Foreword
This is clear : I'd like to denounce the serious and numerous problems that have moved progressively in French medicine. Crudely, this is a real gulf that have been created between the original intention to treat and prestige of the profession.
Nowadays doctors, regardless of specialization, don’t seem to have any kind of interest toward their patient. They simply apply what they have been taught, meaning, anything that has not been "seen in class" does not exist. In other words, they are completely closed in front of any new situation.
Yet, as a result of changes in our society we see the emergence of new diseases, or the recognition of pre-existing disease (that were not yet recognized as such). Thus, it is necessary to detach from the past’s bases, to be consistent with our time and to deal more precisely with new existing medical problems. Medicine is not a static science.
It would be quite legitimate to expect from the entire medical profession, that they keep abreast of the latest scientific and doctrinal researches, even if the results are not yet conclusive.
Why is it so hard for them to open their mind and exercise a minimum of humility ? Too often, doctors are only working with what they have already acquired - knowledge that supposedly already covers all situations, - which is not true, and they categorically refuse to admit the fact that they may be facing a new kind of situation, a situation they can not control.
And their reaction is usually unanimous - and by the way, not professional at all : they challenge the patient's suffering by giving them - very easily- the label of psychosis, rather than acknowledge their own inability to explain the situation.
It is also important to clarify here that the problem is not so much the inability of physicians to treat these new diseases, but their strong will not to admit they are powerless against their patients.
I remember perfectly that appointment during which a neurologist told me clearly that she formally recognized my syndrom, but that unfortunately she couldn’t do anything for me, because the research had not yet resulted in practical solutions to alleviate my pain. She had then proposed alternatives. This appointment had been the only appointment I walked out confident.
I deeply appreciated her sincerity about her inability to treat me and her initiative to redirect me to other 'alternative' tracks , until they can actually find a solution. Her frankness, reflecting a certain dedication, was enough to soothe my tensions caused by my pain and made my "waiting" situation more bearable.
This appointment is the most relevant example of the argument that will be developed later. The criticism is not directed against the legitimate inability of physicians to explain and treat all diseases, but against their bad habit to hide their disabilities by dismissing their doubts on their patients.
This attitude which is unthinkable, yet widespread, doesn’t only serve to slow the progression of treatment of new diseases, it also helps to weaken psychologically many people, who are already suffering physically disabling ailments ; and thus, they see their life being seriously deteriorate.
It is sad to note also that it would simply suffice to improve the quality of life of these patients, by providing them basic medical support, namely a real listening and follow-up. Had it been possible to make a real confidence in the medical profession, the current situation wouldn’t be as dramatic.
Especially since, as I recall, this is a French phenomenon. I will develop the countless situations in which France has absolutely no respect yet supreme claims of the World Health Organization (WHO).
CFS
What makes me most laugh is that doctors can say they know nothing of the CFS, but are able to argue for hours that it is not a disease ... So I just want to ask them "how can you say that CFS is not a disease, as you never heard of or that you didn’t really get any kind of interest in it?" And there they usually rely on the so-called proof of the French research… Yeah… you know, the french research, those who oppose the results of all the other countries… those french research, in France, this country who is not interested in putting money in the medical field...
But never mind, they can keep underestimating the suffering of their patients, they can keep increasing the difficulty of the situation those people already have to face, everyday. Really, no matter, keep behaving arrogant, offensive and stupid. Whatever ? .. I mean after all it is only about the survival of thousand of people. Isn’t it? I don’t understand why it is so difficult for them to accept that the CFS can be a real disease ... Is their pay directly given by the antidepressants and anxiolytics’ suppliers or what?
