Meanderings of a Monkey Juggler

I'm in a really snappy mood today and I reckon it's entirely down to the patients I'm seeing today. 

Almost without exception they're whingy, whiny types who feel the world owes them everything 'cos they've got some pain.

Almost without exception they've been humourless drones with no sense of levity.  It's one of the redeeming features of even the chavviest Brit that there is humour in adversity.  Today I've had people looking like the world has ended and all because their foot aches a bit (after 2 hours standing at the tills yesterday) or their back hurts because they're stressed (and so am I now you've come to see me). Oh shut up!  I don't like the phrase "get a life" but please get a life.  These people seem to think that life is perfect and the slightest thing means the end of all that is good and holy. 

Without exception I've been short with them at best.  I must get a grip on it or I'll get disciplined if this carries on.

Have fun.

[edit]

I've just had a lovely patient but she told me a story that seriously hacks me off.  She was in a car crash and had a basic whiplash issue.  I assessed her but instead of the standard muscular problems she has a top rib problem.  A bit unusual but was probably pre-existing and hadn't given her trouble pre-RTA.  I checked all the usual suspects as well and concluded that it's definitely the top rib.  Apart from anything the thing gives her exact pain when you poke it; usually a good sign of accurate diagnosis.  So she goes to see a doctor after being asked by her solicitors.  "What? The physio thinks it's top rib?  Idiot.  It's your neck" says the doc.  So the poor patient doesn't know what to think.  One clearly says it's "this"; the other fundamentally disagrees.  I'm the one less likely to be believed 'cos I'm no doctor.  But I do know about necks and shoulders and ribs.  Luckily for me (and her) the patient believes me as I actually did an assessment of the problem rather than a terse attempt at convincing the patient that what I say is right without bothering to look properly. [growl]