What a stupid language English is. You have a word that describes a condition – “being patient”; and the same word to describe a role – “being a patient”. I am one, but not the other – can you guess which? Not much else to say really except that I’m now going to describe myself as “being an impatient” which seems much more appropriate to describe both my role and condition.
… rambling and sometimes random at that
Glad you used the word “role”. Much of the discussion on Anne Marie’s blog (http://wishfulthinkinginmedicaleducation.blogspot.com/2009/10/why-i-think-i-am-patient-and-not.html) forgets the discussion. In fact it means that all the words are applicable some of the time or in some contexts. “Person” is the only word that applies at all times.
Indeed Keith, hope you found some other aspects of the blog of interest as well!
Sorry that I have just got round to reading this. Yes, in my post I tried to emphasise that the route of the word ‘patient’ is ‘to endure’. And I think that is how most of us feel about illness. Even when we think it helps us learn more about life, or whatever other positive spin one would like to put on illness, most of us would not choose to experience illness. When we have to endure it we might try to make the most of it. But being patient is likely to be a struggle!
I agree that being a patient, having to endure illness, is only ever part of our identities thank goodness.
Now my broken wrist is almost healed and I no longer feel that I am enduring it quite so much. I don’t think I will have to go back to the hand clinic. But if I did, I think I would still rather be seen as a patient, rather than a customer, consumer, or indeed, client. I guess perhaps I prefer a term which centres on me rather than a transactional sounding relationship.
It is a great blog, by the way:)