Narrative imperative
Some time ago I wrote about the assumption that I, as a patient, always want to tell you, my doctor, my story. I pleaded for my right not to talk. Yesterday, I was reminded of it. And in this post I want to write about the narrative imperative, the requirement to tell a story. Continue reading “Narrative imperative”
Don’t say this to me again, doctor!
I’ve been ill. Yes, it’s still the same illness I described two months ago. I hope I’m getting better, though. This time. Over what is now over 3 months I have seen 5 doctors (in two countries) in over 10 consultations. But one of those conversations stuck in my mind. Two things were said and I should not have heard them. Continue reading “Don’t say this to me again, doctor!”
How about whispering, doctor?
I recently listened to Iona Heath’s lecture. It’s hard not to agree with what she says, focusing on my experiences, emotions, relationship between me and my doctor. But then, when we talk about conversations, are we really talking only about language? And so, I want to write about something I’ve been thinking about for some time (but done not much more than thinking), the voice.
Power of the notes
The other day my Twitter feed contained a link to a study on trends in suicidal behaviour in Dutch general practice. After seeing it, I tweeted that I am always amazed by studies which treat medical records as transparent windows into reality. For me, someone interested in representations (constructions, really) of reality, such a view is quite untenable. And this is what I am going to write about now. Continue reading “Power of the notes”