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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 8, 2000, at 4:34:24
I've been reading a pretty interesting book that I'd like to recommend here. It's about the adventures of Dr. Vuckovic, an attending psychiatrist on one of the psychotic disorders units at McLean Hospital (in Belmont, Mass.). I think people who've been hospitalized, in particular, might be interested to read this book -- it helps me to see things through the eyes of the doctors. Even if you don't always agree with Vuckovic's actions, you understand why he does what he does.
Posted by Adam on January 10, 2000, at 18:46:46
In reply to book: _Under Observation_ (L. Berger, A. Vuckovic), posted by Elizabeth on January 8, 2000, at 4:34:24
In case this book winds up irritating the hell out of me (with requisite spoiler alerts) can you give an example of Vukovic's disagreeable yet understandable actions?
(Inquiring minds...having been hospitalized, etc.)
> I've been reading a pretty interesting book that I'd like to recommend here. It's about the adventures of Dr. Vuckovic, an attending psychiatrist on one of the psychotic disorders units at McLean Hospital (in Belmont, Mass.). I think people who've been hospitalized, in particular, might be interested to read this book -- it helps me to see things through the eyes of the doctors. Even if you don't always agree with Vuckovic's actions, you understand why he does what he does.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 11, 2000, at 1:46:03
In reply to Re: book: _Under Observation_ (L. Berger, A. Vuckovic), posted by Adam on January 10, 2000, at 18:46:46
> In case this book winds up irritating the hell out of me (with requisite spoiler alerts) can you give an example of Vukovic's disagreeable yet understandable actions?
I think it's more a case of attitudes than actions. He explains very well what is going on in his head when he does things. For example, I just got to a part where he had to restrain (physicaly and chemically) a patient who was attacking other people, then it turned out the patient had made an appointment to meet with his lawyer. Vuckovic did a good job of explaining to the lawyer why it was necessary to restrain the patient.
For the most part he comes off as quite reasonable. He is also very honest about his weaknesses and errors. He doesn't shy away from controversial issues such as the use of restraints or ECT.
The part I disagree with some is that he seems to stereotype the character-disordered patients. In fairness, he shows a remarkable amount of compassion for them, while still acknowledging how bloody irritating they are!
Posted by Adam on January 11, 2000, at 21:20:31
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Elizabeth on January 11, 2000, at 1:46:03
Hmmm. OK, thank you. I think I may pick this up. Dr. Bodkin in a conversation referred to
ECT as the "cat's pajamas," so I wonder if it's just controversial outside the psyche ward.
Since I got a major dose of it (eight bilateral treatments in rapid succession, along with some
major amnesia to boot), I'm interested in the clinician's attitudes about it, safety, etc.> > In case this book winds up irritating the hell out of me (with requisite spoiler alerts) can you give an example of Vukovic's disagreeable yet understandable actions?
>
> I think it's more a case of attitudes than actions. He explains very well what is going on in his head when he does things. For example, I just got to a part where he had to restrain (physicaly and chemically) a patient who was attacking other people, then it turned out the patient had made an appointment to meet with his lawyer. Vuckovic did a good job of explaining to the lawyer why it was necessary to restrain the patient.
>
> For the most part he comes off as quite reasonable. He is also very honest about his weaknesses and errors. He doesn't shy away from controversial issues such as the use of restraints or ECT.
>
> The part I disagree with some is that he seems to stereotype the character-disordered patients. In fairness, he shows a remarkable amount of compassion for them, while still acknowledging how bloody irritating they are!
Posted by Elizabeth on January 12, 2000, at 2:30:20
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Adam on January 11, 2000, at 21:20:31
> Hmmm. OK, thank you. I think I may pick this up.
I just finished it and found it really excellent.
> Dr. Bodkin in a conversation referred to
> ECT as the "cat's pajamas," so I wonder if it's just controversial outside the psyche ward.The "cat's pajamas?" Dr. B has so many odd expressions he uses! What, dare I ask, might he have meant by that?
Posted by Adam on January 12, 2000, at 18:16:13
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Elizabeth on January 12, 2000, at 2:30:20
>
> The "cat's pajamas?" Dr. B has so many odd expressions he uses! What, dare I ask, might he have meant by that?I guess it means "the best" or the "non plus ultra" or whatever.
With all due respect to Dr. B (and that is a great deal), I like selegiline better. ECT left me happier but pretty screwed-up memory-wise for about a month after I had it, after which the effect slowly diminished. I guess one can always get maintainance treatments (one/month perhaps, unilateral instead of bilateral to decrease adverse effects, probably at the cost of efficacy), but, uh, no thanks, if I can help it. Still, I would like to know in detail what a contemporary oppinion on ECT is, hence my interest in the book, among other things.
Posted by CG on January 12, 2000, at 18:44:33
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Adam on January 12, 2000, at 18:16:13
You all are showing your youth! Cat's Pajamas was an expression often used in the 1920's. (Not that I remember the 20's, but have seen movies of them.) Cat's pajams was used to describe something that was "cool" or "awesome" or whatever the current phrase for "most excellant" is these days.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 12, 2000, at 21:12:20
In reply to Cat's Pajamas, posted by CG on January 12, 2000, at 18:44:33
> You all are showing your youth! Cat's Pajamas was an expression often used in the 1920's. (Not that I remember the 20's, but have seen movies of them.) Cat's pajams was used to describe something that was "cool" or "awesome" or whatever the current phrase for "most excellant" is these days.
Dude, I so don't get it!
Posted by CG on January 12, 2000, at 23:17:59
In reply to Re: Cat's Pajamas, posted by Elizabeth on January 12, 2000, at 21:12:20
Ah ha! But you are so young, my child. Hasn't anybody heard the term "cat's pajama's" but me? If one were told they were the "cat's pajamas" it would have been a real compliment back in the late 1920's. Guess I must be "older than dirt!" LOL! Heard that phrase, Elizabeth?
Posted by CG on January 12, 2000, at 23:25:33
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Elizabeth on January 12, 2000, at 2:30:20
Elizabeth asks:
>
> The "cat's pajamas?" Dr. B has so many odd expressions he uses! What, dare I ask, might he have meant by that?
CG answers:
He was saying that he feels ECT is the best
treatment that there is. Supreme, very good, excellent, swell, neat, effective, keen, etc. By the way, the phrase "swell" was another expression used a lot in the late 1920's! LOL.
Posted by Noa on January 13, 2000, at 0:32:11
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by CG on January 12, 2000, at 23:25:33
CG, I have heard the phrase. It kind of means, "the best thing since sliced bread."
Posted by Elizabeth on January 13, 2000, at 6:56:22
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Noa on January 13, 2000, at 0:32:11
> CG, I have heard the phrase. It kind of means, "the best thing since sliced bread."
I don't get it, though. Why would cats' pajamas be so super?
Posted by Adam on January 13, 2000, at 9:00:06
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Elizabeth on January 13, 2000, at 6:56:22
I think I might put "cat's pajamas" somewhere in the leage of "YAH, dood, ECT is, like, a wickid pissah cos it, like, f**ks with yah head an' sh*t."
Literal meaning is not to be looked for if one wishes to comprehend many vernacular expressions of praise or enthusiasm.
Y'all are the bomb.
> > CG, I have heard the phrase. It kind of means, "the best thing since sliced bread."
>
> I don't get it, though. Why would cats' pajamas be so super?
Posted by Abby on January 15, 2000, at 14:02:59
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Adam on January 13, 2000, at 9:00:06
"Cat's pyjamas" is similar to "It's the bees knees".
Now why bees knees are so great I can't tell you.Abby
Posted by Adam on January 16, 2000, at 12:31:05
In reply to Re: Cat's PJ's synonym, posted by Abby on January 15, 2000, at 14:02:59
The Bees Knees:
I love it! Nice sort of consonance to it.
> "Cat's pyjamas" is similar to "It's the bees knees".
> Now why bees knees are so great I can't tell you.
>
> Abby
This is the end of the thread.
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