I never should have let it happen. A few months ago my wife became critically ill and was hospitalized for an extended period of time. She received spectacular medical care and the vast majority of the people were wonderful. However, as she awakened and began to participate in her care, some of her first words described the experience as "demeaning" and "humiliating."
The most memorable episode occurred one night when a male nurse insisted on bathing her -- and kept calling her "dearie." As I stood by, he kept insisting that "this wasn't his first rodeo," and "he wouldn't see anything he hadn't seen before." Not wanting to upset the apple cart, I convinced my wife that it would easier to just "get it over with." It was indeed humiliating and demeaning. I never should have let it happen. I am a physician. I knew better, and yet I felt the power of the system and did not want any retribution for not cooperating.
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Best quote ever: "I particularly hate speaking to a physician when I am in my underwear and he is fully clothed. Either I get to put my clothes on, or he should undress while we talk." - Richard C. Senelick, M.D.
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