The Epistemic Impact of Medical Language

Abstract

“I feel really embarrassed about this, but I have this sudden burning and pressing in the left side of my chest”, the patient Dorothy McNeil said. “You know, doctor, my daughter’s pregnant. She’s not married, just 17 years old. My husband had an accident a few years back and can’t work. He’s been sitting at home ever since. My baby boy is disabled. I have to bear the burden for all of them. I also have to take care of my parents who live with us in our apartment. You know, doctor, having to deal with all of that, without a job and without help, this chest pain just isn’t fair. And to make things worse, we’re in the process of getting evicted. Where am I supposed to go with a disabled little boy, a pregnant teenager, a husband who can’t work, elderly parents to care for, and no money? It’s no wonder I have chest pain. I can’t sleep. I’m awake all night worrying about what’s going to happen to us. This is my life. I feel lost …”