POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Positive Women => Topic started by: Cheryl J on August 12, 2008, 04:14:37 am
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Hello to all,
I've been lurking for a few days and reading a few threads that I thought would bring me out of my funk. I'm having a battle within myself regarding my privacy or lack of being in control of disclosure. I recently went for a diabetic consultation and as it turned out, she's my neighbor. I cant process my thoughts and I have a wide range of emotions that are getting the best of me. This happened a week ago and I thought i had a handle of it but then i get a phone call from my bf who says that his son has found a ride to seminary (Mormon) and guess who's picking him up???!!!My neighbor, the diabetic nurse practionioner. My heart is pounding out of my chest. I dont know how to feel. I want to crawl under a rock.
Is there a chat room to log into on this site? For once in my 21yrs of being +, I really feel like I need to talk to some one who I can relate to
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Hi Cheryl
There's not a chat room here, but the equivalent of one. There are so many time zones represented here, you wouldn't get the benefit of so many voices if there weren't threads.
Anyway, that's the answer to your easiest question.
Although you don't write it outright, you seem concerned that your neighbor who is a nurse practitioner and has knowledge of your status is going to disclose your status to your boyfriend's son. Do I have that correct? I'm assuming your boyfriend knows.
The laws which your neighbor must adhere to in terms of patient privacy put her in jeopardy of losing her job and more were she to disclose info about you. So, imagine the risk she would have to want to take in order to get some perverse joy out of telling this young man. She'd be putting a lot on the line. It is my experience thus far that medical professionals are mostly professional and pay close attention to the law. Have there been screwups, yes, but in the grand scheme, not so many. People not only like to keep their jobs, but they have stuff wrong with them that they don't want blabbed either.
If understanding and envisioning that is not enough, then perhaps you need to call her and openly share your concerns. You might benefit from directly hearing her say something like, " Cheryl, I'm glad you called so that I can explain to you that not only am I legally bound to keep all patient information confidential, but I understand why you are concerned. I will not ever discuss with your boyfriend's son that you are even a patient of ours, let alone any particulars whatsoever. Is there anything else I can say or do that would help you understand my role in guarding your medical information?"
How would being a Mormon make her any more likely to disclose? Might just be the opposite---she might put you and all of us in her prayers.
All the thought containment stuff you're experiencing, understandable. You feel vulnerable. Your body doesn't need the stress. You can calm your mind.
Em
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Cheryl,
First of all, welcome to the forums. I'm glad you found us ladies. We're really a good bunch.
I agree with Em; your neighbor is surely bound by privacy laws. She wouldn't be able to disclose your status. Your bf knows, correct? You're worried about his son finding out? I wouldn't worry. Give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt.
If you feel like it, please join us in the "ladies thread." It's where we talk about our daily lives, struggles, little victories (or big ones) and support each other. We'd love to have you!
Luv,
Betty
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Hi All,
Thanks for your insight. As you guessed, ALL of the above ran through my mind. Just to clear the air, my bf of 8yrs has been the greatest in regards to my diagnosis. His son, just recently moved in and he does NOT know and I want to keep it that way. I mentioned his religion only because of seminary.
After I realized that she was my neigbor, I did express my concerns regarding my privacy and HIPAA laws. She was understanding and acknowledged my concerns and told me she would never reveal anything to anyone . But still, I felt like I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar!.
Days have past, and I have been able to calm my mind. I'm still very concerned about my privacy. (I have issues, I know :)) I keep my family close and EVERY one else away. That way I will never have to share myself/story to anyone. Just my way of coping... from the very beginning.
I guess thats one disadvantage of living on an Island. Everyone knows someone who knows you. Gossip is a bitch.
I'm glad I stumbled across this forum. Thank you to all who have shared their lives and experiences.
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I guess thats one disadvantage of living on an Island. Everyone knows someone who knows you. Gossip is a bitch.
Hi Cheryl!
I live on an island too - the Isle of Man in the middle of the Irish Sea. Everybody knows my status, due to circumstances beyond my control when I was diagnosed as part of what they call a cluster. To be honest, it makes my life a hell of a lot easier. Nobody gives me a hard time about it. In fact, out of a cluster of eight people in total, there are three of us who don't even try to hide our status. The other ones who do try to hide it are the ones who are the subject of derisive comments. Ironic, eh? I suppose it's something to do with people having more respect for honesty than they do for secrecy.
I wasn't too happy in the beginning about the breach of privacy, but it's been a blessing in disguise. Rather than type the whole story out again, I'll just link you to the relevant entry in my blog: http://blogs.poz.com/ann/archives/2007/02/19022007_0151.html
Anyway, welcome to the forum Cheryl!
Ann