Diagnosis Negative
Originally posted on May 24, 2009
Doctor: No, Mr. Radley, there’s no indication that anything is medically wrong. We’ve checked thoroughly for a recurrence of your previous condition, and tested for almost anything else that might have caused the symptoms you describe. All test results were negative.
Radley: So you’re saying it’s all in my head?
Doctor: I’m saying only that we have ruled out certain medical conditions. You’re more than welcome to obtain a second opinion.
Radley: I could, I suppose. I’m not sure what I will do.
Doctor: Have the symptoms returned at all?
Radley: No....
Doctor: Then may I suggest to you, that what you felt may certainly have been real, but you may have mistaken it for something else, something you’ve felt before, and perhaps convinced yourself based on your experience that it was exactly the same. Isn’t that possible?
Radley: Anything is possible….
Doctor: The mind, whether the conscious or the subconscious, is a complicated thing, Mr. Radley – it can be deceived.
Radley: Ah. So you are suggesting the problem is in my head, and that the second opinion should be psychiatric in nature.
Doctor: Given your complete medical history, we would be remiss if we did not consider every possibility.
Radley: *with wry humor* I appreciate your honesty – and your tact. Is there anyone you would recommend?
Doctor: Call back after one and talk to Ms. Schmidt in the front office. She’ll know about coverage and get you the appropriate referral.
Radley: Yes, all right.
