Quote Originally Posted by Rachel
I'd rather have a good diagnostician with a poor bedside manner than the other way around.
I certainly don't want to appear argumentative, especially after everyone has been so kind to me throughout this ordeal. And ordinarily I would agree w/the above statement. But she began with "I've never seen this before. It could be Lou Gehrig's disease". So, if she'd never seen it before, how could she make a statement like that?

Doctors and people in general who are not aware of the power of words are behind the times. Words can harm and words can heal. Far be it from me to be preachy and get biblical but even the Bible states that "the power of life and death are in the tongue". If this doctor couldn't think of anything encouraging to say, she would've done less damage by just keeping quiet until there was a diagnosis. I think if doctors could see just how their words truly affect their patients, they'd choose their words more carefully. My son went into a tailspin and because he did, I did. Stress management plays such a large part in healing and that one simple sentence halted his progress. However, both my son and I realize that she meant no harm, that her intentions were only the best and that she simply lacks grace and communication skills. It's been a learning experience for everyone involved, including this doctor.