Perhaps unorthodox for a COPD information resource site, but several patients offered the following when I requested "If there was something you'd like to say to your Dr, and you haven't been able to for whatever the reason, what would it be?"

The intent was to have them express their feelings to the Medical Community (both good and bad), uninterrupted, and to hopefully assist those currently "practicing medicine" as well as students "entering the field". Their letters are below.

In all fairness however, it is not intended as merely "one sided" so if anyone in the Medical Field would like to add something, please feel free to do so.

Anonyminity will be, and is, guaranteed to all posters but your identity will be confirmed prior to adding your letter or message here.

Dear Dr. E,

In 2006 I was referred to you by my general practitioner, after having 6 bouts with bronchitis and being diagnosed with chronic asthma within 14 months prior. I recall being scared and confused being sent to a pulmonologist. During the first visit you made me feel more comfortable and thoroughly examined me, explaining I had a disease called COPD and took time to make me knowledgeable on the disease, of which I had never heard of.

Since that time I have had several tests completed including but not limited to pft’s and x-rays. Each time you have made clear all results and any complications that may arise. Several appointments have been beyond the scheduled time but before I leave you make sure I understand any new situations and/or findings.
There have been a few times I was unable to purchase medications and you had your staff call and advise me you had put samples back for me and I was to pick them up. You have never been too busy to fit me in for an appointment, or return my calls. I would like to thank you for being caring, compassionate and professional.
Sincerely, L

To my Pulmo, Dr. Z

Dear Dr. Z,

I am no longer going to be your patient, you have scared me, with my Cat-Scan results, and the day I went to discuss the results, you never even looked at me, all you said was "I'm afraid I have no good news, you need a Pet-Scan ASAP, mean while you waited 18 days until my visit................... I had the Pet-Scan done, and you still insisted I have Lung-Cancer and needed another Cat-Scan ASAP! Well I went to two other Dr's and they both said my pet-scan was fine, and no cancer, no other Cat-Scan needed until June 09. Also, if you are so concerned about me why have I not heard from you? In view of how I have been treated Dr. Z, I no longer have confidence in you.

This is my life, and you took weeks away from me, also you like a lot of other Dr's over book your appts, and as a patient and a human being I resent having to wait so long, then be rushed out, because you have so many other patients to see. The way I see it, is you work for the patients, without patients you would have no practice, so hope you get some bed-side manners, and I will no longer be your patient.

Dear Dr. T,

I want to thank you for being such a wonderful Dr. You have listened to me, and we together have made my health care plan.

You have even called me at home to see how I was doing, and I want to thank you. I have so much confidence in you, you are friendly, professional and a very through Dr. but above all, you are a caring human being, and see the whole patient, I never felt like just a Lab value, I respect you a lot, and just hope the Air-Force let's you be here for a long time.

Sincerely L.S.

To Drs....

10 years ago, if my doctor had taken the time to explain COPD to me instead of telling me to 'google it' I wouldn't be in the condition I find myself in now. Doctors who have one foot out the door before they even come in the room should be reported to the provincial College.

Using patients lives to make political points about their salaries is simply unacceptable.

Once diagnosed, (I had the flu at the time), I was immediately put on corticosteroids and I stayed on them for 11 years, never questioning the doctor about my need for them. A few months ago I was diagnosed with
Osteoporosis and Degenerative Disc Disease - both of which are caused by overuse of Corticosteroids. I have not taken them for over a year and feel fine, so I am questioning why I needed them in the first place.

Corticosteroids do not cure COPD. They may relieve symptoms but they are also dangerous. My doctor denied a lot of things when I complained to the College of Physicians. Actually he told me to Google COPD rather than take the time to explain it. Doctors always have plausible deniability since patients usually see them 1/1. Now I take my Mp3 recorder to each visit since I don't have an advocate to come with me. It also helps me listen
again to whatever I'm told.

Dear Dr. B, (pulmo doc)

Thank you for treating me with respect and giving me the time to talk about what’s on my mind. I try to hurry because I know how valuable your time is, but you tell me to slow down and then we chat about what has been going on. You’ve always allowed me to try a new drug and then we discuss how it’s been working. The times my pcp hasn’t answered questions you take the time to help with that too. We work together to keep me in the best shape possible and I hope you never leave this area!

I trust you with my life because you have proved to be a human being with lots of knowledge and just as much heart.

Dr. PCP,

Please stop saying everything is because I have copd and ignoring

what I say is happening!

Dear Dr. L;

You diagnosed me with COPD and told me I was dying all in one breath. You didn't blink an eye. You nearly succeeded in stripping me of my hope and any life I thought I had left. Shame on you!!!

That was 6 years ago.

I can only say Thank God for finding fellow COPDer's and learning from them. From medicines, to treatment, to friendship, caring and compassion. You have a LOT to learn Dr; especially from your patients if you'd take just a moment to LISTEN!

Sincerely, TZ

As a patient or a Health Care individual, if YOU have something you would like to say, please send it to feedback@copdcanada.ca

You MUST include your name and contact info (so that your identity can be confirmed) However; only your initials will be used if added to this page.