to be annoyed at doctor's "Skinny" comment?

[GoldenHaze]

I had an ultrasound on mystery lumps in breasts today. Fortunately it's nothing to worry about.

As my notes that the doctor had refered to, there is history of breast cancer in my family, and so I was a bit worried.

The doctor barely looked at me when she spoke to me and told me that "Skinny women like me" often feel ribs and think it's sinister. I was refered to the hospital by my GP, who also felt the lumps so it wasn't me being daft.

I'm not skinny. I'm a size 12 and average build.

I just thought that the doctor's manner was brusque to the point of rudeness and calling someone "skinny" isn't polite.

But... am I being unreasonable??

I'd be quite glad to be called skinny and I'm a size 12. (I don't care if that's shallow, it's the truth!)

I really don't think it was meant to be an insult and most doctors have a brusque manner because they are so focussed and so busy!

Anyhow sorry you have had a scare, is everything okay and are you feeling alright about it all?

I'd let it go - on the positive side, the lumps are nothing to worry about :)

YANBU. She sounds like she has no bedside manner.

Glad your tests came to nothing though.

I think it is OK. A bit informal maybe, but I wouldnt have been offended - Im size 12d an average build too, and if I got called skinny I would be happy.

YABU - not everything other people say can be phrased in a way to suit - there are a lot of sensitive souls out there lately!

If my doctor called me skinny I'd skip all the way to the cake shop, singing Ave Maria!

I'm a size 12 and was called clinically obese, count your lucky stars!!

A doctor once told me I only had to look at a dick and Id get knocked up...her exact words!

my midwife told me at my first ante-natal exam when feeling around my abdomen "well, you just don't carry any fat then do you?"

Erm, well, thanks for making it weird. Oh, actually yes, I did spend the last six months trying to gain weight after being deperately underweight and the last six weeks while pg puking just from looking at food (which you knew because it was in my notes). Thanks anyway

I've just had breast lumps examined too and was worried that they wouldn't be able to fit, and I quote 'slim ladies like you' into the mamogram machine. Luckily just a cyst that has now been drained.

I am wondering though, what is the difference between skinny and slim?

I am fully aware that I am underweight for my height and trying to do something about it. I have gone from a 12 to an 8 and am 5'10". Not a good look.

doctor sounds like a turd

YANBU

Breasts can quite often feel 'lumpy' at different times of the month, particularly if you (or your GP) are using the tips of your fingers to examine.

This is normal but, unsurprisingly, can cause alot of anxiety for women, particularly if they have a family history of breast cancer.

A breast specialist holds a very sensitive role and it does not sound like this doctor's communication skills were up to scratch. She may have been having an 'off' day, but this is no excuse.

I imagine she was trying to come up with a way of saying "I can't actually feel anything" in a way that didn't make you feel uncomfortable and like you were wasting her time (which you weren't - better safe than sorry). Hence the 'skinny women' comment.

I am sorry that you have had this scare and that you didn't have adequate reassurance from the specialist. Please don't let this put you off seeking advice if you have any worries in the future - every breast specialist that I have ever worked with has been brilliant!

YANBU. Thankfully the NHS is free at the point of delivery. No-one in has to present a bill to the customer in the hope it will be paid. Regrettably it means they have forgotten how to be polite to their patients or customers.