A Holistic View of The Sick Roll

The perceptions of health and Illness influence the “sick roll” is so vast it is hard to address. However as I kept reading I was able to relate my personal experiences and conflicts I have had with my healthcare practitioner’s throughout the years.

First I think it is safe to say no one likes going to the hospital, easily explained by the setting being so highly structured and controlling. In this setting you are truly submissive to your practitioner. And as a patient I have felt in the dark of the process while in the hospital. Procedures, explanations were not forth coming. I have found the whole experience rather unsettling and to some degree fearful.

My main point that has affected my life the most is when I was diagnose diabetic. The conflict between me and my physician happened almost immediately. Once diagnosed a diabetic, it requires a complete life style change. Acclimating to the life style changes for me took about four years. It is assumed by society and practitioners alike that left altered from the recovery process you are pretty much left on your own. In my case I had another chronic disease not addressed which worsen my diabetes. I was a heavy drinker and with the nature of alcoholism I could not stop. With time and elevated lipids in my blood the Doctor knew I was drinking, he became very judgmental with me and later drop me as a patient. Wow, fired by your own doctor now that was a new experience. :-)

It never was a point that he, my doctor, was wrong, but his approach to the “sick roll” was rather unprofessional. Or perhaps he had a bias concerning alcoholism, for never did he offer me any help in this area other than do not drink. Later and on my own I addressed my disease of alcoholism and it is in remission and my diabetes is controlled.

My final thought, as it stands now you are very much on your own with the responsibility of your wellbeing and health. And for the most part it is the way it should be. However when a condition leaves you with such disabilities such as not doing the same job or unable to work; the system and insurance should continue the recovery process to the point of full acclimation to your new living style and conditions. To me we need a more holistic view of the recovery process and more sensitivity in the hospital environment to achieve better results for societies over all wellness.

Reference:

(Spector, Rachel E.. Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness, 6th Edition. 072003: Prentice Hall, 072003. 6.2.2.4).