Dilemma of the day
By p1kef1sh
@p1kef1sh (45681)
August 6, 2015 3:02am CST
You're awaiting some hospital results that, if bad, are not what you want to hear at all as they may prove literally fatal. Your friend works at the hospital and has access to these results. She offers to find out ahead of time for you. You decline but when you bump into her on the bus she says that you have some good news coming. I feel that she's overstepped the mark, but maybe others would like to hear informally. But what if she's wrong? What if the end is nigh and she's led you up the wrong alley entirely?
13 people like this
14 responses
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Aug 15
Always consider the source............do you trust it? If so, take heart, if not, get out of the alley!
4 people like this
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
6 Aug 15
I think that, strictly speaking, she is in breach of professional etiquette, however, I am sure that she wouldn't mislead you. I think (and hope) that she wouldn't have said anything at all if the results had been anything less than you wanted to hear.
Incidentally, it could never be said that the results of a test, per se, could be fatal, unless they were the cause of a heart attack or something like that. They might not be what you want to hear, of course, but that is one of the essential differences between 'want' and 'need'.
Anyway, I'm pleased for you (in advance) that you can expect good news. I hope that it won't be a qualified success!
4 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
6 Aug 15
well first if that is the wrong alley, i would get out of there quick and 2nd, what if the good news is you are actually pregnant!!!
3 people like this
@rebec991 (22)
• India
6 Aug 15
I think if she is your friend then she probably wouldn't mislead you. Sometimes we are not allowed to share something with a friend but we see them stressing too much or we get too happy for them and we cant hold it in so we tell them! stay positive and hope for the best.
2 people like this
@Little_Stormy (6883)
• United States
7 Aug 15
Do they not have HIPPA laws there in England? I would have pressed her for the results from the beginning because I'm impatient like that lol! By the way... HI!
@Little_Stormy (6883)
• United States
7 Aug 15
@p1kef1sh Well, HIPPA laws are pretty much a pain in the umm... neck! It's patient privacy laws meaning that no one is allowed to discuss your health records, test results or anything pertaining to your medical needs, without written consent. Which sounds like a good thing but gets a little annoying when you just want to find out test results of a close family member or on yourself (after showing the correct identifying blah blah blah). For instance, my mother wanted me to call her dr and ask about a certain prescription she was on (she didn't call because she was just too sick to deal with people on the phone) and had I not been on her "ok" list of people who could discuss her case I would have been told to bug off. lol!
You waited under the clock for me? Shoot! I was at the malt shop waiting on you! You're late and I gained 100 pounds *holds up chocolate milkshake*
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
10 Aug 15
@Little_Stormy That's nothing. Every time that hour hand came round to '6' the blooming pigeon that perched there would let one drop onto me as it flew away in disgust. You like a grey haired man don't you?
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
6 Aug 15
I would trust my friend as she did not want you to worry any longer.
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
7 Aug 15
I think I would be a bit put out if I'd said I didn't want to know and then she told me, because good news or bad, she's disrespecting your wishes. But that's just me.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Aug 15
If she is a friend, maybe she is letting me know just because of the friendship. If the information is wrong - which means matters are complex, health wise, maybe she is trying to ease my pain (in her capacities) or maybe she is just playing the role of a friend.
My opinion - I will not write-off or judge merely depending on the severity of the issue/health complications. It also needs to be taken into account how close she thinks herself to me.
1 person likes this
@Oceanblue71 (132)
• Melbourne, Australia
7 Aug 15
I can see your point what if she is wrong. Think positive and keep your chin hope, all the best.
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
6 Aug 15
Definitely a breach of professional conduct in the UK, too. I think I'd be a little irritated (but at the same time, perhaps, grateful for the 'preview'). It would certainly change my relationship with that person somewhat, however, though I would never think of reporting her for it!
