Doctor's fault? Did doctors behaviour trigger dissociative symptoms?

[Starfire]

Had to have cyst on top of our head checked out. Doc's office was like an assembly line. Walk in, stand in short line, sign papers, go with PA, sit in chair, doc enters, checks, says no concern our discretion, leaves. PA literally has next patient coming down the hall as we open the door to leave. Happened just that fast. *But* chair was surgical chair..couldn't move in it, faced window with back to door Doc entered thru. He gave his name & immediately started feeling around our head with both hands. Happened so fast we couldn't think. No small talk. Luckily, we could escape to a restroom right next door. Don't know how long we were in there. Just saw a surprised look on PA's face as we exited. So probably several patients worth. All PTSD hell broke lose as we entered what should have been the safety of our car. That on top of dissociative stuff which started when we couldn't turn to see Doc enter. Called T who was just blocks away. He said to come over. Honestly, don't remember much after that. Still feeling the effects. No way are we going back. But mulling over what we could have done differently??? *Feeling* we couldn't be the only patient who would have found this an issue. *Thinking* obviously large practice so we were. We haven't been able to leave house since..3 days ago. Suppose to see T today again today. Just don't know. Head says way or reacting. Get act together...you know the conflicting messages.

 

[EveHarrington]

Hi, I’m not sure what you’re blaming the doctor for..?

 

[Starfire]

Sorry. Wasn't trying to be vague just trying to avoid triggering. Doctor came up behind me suddenly, quickly without warning. Immediately began feeling all over my head without warning with both hands. Some restraining of head. Could have asked where cyst was instead of searching entire head, neck Had me in a surgical chair that greatly restricted movement & escape. Doctors have always said things like..I'm going to take you blood pressure now etc. Now that you ask...felt a sense of urgency reminisce of abuser. Guess we'd say a total disregard of personal space. Maybe it's just us but we really need to know what's happening next even if it's just a nanosecond. Standing in our face while talking to us, etc. Wonder if doctor's behavior triggered our reaction unnecessarily. Are we the only one who would have this way?

 

[digger]

I would have found that difficult too, but I'm wondering if you made the doctors or treatment team aware beforehand of your needs? If not, I'd maybe look at that for how you might deal with situations like these going forwards.

In my own experience, doctors who deal solely with treating physical symptoms and conditions, aren't always clued up on mental health stuff - understandably. If you have specific needs it might be helpful to let them know that somehow ahead of treatment/consultations.

 

[Ronin]

Neither, nor, where I am standing.

As in you are not over reacting.
On another hand, it is also not necessarily the doctor fault, to not have warned with what to him is a regular quick practice (and to sex assault survivor would read differently.)

I can understand how he would not have thought of it, because it is something he does so many times a day as a check up.

 

[hithere]

a lot of doctors are assholes. not only are thet a-holes they re ignornt about why their behavior may be less than helpful.

 

[Starfire]

Thanks, hithere. Weird enough one of my new clients is a physician. Asked her to recommend a dermato!ogist. She did. Then asked if she new anything about the practice this occurred at. She told me that although there were some excellent surgeons there, the practice had received numerous complaints concerning what she called standards of care. Nothing to do with surgical skills. More like pressuring patients into quick decisions, making the patient uncomfortable, inadequate explanation of procedures. She called them high volume. Patient usually seen no more than 3 times so they are not interested in developing a rapport. Doesn't make me feel better, but some gratitude we dissociated rather than becoming aggressive! Wouldn't look good in an orange jump suit! Thanks for the support.

 

[Lucycat]

When we are triggered it is our reaction that causes the distress. The doctor and his behaviour did not trigger you. You were triggered by what he did. There is a very subtle but obvious difference.

Others are correct. Next time, or if you are in a similar situation, tell the professional what you need and expect from them before they start - ie before you plant your bum in their seat!