This is primarily a statement about anesthesiologist, Dr. Alexander Nelken, who physically hurt me,…read morethen ridiculed me before he put me under. Dr. Gary Gettenberg, the gastroenterologist who performed my procedure, was uninformative and dismissive, as well.
The non-medical staff and nurses I met for my colonoscopy were kind. Unfortunately, when a nurse installed an IV in my arm, it hurt excessively. I wept, and she expressed concern and compassion.
When the anesthesiologist, Dr. Alexander Nelken, came in to introduce himself, I noticed that he seemed pretty aloof. He had me sign the wrong document and left. A nurse brought me the correct form later. When Nelken returned, without speaking, he plopped a stack of files on my belly, and silently wheeled me into the operating room. Several men cordially introduced themselves as assistants of some kind. Shortly, I realized my IV still hurt and I informed Nelken. He removed the tape and began moving the needle around, still in my arm. I told him I was very squeamish and what he was doing hurt. He called one of the assistants over, saying: "Come look - I've never seen one like this before. See how it's..." With eyes squeezed shut, I began to cry. I could feel him still moving the needle around, seemingly twisting it. The assistant asked if I was ok and if it hurt. Nelken interjected, No!" before I could answer. "It does," I said. The assistant gave me a tissue. After about 90 seconds of this, I finally asked if it was done yet. The assistant responded, "Yeah, but now we have to insert a new one." Without warning, Nelken inserted the new needle into my wrist, instead. I cried out and he said, "Look, I made a girl cry!" Finally, the only words I remember him directing to me in that room: "You're ok." Without another word, he put me under.
Worst experience ever with a doctor. I couldn't tell if he was being a misogynist, racist, sadist, or all three, but it felt pointed. The physical pain, disrespect, dismissiveness, and derision he inflicted were unnecessary and degrading at a time when I was feeling physically weak and emotionally vulnerable.
Dr. Gary Gettenberg, who helmed the procedure, was only somewhat less dismissive in my only conversation with him afterwards. The small recovery room had a few chairs and a table with snacks. I was eating when he came in, gave me a folder, and discussed the results of my colonoscopy in front of another patient. I asked if anything came up, and he replied, "Not really." "Not really?!" I asked. He took the folder back, leafed through it, and said, "No, all clear." He chucked the folder on my lap, told me to eat some cookies, threw a package of granola bars on top of the folder, and left.
I regret having these two people perform any procedure on me. They were unprofessional and callous, and, ironically, seem to have little respect for the patients they treat. Or, at least, this one.
