJessAndKittens · 13/10/2024 15:12

It seems a bit strange. You would expect a doctor to reassure you not be angry at you. At least she has referred you.

BabyCloud · 13/10/2024 15:10

I find that attitude unacceptable.

I had my heart rate checked this week as I was in hospital for surgery recently and they picked up on it, I’d also had an abnormal ECG. On Tuesday they checked it again at my GP and it over 150 at resting. They couldn’t have been nicer to me. I had a full check over with bloods and more tests booked for this week.
They never once alluded to me taking any drugs or asked what caused it. They were more concerned to know if I had any symptoms.

I hope you get to the bottom of it.

VickyEadieofThigh · 13/10/2024 15:10

I'm guessing she's pissed off at having to work ona Sunday.

usererror99 · 13/10/2024 15:08

I found doctors who spoke English as a second language often have a way of phrasing questions which is much more "explain to me this" - they definitely weren't meaning to be rude just a turn of phrase really

I'm pretty sure if I was working in such a scientific field in a language that wasn't my first my questions may come across less conversationally

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:04

thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 15:03

so you went to A&E?

No. I booked it a few weeks ago. I was invited to a screening programme.

OP posts:
TenderChicken · 13/10/2024 15:04

I would guess her bad mood was nothing to do with you.

thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 15:03

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:02

Yes, I had an ECG and then I was asked to wait to speak with the doctor.

so you went to A&E?

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:02

thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 15:00

i’m baffled you had an app at a clinic to discuss your ECH results on a sunday?

Yes, I had an ECG and then I was asked to wait to speak with the doctor.

OP posts:
thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 15:00

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:00

You’re right. I shouldn’t. Although it was the morning. Just a bizarre interaction! Thanks

i’m baffled you had an app at a clinic to discuss your ECH results on a sunday?

Welshey · 13/10/2024 15:00

thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 14:58

Very busy
towards end of her shift

i wouldn’t give it any more thought

You’re right. I shouldn’t. Although it was the morning. Just a bizarre interaction! Thanks

OP posts:
thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 14:59

on a sunday
You had a follow up app to discuss ECH results?

or you went to a drop in?

thanksanyway · 13/10/2024 14:58

Very busy
towards end of her shift

i wouldn’t give it any more thought