This very pleasant patient...etc

[LovelyBath77]

So my surgeon is very experienced and may need his help at home point. But his letters are so old fashioned. I mentioned I sometime felt my physical problems were seen as the result of anxiety by my GP, and he said he knew it wasn't. However I do have a mental health condition as well. He keeps saying things now, like I have improved psychologically and physically since my last surgery (and I think this may be in support of if we need to operate again). However this is not, the case overall. It's complicated, but I'm to sure, should surgeons be commenting on mental health? Or AIBU?

I expect it's something that will fade out with time sapphire. It's not really a code, more of a turn of phrase. But it sounds increasingly outdated.
My parents are HCPs though not doctors and say that people used real codes and abbreviations in letters to be unpleasant about patients. I really don't think that would happen now, I've certainly never seen it.

Actually I remember a consultants letter from one ivf appointment after I questioned him on something which he clearly didn't like and we were referred to as 'this couple" and "the couple" throughout. But not surprising with that one.

Bit worried all our consultants thought I was an arse hole now. I was really pleasant!

imip, no. It more reflects that it's the parents giving the history because the child can't.

imip I used to read a lot of hospital letters and IMO 'mum is concerned' doesn't mean 'mum is neurotic', just that the referral has been initiated by what the parent noticed rather than something being picked up by a HCP or other practitioner.

I asked the GP I work for about this - it is a code! If they say 'pleasant' etc it means you are fine, if they just say 'patient' it means you are a nightmare. Does sound odd tho.

I get medical records regularly at work, my clients are in the child protection system and there is definitely a paediatrics code for describing children and their parents. I've regularly seen "lively", "spirited", and recently "unfortunately uncooperative"

I had "charming and charismatic" from the ivf consultant which I always thought odd. She also said it was "good to discuss her intelligent thoughts about next treatment" which I have always thought was code for know it all

oh no!

Don't think we've had "pleasant patient" from the ADHD clinic. Must try harder!

Well, this thread has been an eye-opener! I had no idea about this secret code. Will be very careful from now on to exude reasonableness, charm and, em, pleasantness! How did you all see these letters where you were described? I've never seen any consultants' letters!

there was an old thread on this that was all about the 'codes' and very entertaining. Having had some medical issues over the last year or so, I was looking at the thread to see what these references meant. Wanted to post on that thread but was concerned I might be told it was a zombie thread etc

I doubt it means that honestly, Lambzig. Doctors may be a bit dry with describing children as "spirited" but they aren't that sarcastic. She probably a) genuinely meant she found you rewarding to deal with, b) was communicating that you were an informed patient who liked to discuss your options. I think most doctors appreciate informed patients as long as they don't think Google can replace a medical degree.

How did you all see these letters where you were described? I've never seen any consultants' letters!

I have usually been posted a copy of any consultants' letters written about me, or occasionally had it prepared immediately after the appointment. You can also arrange to see your medical notes via your GP if you want.

Generally speaking, you're doing OK unless you get the dreaded "C2H5OH+++" written in there.

I read on another thread on here that 'pleasant' was code for 'fat'. So I'm pleased that's been sorted out.

I don't know if this is the case for you, OP, but I can think of several types of (non-essential) surgery that probably shouldn't be performed if the surgeon has questions about your MH and general psychological wellbeing, e.g. gastric bands and their ilk, probably all cosmetic surgery, etc..

I'd value a surgeon who made sure you were ready in both body and mind for surgery.

Oh definitely not. Thats rarely needed in the letter tbh. Unless the person is virtually immobile from their weight and it's causing complications like ulcers etc.

I think this is info I could've happily not known tbh.

Oh God! I've had "unusual patient" from an old patriarchal dick of a consultant dermatologist (consulted privately). Took it to mean he wasn't used to female patients being assertive, informed and challenging him!

Dammit, I was described as a "very pleasant lady" at my surgical assessment and felt so proud, despite the fact I'd been sobbing in fear. I don't feel special now

C2H5OH+++ = pissed as a fart presumably?

Usually written as EtOH+++

Pretty comprehensive list here: messybeast.com/dragonqueen/medical-acronyms.htm

Too long really, but still quite fascinating

C2H5OH+++ = pissed as a fart presumably?

Means either "turned up drunk" or "has drinking problem and is in denial", IME. Not something that goes into a consultant's letter, obvs, but can get put in your GP notes.

I've never seen any of them. I suspect they're just the stuff of myth and legend.

i never reall thought of it being anything other than eccentric consultants language

but it makes sense, the code: "I saw his patient…." because you can't type: "bat shit crazy, do NOT see this patient alone, make sure you have a nurse/witness in the room with you for their appointment"

I will now be paranoid about any letters that don't call me pleasant LOL