Can doctors be trusted when asleep for anything?

Question

I have a question that I really need answered and makes me paranoid as hell.

I was in for my wisdom teeth being removed a year ago, and I was worried about since you are unaware of anything going on obviously, when your knocked out. I awoke in a room in a bed across from another bed with another male patient. I then noticed that we were monitored by two female nurses that were in there later 20s? Now this made me think of not just me but anyone going under in anything that you have to trust the doctors are uh not messed in the head. Since you are secluded while anyone could potentially do anything to you while your not awake, I just was wondering what anyone's thoughts were on this? My girl friend is going into the same surgery somewhere else with male doctors and it is making me very uneasy. I really hope they don't do anything unprofessional if you get my drift? Pictures, disrobing etc. I really can't trust men or women that have that opportunity to do things, I know it has happend.

Answer 1

Unless the doctor/dentist works without assistance, you're worrying over nothing. There is a certain level of trust you must give a physician in order for them to do their work, if you're not comfortable, thats your right, but you'll still be in pain regardless.

Answer 2

This is a very valid Q! I was sexually abused by my psychiatrist in the early '60's, and I was AWAKE!! But the very relationship of patient-doctor implies implicit TRUST!! A violation of the patient-doctor relationship HAS to be reported and noted on the physician's record of the investigation! The emotional and oft-times physical reactions to such violations are parallel to those of incest victims! I later found several other social workers who had also experienced this earlier in their lives, and we formed an informational speakers group for the Non-Violence Coalition in KCMO. Check with the professional records of physician/dentists etc.!! It's perfectly KOSHER to ask a friend into the dentist's office with you!! Dental work, for me was always so nerve-wracking, anyway!! It's important that we go ahead and get good physical care--which MUST be also good psychological care!!

Answer 3

I suppose that anyone could abuse their authority, doctors included. I don't know the regulations, but you mentioned that there were nurses and another patient around when you woke up. When a female is examined under her robe by a male doctor, another female must be present. There may be rules regarding the case of an unconcious patient as well.
Of course, it is all dependent upon the character of the doctor. If he/she is inclined to commit such acts, they may do so. But it would be at risk to their career and future. (A detterent, but nearly all criminal acts are commited with the knowledge of punishment). I personally wouldn't worry about it, because no real harm is likely to come to you.

Answer 4

Prioritize. If the surgery means enough to you then you'll trust the doctor. Or even if you don't you'll go through with it. Either that or find another hospital.

Answer 5

You're a raging anti-dentite!