Palliative Care Appointment
Would like to hear from others who have been to a palliative care appointment. I was totally flabbergasted. Met with two MDs, signed the health care proxy and then we talked - I live alone, have a cat, don't ever want to go to a nursing home...nothing substantial...and no info, tips, advice, offers of assistance or where to obtain help from either MD. Appt was not what I expected at all. I really thought they were going to help me or at least guide me to where I could obtain info. But, nothing.
A few days later I read over the appointment summary notes online and was very surprised that I had given up driving! I have not driven a vehicle in over 60 years. What the #$@*?
MD diagnosed me with astigmatism - palliative care and an ophthalmologist!
Other comments were not entirely accurate.
I don't know what to say. The appointment was a waste. And, two MDs signed off on it.
My friend advised me to let it go, don't respond and to keep my mouth shut.
It's a major teaching hospital in Boston. I'm totally stunned that these two palliative care MDs have jobs.
Was I expecting too much? Were they supposed to help me? What do they do exactly?
Would anyone who has been to a palliative care appointment like to respond? What happened at your appointment?
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined today, earlier in the morning. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
I am so sorry to hear the details of this very disappointing appointment. Like you, I am not only dumbfounded but speechless, too!! This is clearly not the way one's first palliative care appointment is supposed to turn out. Should you want to follow up, I would suggest (especially since it is a renowned Boston Medical Center), that you contact either a patient ombudsman, nurse navigator, or perhaps, even a social worker. These might be worthwhile support services if you plan on staying with the palliative care program at this facility. However, should you choose to go elsewhere (which is also an option), you may just want to drop it (as your friend suggested), and start anew somewhere else.
We actually have some material published, right here on COPD.net, which speaks to palliative care. Should you want to read the articles, here is a link for your convenience: https://copd.net/search?s=palliative%20care. (please note - even your article appears here).
I am also hopeful others in the community, who have experience with palliative care, will respond and share their stories as well.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
